There’s a striking difference between growing old and growing old gracefully.
Growing old is inevitable, but how we age, particularly whether we remain happy and active, is greatly within our control. It often boils down to the habits we’ve nurtured throughout our lives.
I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a keen student of mindfulness and Buddhism. I’ve observed that those who are full of life well into their 70s and beyond typically have shed certain habits along their journey.
In this article, I’ll be sharing these ten key habits that spirited septuagenarians and beyond seem to have bid goodbye to. Let’s dive in and explore these age-old secrets to staying happy and active.
1) Holding onto grudges
There’s something incredibly draining about holding onto past resentments and grudges. It’s a habit that many of us unknowingly cultivate, and it can have a significant impact on our happiness and wellbeing.
Imagine carrying a heavy backpack up a steep hill. The longer you climb, the heavier it feels, right? Similarly, grudges and resentments are burdens that we carry with us, weighing us down over time.
The secret to staying sprightly and cheerful into your 70s and beyond often involves learning to let go of these grudges. It’s about practicing forgiveness, not just for others but for yourself as well.
From my study of mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve learned that forgiveness is not about forgetting or condoning the wrongs done to us. Instead, it’s about freeing ourselves from the chains of resentment that bind us to the past.
It’s a conscious decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance towards a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.
It’s an act of self-care and self-love that can contribute significantly to maintaining our happiness and energy as we age.
2) Neglecting mindfulness
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. We often forget to step back, breathe, and just be present in the moment. I’ve seen that those who remain active and jovial into their 70s and beyond have usually made mindfulness a part of their daily routine.
They’ve learned to embrace the here and now instead of constantly worrying about the past or the future. It’s a habit that can truly transform one’s aging experience.
As a mindfulness practitioner myself, I can attest to the power of being present. It’s a practice that allows us to appreciate life’s simple pleasures, reduce stress, and improve our overall happiness and wellbeing.
Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness expert, once said, “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
Those who are thriving in their later years have taken this wisdom to heart. They understand that every moment is a gift and choose to savor it fully.
3) Living a sedentary lifestyle
We’ve all heard it before: “A body in motion stays in motion”. And I’ve found this to be absolutely true. Those who stay active and energized into their 70s and beyond have usually said goodbye to a sedentary lifestyle.
As the founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve had the privilege of interacting with many inspirational individuals. The vibrant septuagenarians I’ve met are not ones to sit around idly. Instead, they make it a habit to stay physically active, whether it’s through walking, gardening, yoga, or even dancing.
They understand that physical activity is not just about maintaining a healthy body – it’s about nurturing a healthy mind as well. It’s about feeling alive and staying connected with the world around us.
I remember an 80-year-old woman I met who started every day with a morning walk, rain or shine. She said it invigorated her and set a positive tone for her day. That’s the spirit we should aim to cultivate as we age.
4) Eating unhealthy
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are what you eat”. It’s a phrase that’s been around for centuries and still holds true today, especially when it comes to aging gracefully.
People who stay happy and active into their 70s and beyond usually have waved goodbye to unhealthy eating habits. They understand that the food we eat plays a crucial role in not just our physical health, but our mental wellbeing too.
They’re mindful of their diet, opting for whole, nutrient-dense foods over processed options. They recognize that every meal is an opportunity to nourish their bodies and minds.
As Buddha once said, “To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”
Why not start today? Try incorporating more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats. It’s not about a restrictive diet but about creating sustainable, healthy eating habits.
5) Overcomplicating life
It’s interesting how, as we grow older, we tend to realize that a simpler life often equates to a happier one. I’ve noticed that those who stay active and content into their 70s and beyond are usually the ones who have let go of the habit of overcomplicating things.
They’ve learned to appreciate simplicity and understand that happiness often resides in the smallest things. They’ve cut out the clutter, not only in their physical space but their mental space too.
I’m a big believer in simplifying life to enhance happiness. It’s something I’m continuously working on myself and something I encourage others to embrace as well.
Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown’s book A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World is an excellent resource on this topic. Jeanette beautifully emphasizes the significance of simplifying life and provides practical tools to do so.
Life doesn’t have to be complicated to be fulfilling. Sometimes, getting rid of unnecessary complexities can lead to a happier, more active life as we age. So why not start now? Start simplifying and say hello to a happier future.
6) Neglecting social connections
One common habit I’ve noticed among people who stay happy and active into their 70s and beyond is their dedication to maintaining robust social connections. They’ve said goodbye to the habit of isolation and understand that relationships play a crucial role in our overall well-being.
They take the time to nurture their relationships with family and friends, participate in community activities, or even volunteer for a cause close to their heart. These interactions create a sense of belonging and purpose that can significantly contribute to happiness and longevity.
Consider this a gentle reminder to reach out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while or plan a family get-together. Engage in social activities that you enjoy. Remember, it’s never too late to build new connections or strengthen existing ones.
By fostering strong social connections, you’re not only enriching your life but also setting the stage for a happier, more active future.
7) Ignoring self-care
On the journey to maintaining happiness and activity into our 70s and beyond, self-care plays a pivotal role. Those who age gracefully tend to have said goodbye to the habit of constantly putting others before themselves at the expense of their own well-being.
In my own journey with mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve learned that taking care of oneself is not a selfish act. Rather, it’s an essential practice that allows us to show up fully for ourselves and others.
These spirited individuals understand that self-care goes beyond physical wellness. It encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual health as well. They carve out time for relaxation, pursue hobbies they love, meditate, or simply take a moment to breathe and be present.
Self-care is about honoring your needs and acknowledging that it’s okay to take a break. It’s about being mindful of your wellbeing and taking steps to nurture it.
8) Fearing change
People who stay happy and active into their 70s and beyond often have a unique perspective on change. They’ve learned to embrace it, rather than fearing it, understanding that change is an inevitable part of life.
In fact, they see change as an opportunity for growth and new experiences, which keeps them vibrant and engaged with life. They’ve bid adieu to the habit of resisting change and have learned to flow with life’s ebbs and flows.
As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant in life is change.” This wisdom rings especially true when we contemplate aging.
If you find yourself fearing change, take a moment to reflect. Consider how change has shaped your life so far – the good and the challenging. Remember that every change brings a lesson, an opportunity for growth.
9) Chasing perfection
Here’s something a bit counterintuitive: those who stay happy and active into their 70s and beyond have typically let go of the pursuit of perfection. They’ve understood that life is beautifully flawed and it’s these imperfections that make it worth living.
As someone who has spent years exploring mindfulness and psychology, I’ve learned that the pursuit of perfection often leads to stress, disappointment, and even burnout. It’s a habit that can rob us of our joy and contentment.
The spirited individuals I’m talking about have embraced their imperfections. They’ve learned to be kind to themselves, to celebrate their wins, big or small, and to learn from their failures rather than beat themselves up over them.
Life is a journey, not a destination. It’s about progress, not perfection.
10) Skipping regular check-ups
Last but not least, those who stay active and happy into their 70s and beyond have usually developed the habit of taking their health seriously. This means regular check-ups and staying on top of any potential health issues.
They understand that preventative care is vital for maintaining good health as they age. Regular visits to the doctor, dentist, and other healthcare professionals are a part of their routine.
Early detection can make a significant difference when it comes to managing many health conditions. So if you’ve been skipping your regular check-ups, it might be time to reconsider.
Start taking charge of your health today. Schedule that overdue appointment. Your future self will thank you for the healthy, active life you’ve set the stage for!
Conclusion
Aging gracefully isn’t just about genetics or luck. It’s often about the habits we cultivate throughout our lives. From practicing mindfulness and self-care, embracing change, to regular health check-ups, the habits we’ve discussed are a common thread among those who remain active and happy into their 70s and beyond.
It’s never too late to start making positive changes. As Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown reminds us in her insightful book A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World, small, consistent actions can have a profound impact on our happiness and well-being.
So why wait? Start saying goodbye to these habits today and set the stage for a vibrant, fulfilled future. Here’s to aging with grace and gusto!
