People who stay happy in their 70s and beyond usually adopt these 9 daily habits (2024)

Happiness is not just for the young, it’s for everyone.

As Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve spent years exploring what makes people content in life.

The secret? It’s all about habits.

Those who remain joyful into their 70s and beyond have learned to cultivate certain daily rituals. These habits consistently bring them joy and satisfaction, regardless of their age.

In this piece, we’re going to delve into these 9 daily habits. By understanding and adopting these practices, you too can enjoy your golden years with a smile.

Remember, happiness isn’t an accident – it’s a choice. And it’s one we can all make, no matter how many candles are on our birthday cake.

1) Daily gratitude

It’s no secret that gratitude can play a massive role in our happiness. And it’s a habit that many joyful seniors have adopted.

Practicing daily gratitude is something that doesn’t just happen overnight – it requires discipline and intentionality. But once you get started, the effects are profound.

Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have. It helps you to appreciate the positive aspects of your life, even as you navigate the challenges that come with aging.

Many happy people in their 70s and beyond take a few moments each day to reflect on what they’re grateful for. It could be as simple as writing down three things they’re thankful for each morning or expressing appreciation to a loved one.

But it’s not about simply going through the motions. The magic of gratitude lies in truly feeling and embracing these positive emotions.

2) Mindfulness and meditation

Another habit that’s common among happy seniors is mindfulness. As an expert in Buddhism, I, Lachlan Brown, can tell you that this practice is central to the Buddhist philosophy and it’s a powerful tool for maintaining happiness throughout life.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It takes us away from our worries about the past or the future and brings us back to the present.

Many seniors find great joy in practicing mindfulness through meditation. This daily habit helps them to stay grounded, peaceful, and content. It’s a time where they can clear their minds, focus on their breathing, and simply be.

Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even just a few minutes each day can make a significant difference in your mental wellbeing.

3) Staying active

Physical activity isn’t just for the young or athletically inclined. As someone who loves to stay active, I can tell you from personal experience that keeping your body moving is crucial at any age – and particularly so when you’re in your 70s and beyond.

Many happy seniors make it a habit to incorporate some form of physical activity into their daily routine. It can be something as simple as a walk in the park, a few laps around the pool, or even a gentle yoga class.

Staying active isn’t just about maintaining physical health, but also about boosting mental wellbeing. Exercise releases endorphins, known as ‘feel-good’ hormones, which can help to keep you feeling upbeat and positive.

It’s not about pushing yourself to the limit or sticking to a rigorous workout regime. It’s about finding a form of physical activity that you enjoy and that suits your capabilities.

4) Detachment from ego

One essential Buddhist principle that many joyous seniors live by is the detachment from ego. In Buddhism, we emphasize the importance of letting go of our attachment to our sense of self.

This doesn’t mean losing your identity or sense of self-worth. Rather, it’s about not letting your ego control your actions and feelings. It’s about understanding that you are more than just your achievements, possessions, or how others perceive you.

As I explore in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, detaching from ego can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Many seniors who remain happy well into their 70s and beyond have grasped this concept. They’ve learned to let go of societal expectations and ego-driven desires, focusing instead on their inner peace and happiness.

By adopting this mindset, they’re able to appreciate life as it is, without constantly striving for more or comparing themselves to others. And this can be a powerful habit for maintaining happiness throughout your golden years.

5) Embracing solitude

Now, this might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. Many happy seniors have learned the art of enjoying their own company.

While social connections are indeed vital for our wellbeing, there’s also immense value in solitude. It’s a time for self-reflection, introspection and personal growth. It’s a chance to reconnect with oneself, away from the noise and distractions of the world.

Many joyful individuals in their 70s and beyond make it a habit to spend some time alone each day. This could involve reading a book, gardening, taking a walk, or simply sitting quietly with their thoughts.

It’s important to note that solitude isn’t about isolation or loneliness. It’s about intentionally making room for yourself in your daily routine.

6) Practicing compassion

Compassion is a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy, and it’s a habit that many happy seniors have incorporated into their lives.

Practicing compassion means extending kindness and understanding to others, but also to oneself. It’s about recognizing the shared human experience, acknowledging the struggles we all face and responding with empathy and care.

Many joyful individuals in their 70s and beyond make it a point to act with compassion daily. This could be as simple as lending a listening ear to a friend, reaching out to someone in need, or even just offering a warm smile to a stranger.

But practicing compassion also involves being gentle with oneself. It means recognizing your own faults and failures without judgment or self-criticism, and treating yourself with the same kindness you extend to others.

7) Lifelong learning

One habit I’ve noticed among many gleeful seniors is their commitment to lifelong learning. As someone who’s always been passionate about expanding my knowledge, I can attest to the joy it brings.

These happy individuals never stop learning. They’re curious, open-minded, and eager to explore new ideas and experiences. They understand that there’s always something new to learn, no matter how old they get.

It might be picking up a new hobby, reading a book on an unfamiliar topic, or even attending a local community class. The specifics aren’t as important as the mindset of continual growth and curiosity.

Learning isn’t just about acquiring new information. It’s about challenging your beliefs, broadening your perspectives, and keeping your mind active and engaged.

8) Embracing change

Here’s a bit of a twist for you: many happy seniors have learned to embrace change, not resist it.

Often, we associate aging with a desire for stability and predictability. But the truth is, life is full of changes, regardless of our age. And those who adapt to these changes rather than resist them tend to be happier.

These individuals understand that change is a natural part of life. They see it as an opportunity for growth and learning rather than something to fear or avoid.

Whether it’s a change in their health, their living situation, or even their daily routine, they’ve learned to navigate these shifts with grace and resilience.

9) Living in the moment

The final habit that many happy seniors share is a fundamental principle in Buddhism: living in the moment.

Buddhism emphasizes the importance of being present and fully engaged with our current experiences, rather than getting lost in thoughts about the past or future. It’s about savoring the now and appreciating each moment as it comes.

Many joyful seniors have adopted this practice. They focus on the present, whether they’re enjoying a meal, spending time with loved ones, or simply watching a sunset. They’ve learned to appreciate the beauty and joy in these simple, everyday moments.

Living in the moment doesn’t mean ignoring your past or not planning for your future. Instead, it’s about not letting these thoughts consume you and distract you from enjoying your current experiences.

If you want to cultivate lasting happiness as you move into your 70s and beyond, consider making mindfulness and presence a daily habit. It can truly transform your perspective on life.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored, staying happy in your 70s and beyond isn’t just about luck or genetics. It’s about the daily habits you cultivate.

These habits – from practicing gratitude and compassion, to embracing solitude and change, to lifelong learning and living in the moment – can significantly impact your quality of life as you age.

It’s never too late to start cultivating these habits. And while it may take some time and effort, the rewards are well worth it.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Buddhist principles can guide you towards a fulfilling and joyful life, I invite you to check out my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.

In it, I delve deeper into these principles and provide practical advice on how to incorporate them into your everyday life. Because remember, happiness isn’t just for the young – it’s for everyone, at any age.