I remember  when I was in my 20’s, I used to think that growing old meant losing your spark, your zest for life.

Fast forward 20 years later, I realize that growing older is about becoming more of who you genuinely are, shedding societal expectations and embracing authenticity.

In fact, some of the most genuine people I know are those who’ve lived longer, who’ve accumulated wisdom through the years.

They have a certain kind of freedom in being themselves that’s truly enviable.

Ever wondered why this is so? Well, it’s because they’ve adopted specific habits that enhance their authenticity.

But what are these habits? And more importantly, how can we adopt them too?

If you’re curious to find out, stay tuned.

This could be your roadmap to living a life that’s true to who you really are, no matter what stage of life you’re in.

1) They embrace self-reflection

One major habit that I’ve observed in people who grow more authentic with age is their ability to engage in self-reflection.

As these individuals get older, they start questioning why they do what they do.

They’re not afraid to look at themselves in the mirror, metaphorically speaking, and ask the tough questions.

This practice of self-reflection allows them to understand their values, their passions, what makes them tick. 

And once they’ve figured this out, they can align their life with these findings, leading to a life lived authentically.

2) They value genuine connections

Take my grandfather, for example. As he’s aged, he’s become less interested in maintaining superficial relationships.

Instead, he invests his time and energy into relationships that are meaningful and true.

He once told me, “It’s not about how many friends you have, it’s about the quality of those friendships.”

For him, this isn’t just about emotional satisfaction. It’s also about being true to himself.

By prioritizing genuine connections, he’s able to fully express himself without fear of judgment.

3) They cease to apologize for their essence

This is a big one.

I know, it sounds simple, but think about it.

How often do we apologize for our preferences, our quirks, our passions that don’t align with what’s considered ‘normal’?

These individuals, they’ve learned to let go of the need for external validation.

They understand that their worth isn’t defined by how well they fit into societal molds.

They don’t adjust themselves to meet others’ expectations, they adjust their surroundings to who they are.

4) They embrace change

Change can be scary. It’s often easier to stick with what we know, even if it means hiding parts of ourselves.

But those who are truly authentic, they understand that change is inevitable.

More than that, they see it as an opportunity for growth, a chance to evolve into a more genuine version of themselves.

Rather than resisting change, they flow with it, adapt to it, learn from it.

This acceptance of change allows them to continuously align themselves with their truth. 

Embracing change isn’t always easy, but as these individuals show us, it’s definitely worth it.

5) They practice mindfulness

Living in a fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle, losing touch with our true selves. 

Mindfulness, the practice of being present, helps us reconnect with our essence.

Interestingly, a Harvard study found that mindfulness can literally change the structure of our brain, improving areas associated with self-awareness and compassion.

People who’ve grown more authentic over time often use mindfulness as a tool to stay connected to their core.

By being present, they’re able to make decisions that align with their authentic self.

6) They extend kindness to themselves

In a world where we’re often our own harshest critics, these individuals have learned the importance of self-compassion.

They understand that everyone, including themselves, is a work in progress.

When they stumble or fall, they don’t beat themselves up.

Instead, they offer themselves the same understanding and patience they’d extend to a loved one.

This kindness towards themselves allows them to embrace their imperfections and live authentically.

It gives them the courage to be true to themselves, knowing they won’t self-punish for any perceived shortcomings.

7) They live according to their values

This is perhaps the cornerstone of authenticity: living in alignment with your values.

People who become more authentic as they age have a clear understanding of what matters most to them.

They’ve identified their core values and they let these principles guide their actions.

Whether it’s honesty, courage, kindness, or any other value, they ensure that their choices reflect these beliefs.

They’re not swayed by external pressures or passing trends.

Living according to one’s values brings a sense of peace and fulfillment that’s hard to match. 

The takeaway

If you see yourself in these habits, it’s likely you’re on your way to becoming a more authentic version of yourself.

Authenticity isn’t about perfection, it’s about being honest and true to who you are.

Start by recognizing the habits you already have and the ones you might want to cultivate.

Reflect on your values, nurture genuine connections, and be mindful of your actions.

Extend kindness to yourself and remember that it’s okay to change.

This journey towards authenticity is a personal one, and it’s okay if it takes time.

It’s not a race, but a continuous process of growth and self-discovery.

So take the first step.

Embrace who you are and start living according to your values.

And with time, you’ll find yourself becoming more and more authentic.

After all, growing older isn’t about losing oneself. It’s about discovering your true self and living a life that’s in harmony with it.

You have the power to make that happen.