7 quirky habits of people who are genuinely happy in their retirement years

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | January 23, 2025, 8:13 pm

There’s a clear distinction between being just retired and actually relishing your golden years.

The difference lies in habits. Some people merely age, while others truly enjoy their retirement, embracing every moment with a unique quirkiness that leads to genuine happiness.

Being genuinely happy in retirement isn’t about having a huge pension or living in exotic locations. It’s the small, quirky habits that make the difference. The happiest retirees I know have some peculiar ways of doing things.

In this article, we’ll explore 7 quirky habits of people who are authentically content in their retirement years. Let’s dive into the fun side of growing older!

1) Embracing the slow lane

A significant change comes when people retire, switching from the fast-paced hustle of work life to a leisurely life rhythm.

And here’s the thing. The happiest retirees embrace this pace wholeheartedly.

Consider it as the ‘slow lane’ lifestyle. It’s not about always lounging around or becoming inactive. Instead, it’s about savoring moments, taking time to appreciate simple pleasures – a sunrise, a good book, a leisurely walk.

They’ve understood that retirement is not a race, but a journey to be enjoyed at their own pace. They take their time in everything they do, whether it’s traveling, gardening, or simply having their morning coffee.

This quirky habit of embracing the slow lane is their secret sauce to genuine happiness in retirement years. So take a breather, slow down, and relish every moment.

After all, isn’t that what retirement should be all about?

2) Pursuing a passion project

Now, this is a habit that I’ve personally seen in action. My Uncle Joe is the poster child of happy retirees, and it’s all because of his passion for model trains.

When he retired, he didn’t just sit back and watch TV all day. Instead, he turned his spare bedroom into a model train paradise. He has spent hours meticulously crafting and creating an amazing miniature world.

You may think this sounds trivial or childish, but to Uncle Joe, it’s his labor of love. He’s not just playing with trains; he’s learning about architecture, electrical systems, and even a bit of landscape design.

This quirky habit of diving headlong into a passion project has given him something to look forward to each day, keeping his mind active and his heart filled with joy.

It’s not necessarily about the project itself but the sense of purpose it provides. So, find your ‘model train’- it might just be the key to your happiness in retirement.

3) Practicing mindfulness

One habit I’ve observed in retirees who radiate genuine happiness is their commitment to mindfulness.

Being mindful is more than just a buzzword; it’s a lifestyle that involves being fully present and engaged in the moment, paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

And no, you don’t have to meditate for hours or chant mantras to practice mindfulness (unless, of course, you want to). It’s often as simple as taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of a sunset or the taste of your morning coffee.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I delve deeper into how you can cultivate mindfulness in your everyday life. It’s not about drastic changes but rather small shifts in perspective and habits that can make a world of difference.

For retirees, practicing mindfulness is an enriching routine that helps them savor their golden years, reducing stress and enhancing overall wellbeing. Trust me, this quirky habit is indeed a game-changer!

4) Staying physically active

It’s no secret that physical activity is beneficial for people of all ages, but it holds special importance during retirement.

A regular exercise routine not only keeps the body healthy but also works wonders for the mind. It can be as simple as a daily walk in the park or a few laps in the community pool.

There was a time when a severe knee injury had me sidelined, and I was unable to do much physical activity. The lack of movement took a toll on my mood and overall wellbeing. But once I recovered and got moving again, the difference was like night and day.

Staying physically active is a habit that happy retirees have incorporated into their daily routine. It’s not about rigorous workouts or setting new records; it’s about moving your body in a way that feels good and keeps you healthy.

So, get up, lace up those shoes, and start moving!

5) Indulging in ‘me’ time

This might sound counter-intuitive – after all, retirement is all about ‘me’ time, right? But here’s the twist.

Happy retirees don’t just passively go through their day; they consciously carve out and indulge in quality ‘me’ time.

Most people think that retirement is all about socializing, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. While these are indeed essential, setting aside some time for oneself is equally vital.

Whether it’s enjoying a quiet afternoon reading, pursuing a hobby, or simply sitting still and watching the world go by, this dedicated ‘me’ time allows them to reflect, relax, and recharge.

So the next time you find yourself with a packed schedule of social events or family gatherings, remember to pencil in some ‘me’ time. It’s not selfish – it’s self-care!

6) Embracing lifelong learning

Here’s something that happy retirees have in common: they never stop learning.

Retirement doesn’t mean the end of growth and development. On the contrary, it’s an opportunity to explore new interests, learn new skills, and broaden one’s horizons.

Whether it’s picking up a new language, taking a cooking class, or even going back to school, happy retirees see every day as a chance to learn something new.

This habit of lifelong learning keeps their minds sharp, their days filled with excitement and their lives rich with new experiences.

So go ahead, embrace the joy of learning. After all, it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks!

7) Cultivating gratitude

If there’s one thing you should know about happy retirees, it’s this: they are deeply grateful.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying ‘thank you.’ It’s a mindset, a way of viewing the world. It’s about appreciating the big and small things in life, the victories and even the challenges.

Happy retirees have made a habit of acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of their life, whether it’s good health, loving relationships, or simply the joy of a sunny day.

This practice of cultivating gratitude is powerful. It brings joy, contentment and, most importantly, genuine happiness in their retirement years.

Final thoughts: It’s a way of life

It’s clear that achieving genuine happiness in retirement isn’t a matter of chance. It’s a lifestyle, carefully crafted with quirky habits and mindful choices.

The happiest retirees don’t just age; they flourish in their golden years, embracing each day with an open heart and a curious mind.

They understand that retirement is not a period of stagnation but an exciting phase of life filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and contentment.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I discuss how mindfulness can be a gateway to this enriching lifestyle. It’s not about making drastic changes but about small shifts in perspective that can make your retirement years truly golden.

Whether it’s slowing down to savor the moment, pursuing a passion project, staying active, or cultivating gratitude, these habits are more than just quirks. They’re the building blocks of a fulfilling retirement.

As you reflect upon these habits, remember: Retirement is not an end but a beginning – the start of a journey marked by joy, contentment, and genuine happiness. Enjoy the ride!