I believe that we can all thrive in our golden years, if we adopt the right daily habits.

You see, women who are truly joyful in their 70s and beyond often have a specific set of routines they follow each day.

They’ve discovered the secret to maintaining their happiness isn’t found in external circumstances, but within their own actions.

And with the right habits, you too can cultivate a life of joy regardless of your age.

In this article, I’ll share with you the 9 daily practices that women who are genuinely happy in their 70s and beyond tend to adopt.

These habits are simple, but they can make a world of difference. So let’s dive in!

1) They nurture their relationships

Relationships are the cornerstone of our lives, and they become even more important as we age.

Women who are genuinely happy in their 70s and beyond understand this well.

They don’t isolate themselves; instead, they make a conscious effort to nurture their relationships – be it with family, friends, or community members.

Take a moment to think about it.

As we grow older, our social circles can sometimes shrink due to various reasons.

But these women don’t let that stop them. They reach out, connect, and engage with others regularly.

They laugh, they share, they listen.

This daily habit of nurturing their relationships doesn’t just keep them socially active; it also provides them with emotional support and a sense of belonging.

And trust me, the power of these connections cannot be underestimated.

They can greatly contribute to our happiness and overall well-being, especially in our golden years.

So, if you want to be genuinely happy in your 70s and beyond, make nurturing your relationships a daily habit.

It’s simple but incredibly effective.

2) They take time for self-care

Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

This is something I’ve learned from observing women who are authentically happy in their 70s and beyond.

One dear friend of mine, Martha, is a shining example of this.

Now in her late 70s, she is one of the most joyful people I know.

And her secret? A steadfast commitment to self-care.

Every morning, rain or shine, Martha begins her day with a gentle yoga session.

This, she says, helps her stay limber and keeps her mind calm and focused.

After that, she spends some time tending to her beautiful garden — an activity she finds incredibly therapeutic.

Martha also makes it a point to eat nutritious meals and get a good night’s sleep. “Taking care of my body helps me feel good inside and out,” she often says.

Watching Martha has taught me that taking time for self-care isn’t selfish. Instead, it’s an act of love towards oneself.

And it’s a habit that can significantly contribute to our happiness as we age.

So remember, whether it’s reading your favorite book, taking a relaxing bath, or going for a leisurely walk, make sure you’re setting aside some time each day for self-care.

After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

3) They keep learning

The mind, much like a muscle, needs to be exercised regularly to stay sharp.

And women who are genuinely happy in their 70s and beyond tend to understand this well.

These women make learning a daily habit. They:

• Read books
• Take up new hobbies
• Sign up for classes that interest them

By continuously learning, they not only keep their minds active but also fill their lives with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Interestingly, studies have shown that lifelong learning can actually delay the onset of cognitive decline and improve overall brain health.

It’s like giving your brain a workout!

So don’t stop learning just because you’re growing older.

Embrace curiosity and keep your mind active.

It’s a wonderful way to stay engaged with the world around you and to keep life exciting and fulfilling.

4) They practice gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful thing.

It helps us focus on the positive aspects of our lives, and women who are genuinely happy in their 70s and beyond have made this a daily practice.

These women take a few moments each day to reflect on what they are thankful for.

It could be anything from a good cup of coffee in the morning to a phone call with a loved one.

By consciously recognizing these moments of joy, they cultivate an attitude of gratitude that permeates their entire day.

Practicing gratitude has been shown to boost happiness, reduce stress, and even improve physical health.

It’s a simple habit, but its effects can be truly transformative.

So try practicing gratitude each day.

Make it a habit to acknowledge the good in your life and watch how it shifts your perspective and increases your overall happiness.

5) They stay physically active

 

Physical activity is crucial at any age, but it takes on a new importance as we grow older.

Women who are genuinely happy in their 70s and beyond have learned this and incorporate some form of exercise into their daily routine.

They understand that staying active goes beyond maintaining physical health. It:

• Boosts mood
• Improves sleep quality
• Promotes a general sense of well-being

These women may not be running marathons, but they find ways to move that they enjoy.

It could be a brisk walk in the park, a gentle yoga class, or even dancing around the kitchen while making dinner.

The key is consistency. It doesn’t matter what activity you choose as long as it gets you moving and you do it regularly.

So make physical activity a part of your everyday routine.

Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it.

6) They embrace the present moment

Living in the present moment can be one of the most powerful habits we can cultivate, and women who are genuinely happy in their 70s and beyond seem to know this well.

These women understand that life is made up of a series of moments, and cherishing each one makes for a fulfilling life.

They don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future.

Instead, they fully immerse themselves in the here and now.

Whether it’s savoring a meal, listening to a bird song, or feeling the warmth of the sun on their skin, these women take the time to truly experience and appreciate the present moment.

This mindful approach to life can lead to a deeper sense of contentment and happiness.

So slow down, breathe, and take in the beauty of each moment.

Life is not a race; it’s a journey to be savored.

7) They make peace with their past

No life is without regrets, mistakes, or hurts. But how we deal with these can significantly impact our happiness.

Women who are genuinely happy in their 70s and beyond have found a way to make peace with their past.

They’ve accepted that they can’t change what has happened, but they can choose how it affects their present and future.

I’ll admit, this is something I’ve struggled with personally.

There were times when I allowed my past mistakes to cast a shadow over my present moments.

But over time, I’ve learned that nurturing forgiveness towards myself and others has been key to letting go and moving forward.

Making peace with your past doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning what happened.

It’s about accepting, learning, and growing from it.

It’s about freeing yourself from the weight of past burdens and opening up to the joy of the present moment.

So if there’s something from your past that’s holding you back, consider this as a sign to start the process of making peace with it.

The journey might not be easy, but it’s worth it for the happiness it brings.

8) They cultivate a positive mindset

Our mindset can greatly influence our outlook on life.

Women who are genuinely happy in their 70s and beyond often cultivate a positive mindset as part of their daily habits.

These women choose to focus on the positive side of things, even when faced with challenges.

They look for the silver lining, the lesson to be learned, or the opportunity for growth.

They believe in their ability to handle whatever life throws at them.

Cultivating a positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring reality or denying difficulties.

It’s about choosing an optimistic perspective that empowers rather than discourages.

This habit takes practice and intention, but its impact on our happiness is profound.

So start today. Choose positivity, embrace optimism, and see how it transforms your life experience.

9) They understand that happiness is an inside job

At the end of the day, the most important habit that women who are genuinely happy in their 70s and beyond adopt is the understanding that happiness is an inside job.

These women know that happiness isn’t something that comes from external circumstances or material possessions.

Instead, it’s a state of being that is cultivated from within.

They understand that they have the power to choose happiness, regardless of what’s happening around them.

And they make that choice every single day.

This understanding is liberating. It puts you in control of your own happiness.

So remember, no matter what life throws at you, happiness is always a choice, and it starts from within.

Final thoughts: The art of aging gracefully

The journey of life is a beautiful dance of ups and downs, trials and triumphs.

And as we move into our golden years, these experiences cultivate wisdom and perspective.

For women who are genuinely happy in their 70s and beyond, this wisdom translates into their daily habits.

They understand that the essence of a fulfilling life lies in nurturing relationships, continuous learning, presence of mind, and above all, inner happiness.

Here’s to embracing the art of aging gracefully, one day at a time.