Happiness is not a destination, but a journey that can get even better as we age. Some women, as they grow older, seem to become happier and more content.

The secret lies not in chasing happiness, but in certain behaviors these women exhibit, often without even realizing it.

These behaviors aren’t complex or difficult to adopt. They’re simple, everyday attitudes and actions that contribute to a happier and more fulfilling life.

In this article, we’re going to explore these 9 behaviors that women who become happier as they get older usually display. And you might be surprised to find how many you’re already doing!

1) Embracing change

Change is the only constant in life, and women who become happier as they age understand this.

They don’t resist change or fear it. Instead, they embrace it. They see every change as an opportunity, a new adventure.

It’s not always easy. Change can be scary and challenging. But these women don’t let fear stop them. They understand that growth happens outside of their comfort zone.

So, they welcome every shift in their life, whether it’s a change in their career, relationship or even personal beliefs.

This positive attitude towards change doesn’t just help them adapt to new situations but also brings a sense of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come.

And it’s this ability to embrace change that contributes to their increasing happiness as they get older. Yet, most of them do this without even realizing it.

2) Practicing gratitude

I’ve noticed another common trait among women who become happier as they age: they practice gratitude.

My Aunt Lilly, in her late 60s, has the brightest and most infectious smile. She was always cheerful, but I’ve noticed she’s become even more joyful as she’s grown older.

Once, I asked her about her secret to happiness. She smiled and said, “I count my blessings, dear.”

Every morning, she takes a few minutes to reflect on the things she’s grateful for. It could be something as simple as a warm cup of tea or a phone call with an old friend.

This simple act of acknowledging the good things in her life helps her maintain a positive outlook, no matter what comes her way.

The beauty is, Aunt Lilly doesn’t even realize that this daily habit of hers is a form of practicing gratitude. She just sees it as a part of her routine. But it’s this attitude of appreciation that makes her happier as she ages.

It’s a lesson I’ve taken to heart and try to practice every day now. Because gratitude isn’t just about acknowledging the good things; it’s also recognizing and embracing the happiness they bring.

3) Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Women who seem to get happier as they age often prioritize their health. They understand that a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind.

These women incorporate regular exercise into their routines, whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, yoga, or even dancing around the kitchen while cooking. They also pay attention to their diet, consuming foods that nourish their body.

Interestingly, a study found that physical activity has a positive impact on mental health and overall happiness. And this is true not only for high-intensity exercises but also for low-intensity activities like walking or gardening.

These women may not be aware of this research, but their commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle naturally contributes to their increasing happiness as they grow older.

They’re not chasing any fitness goals or trying to fit into societal beauty standards. They exercise and eat right because it makes them feel good. And feeling good directly contributes to their happiness.

4) Engaging in lifelong learning

Another behavior commonly found in women who become happier as they age is a dedication to lifelong learning. They understand that personal growth doesn’t stop at any age.

These women consistently seek new experiences, skills, and knowledge. They could be learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument, diving into a new book, or even attending a class on a subject they’re interested in.

This commitment to continuous learning keeps their minds active and engaged, providing them with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It gives them something to look forward to and offers endless opportunities for personal development.

Moreover, it’s not about earning degrees or adding credentials to their resume. They learn for the joy of learning and the thrill of expanding their horizons. This curiosity-driven approach to life keeps them vibrant and contributes to their increasing happiness as they get older.

5) Cultivating strong relationships

Strong relationships form the backbone of happiness for many women as they get older. They understand the importance of maintaining connections with their family, friends, and community.

These women are not just present in relationships but are actively involved. They invest time and energy in nurturing these bonds, whether it’s through deep conversations, shared experiences, or expressions of love and appreciation.

Even when conflicts arise, they manage them with grace and empathy, understanding that disagreements are a part of any relationship.

They also understand the importance of social interaction and community involvement. They participate in social activities, volunteer work, or community events. This sense of belonging and contribution to their community adds a layer of fulfillment to their lives.

These women often don’t recognize the impact of these strong relationships on their happiness. Yet, their commitment to cultivating and maintaining these bonds plays a significant role in their growing happiness as they age.

6) Forgiving and letting go

Forgiveness is a powerful trait that many women who grow happier with age have mastered. They understand that holding onto grudges or past hurts only weighs them down.

They choose to forgive, not because the other person deserves it, but because they deserve peace. They know that forgiveness is more about healing their own heart than absolving the other person.

They also understand that forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing the harm done. It’s about releasing the burden of resentment and making peace with the past.

This act of forgiving and letting go frees them from negative emotions and allows them to focus on the present and the future. It brings a sense of liberation, lightness, and inner peace.

Most importantly, forgiveness opens their hearts to love, compassion, and happiness. Many of these women may not realize how their ability to forgive contributes to their growing happiness as they age. But this act of self-love significantly impacts their emotional wellbeing.

7) Pursuing passions

Something I’ve noticed about women who grow happier as they age is that they make time for things they are passionate about. They understand the value of doing what they love, even amidst their busy lives.

For instance, my mother, after retiring from her teaching career, finally found time to revisit her love for painting. It was something she had put on hold due to work and family commitments.

Now, her days are filled with vibrant colors, and every stroke of her brush seems to add more joy to her life. She often loses track of time when she’s painting, completely absorbed in her own world of creativity.

She may not realize it, but this pursuit of passion brings a sparkle to her eyes and a contentment that wasn’t there before. It’s not just about the act of painting, but the joy and fulfillment it brings. It’s a testament to the fact that pursuing passions can significantly contribute to happiness as we age.

8) Embracing solitude

One characteristic I’ve often observed in women who grow happier as they age is their comfort with solitude. They appreciate the value of spending time alone and understand that solitude does not equate to loneliness.

These women use their alone time for self-reflection, mindfulness, or simply to enjoy their own company. It could be a quiet morning walk, a solitary cup of coffee, or just sitting in silence.

This time spent in solitude allows them to reconnect with themselves, process their thoughts and emotions, and regain their inner balance. It gives them the space to be introspective and self-aware, which helps them navigate life with more clarity and calmness.

While they might not consciously realize it, this ability to embrace solitude plays a significant role in their growing happiness as they get older. It’s not about isolation, but about finding peace and contentment within themselves.

9) Living in the present

The most crucial behavior I’ve noticed in women who grow happier with age is their ability to live in the present moment. They understand that life is happening now, not in the past or future.

These women don’t dwell on past regrets or anxieties about the future. They focus on the here and now, fully absorbing and appreciating each moment.

Living in the present allows them to experience life more fully, to appreciate the simple joys, and to engage deeply in every interaction. It helps them to let go of unnecessary stress and to embrace life as it unfolds.

This ability to be present might seem simple, but it’s incredibly powerful. It’s a conscious choice to savor life’s experiences as they come, leading to a richer, fuller, and happier life as they age.