Growing older doesn’t have to mean slowing down. In fact, many people find a deep sense of fulfillment in their 70s and beyond.

This sense of fulfillment doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s often the result of specific behaviors that these individuals have cultivated throughout their lives.

I’ve spent a lot of time observing and talking to people who exude this kind of joy and contentment in their later years. I’ve found that they usually display nine unique behaviors that set them apart.

So, if you’re curious about what it takes to feel truly fulfilled as you age, read on to learn about these nine unique behaviors that can make all the difference.

1) Lifelong learners

Embracing the power of learning isn’t just for the young. It’s a trait that often characterizes people who feel fulfilled in their 70s and beyond.

These individuals understand that growth and development don’t have an expiry date.

They’re not afraid to pick up a new hobby, learn a new skill, or simply dive into a fascinating book. They remain curious and open-minded, always seeking to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world.

It’s not necessarily about achieving mastery or gaining recognition. Instead, it’s about the joy and satisfaction that comes from learning something new.

Their enthusiasm for learning keeps their mind sharp, enriches their lives, and contributes to their sense of fulfillment.

So if you want to enjoy a fulfilling life in your later years, remember that it’s never too late to learn something new.

2) Embracing Change

I’ve noticed that those who are truly fulfilled in their 70s and beyond have a unique relationship with change. They don’t resist it; they embrace it.

My grandmother, well into her 80s, is a perfect illustration of this. When smartphones became the norm, instead of shying away from this new technology, she asked me to teach her how to use one.

She was curious, eager to learn, and most importantly, open to change. Instead of seeing it as a challenge or an inconvenience, she saw it as an opportunity – a new way to connect with her grandchildren.

It wasn’t easy for her, and she made many mistakes along the way. But she persisted and now she loves sharing pictures, sending messages, and even making video calls!

Embracing change, like my grandmother does, allows you to stay relevant and connected. It keeps life exciting and new which contributes greatly to feeling fulfilled in your later years.

3) Staying Active

People who feel fulfilled in their 70s and beyond often have one thing in common – they stay active. This doesn’t necessarily mean running marathons or hitting the gym every day. It’s about regular physical activity that suits their lifestyle and abilities.

Research shows that seniors who engage in as little as 15 minutes of physical activity per day can increase their lifespan by three years. Physical activity doesn’t just benefit the body; it also has a tremendous impact on mental health, helping to keep the brain sharp and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

So whether it’s taking a walk around the block, gardening, or practicing yoga, staying active is a behavior that contributes significantly to fulfillment in later life.

4) Cultivating Gratitude

People who are truly fulfilled in their 70s and beyond often have a strong sense of gratitude. They take the time to appreciate the good in their lives, whether it’s the beauty of a sunrise, the taste of a home-cooked meal, or the joy of spending time with loved ones.

This doesn’t mean they ignore life’s challenges or hardships. Instead, they acknowledge these difficulties but choose to focus on the positive aspects of their lives.

Practicing gratitude regularly has been linked to increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved physical health. It’s a simple behavior but one that can have a profound impact on overall fulfillment.

Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine, whether through keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for, can greatly enhance your sense of fulfillment as you age.

5) Staying Socially Connected

Social connection is a key component of a fulfilling life, especially in our later years. Those who are truly fulfilled in their 70s and beyond often maintain strong social ties. They invest time and energy in building relationships with family, friends, and community members.

Being socially connected doesn’t necessarily mean having a large number of friends or a packed social calendar. It’s about having meaningful interactions and relationships that provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for shared experiences.

Whether it’s participating in community activities, maintaining regular contact with loved ones, or even bonding with a pet, staying socially connected can significantly contribute to a sense of fulfillment. It helps combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among older adults, and promotes overall well-being.

6) Practicing Forgiveness

People who are deeply fulfilled in their 70s and beyond often practice forgiveness. They understand that holding onto grudges and resentment only hurts them, not the person who may have wronged them.

These individuals choose to release these negative feelings. They understand that everyone makes mistakes, including themselves, and they choose to focus on healing and moving forward instead of dwelling on past hurts.

This act of forgiveness isn’t just about others. It’s also about forgiving oneself for past mistakes or perceived failures. It’s a gentle acceptance of our human imperfections.

Practicing forgiveness can be an emotionally freeing experience. It helps to relieve the heavy burden of negative emotions and allows for personal growth and peace.

This deep inner peace often contributes significantly to a fulfilling life in the later years.

7) Expressing Creativity

There’s a misconception that creativity is reserved for artists, musicians, or writers. But the truth is, we all have a creative side waiting to be explored.

For instance, I’ve found a sense of joy and fulfillment in gardening. It may not be a traditional art form, but it’s my personal creative outlet. Whether it’s designing the layout of the garden, choosing which plants to grow, or figuring out how to tackle a pest problem, every step involves a level of creativity.

People who are fulfilled in their 70s and beyond often find their own unique ways to express creativity. It might be through cooking, knitting, photography, or even bird watching. The medium doesn’t matter, it’s the process of creating that brings joy and fulfillment.

Expressing creativity helps keep the mind active and can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. So find something you love doing and let your creativity flow!

8) Maintaining a Sense of Purpose

A sense of purpose is not just for the young or middle-aged. Those who are truly fulfilled in their 70s and beyond often have a clear sense of purpose that guides them.

This purpose can come in many forms. For some, it’s volunteering their time to a cause they’re passionate about. For others, it’s pursuing a lifelong interest or hobby, or spending time with family and friends.

Having a sense of purpose can provide motivation and direction. It can make life more meaningful and satisfying, especially during times of change or uncertainty.

So if you want to feel truly fulfilled as you age, consider what gives your life purpose and find ways to incorporate it into your everyday routine.

9) Embracing Self-Acceptance

The most important behavior I’ve observed in people who are truly fulfilled in their 70s and beyond is self-acceptance. They have embraced their strengths and weaknesses, their successes and failures, their joys and sorrows.

These individuals have learned to accept themselves as they are, without harsh judgement or criticism. They understand that they are a unique blend of experiences, skills, and traits that make them who they are.

This acceptance doesn’t mean complacency. It means acknowledging oneself fully and using that knowledge as a foundation for growth and fulfillment.

Practicing self-acceptance can be a liberating experience. It can lead to greater self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction. It’s the cornerstone of a truly fulfilling life, at any age.