If you’ve ever met someone in their 70s or beyond who radiates joy and contentment, you may have wondered what their secret is.

Being truly happy at this stage of life often involves a unique set of behaviors.

These individuals may have a zest for life that seems unquenchable, a sense of peace that’s enviable, or a knack for finding joy in the simplest things. They might be more resilient in the face of adversity, or even seem to defy the typical stereotypes about aging.

Achieving this level of happiness isn’t a matter of luck or genetic predisposition. It’s not something that just happens to some people and not to others.

Rather, it’s often the result of distinct habits and attitudes. And the good news is, these behaviors can be learned.

In this article, we’ll explore these 8 unique behaviors that are commonly seen among those who are truly happy in their 70s and beyond.

Understanding these habits could open up new possibilities for your own journey into later life.

1) Embracing change

The first unique behavior displayed by those who are truly happy in their 70s and beyond is an open-minded acceptance and embrace of change.

Rather than resisting or fearing the unknown, they welcome it as an opportunity for growth and new experiences. For instance, they might be excited about trying a new hobby, exploring a new place, or meeting new people.

This doesn’t mean they’re never anxious or worried about the future. But instead of letting those feelings dominate, they choose to focus on the potential positive outcomes.

This positive mindset allows them to live in the present and enjoy each day as it comes.

Embracing change in this way requires courage and resilience, but it can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. It’s a key ingredient in the recipe for lasting happiness. And the good news is, it’s a skill that can be cultivated at any age.

Change is inevitable, but how we respond to it is up to us. Those who are truly happy in their later years understand this and use it to their advantage.

2) Prioritizing solitude

While it’s common to equate happiness with a bustling social calendar, those truly content in their 70s and beyond often value their alone time.

Solitude isn’t about feeling lonely or isolated. It’s about engaging in self-reflection, enjoying one’s own company, and taking time to rest and recharge.

These individuals might spend this time immersed in a beloved hobby, meditating, or simply watching the world go by from their favorite chair. This solo time is essential in maintaining their sense of self and inner peace.

It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean they shun social connections. Quite the contrary, they treasure meaningful relationships. But they also understand the value of balance between socializing and spending time alone.

This balance allows them to nurture their relationships with others without losing touch with themselves.

3) Practicing gratitude

People who are truly happy in their 70s and beyond often have a daily practice of gratitude.

They take time each day to reflect on and appreciate the good in their life, from the big things like a loving family to the small things like a warm cup of coffee.

This simple act has a powerful impact. It shifts focus away from what’s wrong or lacking, and towards what’s good and abundant. This shift in focus creates a positive feedback loop that enhances feelings of joy and contentment.

Moreover, regularly focusing on gratitude can actually rewire the brain over time, causing it to more easily and frequently lean toward positive thoughts.

So, even on tough days, these individuals are better equipped to find rays of happiness amidst the clouds.

4) Offering help to others

Those who radiate happiness in their later years often can be found helping others.

Whether it’s their family, friends, or the community, they understand the profound joy that comes from giving.

It might be as simple as lending an ear to a friend in need, volunteering at a local charity, or just being there for their grandchildren. These acts of kindness not only bring immediate joy but also foster deeper connections and a sense of purpose.

Their willingness to lend a hand isn’t about seeking recognition or rewards.

Instead, it’s about the genuine satisfaction they gain from making a difference in someone else’s life. This selfless attitude contributes greatly to their overall happiness and fulfillment.

5) Finding joy in the ordinary

Something notable about people who are truly happy in their 70s and beyond is their ability to find joy in the seemingly ordinary.

They might take delight in a beautiful sunrise, the taste of a perfectly ripe fruit, or the sound of birds chirping in the morning. They find happiness in these everyday occurrences that many of us might overlook.

This isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges or difficulties. Instead, it’s about acknowledging that life is a mix of ups and downs, and choosing to seek out and appreciate those small moments of joy that each day holds.

This approach makes happiness an accessible part of their daily life, rather than something reserved for special occasions or major life events.

It’s a reminder for all of us that joy can be found in the simplest things, if we only take the time to look.

6) Keeping an active lifestyle

There’s a woman I know in her late 70s who absolutely embodies happiness. One of her secrets? She stays active.

Every morning, rain or shine, she goes for a walk in the park. She says it keeps her fit, but it’s also her time to connect with nature and clear her mind. On weekends, she loves to dance.

She may not move as fast as she used to, but the joy she gets from it is unmistakable.

She firmly believes that keeping her body active has helped keep her mind sharp and her spirit young.

And it’s not just about physical fitness. It’s about engaging with life, staying curious, and continuing to explore the world around her.

Her belief aligns with those truly happy in their 70s and beyond – a commitment to an active lifestyle can contribute greatly to overall happiness and well-being.

7) Letting go of grudges

Here’s a hard truth: Holding on to grudges and past hurts only poisons your own well-being. Those who are truly happy in their 70s and beyond have learned this lesson well.

They understand that forgiveness isn’t about letting someone off the hook for their actions, but about freeing themselves from the burden of carrying around anger and resentment.

They’ve experienced enough of life to know that people make mistakes, sometimes big ones. But they choose to let go, not because the person necessarily deserves it, but because they deserve peace.

Of course, forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or allowing harmful behaviors to continue.

But it does mean releasing the heavy weight of past wrongs and moving forward with a lighter heart. This ability to let go of grudges is a key behavior that contributes to their happiness and inner peace.

8) Cultivating a positive mindset

Above all, those who are truly happy in their 70s and beyond have mastered the art of maintaining a positive mindset.

Life throws curveballs at everyone, regardless of age. However, these individuals choose to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as insurmountable obstacles.

They focus on the good, even when things are tough.

They practice gratitude, they forgive, they help others, and they find joy in the mundane. They understand that happiness is not a destination but a journey and that their attitude greatly influences their experience of that journey.

Remember, no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to cultivate a positive mindset. This is perhaps the most powerful habit of all for those seeking true happiness in their 70s and beyond.

Final thoughts

To be truly happy in your 70s and beyond is to understand what brings you joy and peace—and this is deeply personal.

This article has aimed to shed light on the behaviors that can foster such happiness, but ultimately, the choice to embrace these behaviors is yours.

Time spent cultivating a positive mindset, embracing solitude, and finding joy in the ordinary is never time wasted.

And to be truly happy means to have the courage to define your own path, not letting societal norms or expectations dictate your journey.

Here’s to living a life filled with happiness and contentment, no matter your age!