Staying happy into your 70s isn’t a matter of chance, it’s all about adopting the right habits.

Sure, genetics and circumstance play a part, but those folks who are still grinning and loving life as they enter their eighth decade? They’ve got a secret. Well, eight secrets actually.

And these aren’t just any secrets. These are life-changing habits that can shift your perspective, adjust your attitude, and keep you smiling well into your golden years.

Curious to know what they are? Stick around, as I share the 8 habits that many happy 70-somethings have in common. Let’s see if you can add a few to your daily routine, shall we?

1) Embrace positivity

It’s no secret that our mindset plays a massive role in how we experience life.

Those who stay happy into their 70s have mastered the art of positive thinking. But don’t confuse this with blindly ignoring life’s less pleasant situations.

Instead, it’s about taking a more hopeful and optimistic view of your experiences and future. It’s about focusing on the good in each situation, acknowledging the bad, and choosing to focus on the former.

Take any situation in your life. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong or how it could be better, focus on what went right.

What did you learn? What can you appreciate about it? How can you grow from it?

This positive outlook reduces stress, improves health, and increases happiness. And it’s a habit you can start forming today.

Remember, positivity breeds positivity. So why not start now?

2) Practice gratitude daily

Another habit I’ve noticed in those who maintain their happiness into their 70s is the practice of daily gratitude.

Let me share a personal story. My grandmother, well into her 80s, starts each day by listing out loud three things she’s grateful for. It could be anything from the warmth of the sun on her face to the joy of having her family around.

I started incorporating this into my own routine. Every morning, before I even get out of bed, I think about three things I’m grateful for. It’s amazing how this simple act shifts my perspective and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Practicing gratitude helps to shift your focus from what’s wrong in your life to appreciating what’s right. And trust me, even on the bad days, there’s always something to be grateful for.

3) Stay physically active

Physical activity isn’t just about maintaining a healthy body, it’s also crucial for mental well-being.

Regular exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters. It improves memory, enhances sleep quality, and helps manage stress. But here’s something you might not know: according to a study by the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, older adults who engage in regular physical activity are more likely to remain happy and satisfied with their lives.

That doesn’t mean you need to be running marathons or lifting heavy weights. Even a daily walk around the block, gardening or dancing in your living room can have a significant impact. The key is to make it a habit and choose activities that you enjoy.

4) Nurture social connections

Human beings are social creatures. We thrive on connection, conversation, and companionship.

Those who remain happy into their 70s prioritize their relationships and stay socially active. They understand the value of a good laugh with a friend, the comfort of a deep conversation with a loved one, and the joy of sharing experiences with others.

It could be as simple as calling a friend for a chat, joining a local club or group, volunteering, or even just striking up a conversation with a neighbor.

Remember, it’s not about the quantity of social interactions, but the quality. Genuine connections feed our soul and contribute to our overall happiness. So reach out, engage, and nurture those relationships.

5) Keep learning and stay curious

There’s something truly beautiful about a mind that never stops learning, isn’t there?

Those who find happiness in their 70s have a common trait – they remain curious and engaged with the world. They keep their minds sharp by learning new things, whether it’s a new skill, a new language, or simply reading about a topic that interests them.

This constant learning is not only good for cognitive health, but it also adds a sense of purpose and excitement to life. Imagine waking up each day, eager to discover something new, to broaden your horizons, to grow.

Never underestimate the power of a curious mind. It’s never too late to learn something new. That’s one of the secrets to maintaining happiness into your 70s and beyond. So go ahead, pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, sign up for that course, or start that hobby you’ve always been interested in. Your future happier self will thank you.

6) Practice mindfulness

Life can be chaotic. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise and lose sight of the present moment.

Mindfulness is a habit I’ve found to be incredibly grounding. It’s about being completely in tune with the present moment, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.

I remember a particular day when everything seemed to go wrong. I was overwhelmed, stressed, and teetering on the brink of a panic attack. But then I paused, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. I focused on the sensation of air filling my lungs and slowly leaving my body. I tuned into the sounds around me – the distant hum of traffic, the soft rustling of leaves outside my window.

In that moment, everything else fell away. My stress didn’t disappear completely, but it became more manageable. I felt more grounded and less consumed by my worries.

Mindfulness doesn’t erase life’s challenges, but it can help you handle them with more grace and less stress. And who wouldn’t want that?

7) Cultivate resilience

Life is full of ups and downs, and those who stay happy into their 70s have learned how to bounce back from adversity.

Resilience is the ability to recover from difficulties, to adapt and grow in the face of challenges. It’s about developing a kind of mental and emotional fortitude that allows you to navigate life’s storms and come out stronger on the other side.

Resilience isn’t something you’re born with – it’s a skill that can be cultivated. It involves practicing self-care, maintaining a positive outlook, staying connected with loved ones, and seeking help when needed.

So, the next time life throws a curveball your way, remember: it’s not about avoiding the hardships, but learning how to weather them. That’s how you cultivate resilience, and ultimately, happiness that lasts into your 70s and beyond.

8) Live authentically

At the heart of long-lasting happiness, you’ll find authenticity.

Those who are happiest in their 70s are those who live life on their own terms. They embrace who they are, celebrate their uniqueness, and aren’t afraid to express it. They understand that life is too short to be anything but themselves.

Living authentically means being true to yourself, honoring your values, and pursuing your passions. It’s about accepting yourself, flaws and all, and knowing that you are enough just as you are.

Authenticity brings a sense of freedom, contentment, and fulfillment that’s hard to put into words. And it’s a crucial element in maintaining happiness into your 70s and beyond. So embrace your true self, live your truth, and watch how your happiness unfolds.

Final reflections: Happiness is a journey

The quest for long-lasting happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. It’s about the choices we make, the habits we cultivate, and the attitudes we adopt.

A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology discovered that as people age, they tend to experience more positive emotions, suggesting that happiness can indeed increase with age.

The vibrant 70-somethings who inspire us with their joy and zest for life have something to teach us all. They remind us that happiness is within our reach, at any age, if we’re willing to embrace certain habits and perspectives.

Whether it’s choosing positivity, practicing gratitude, maintaining physical activity, nurturing our relationships, staying curious, practicing mindfulness, building resilience, or living authentically – each habit contributes to our overall well-being and happiness in its unique way.

Life is full of possibilities. And it’s never too late to cultivate habits that can lead us towards a happier life. As we reflect on these insights from those who have journeyed before us, let’s remember that happiness isn’t a destination but a way of life. Our golden years can indeed be our happiest if we make the right choices today.

So here’s to a lifetime of happiness!