Eliza Hartley
Growing older — it’s a reality we all face, yet many of us fear it. Not because of the inevitable wrinkles or the graying hair, but because of the possibility of unhappiness that lurks in the shadows of old age.
The truth is, our daily habits play a crucial role in shaping the quality of our lives as we age.
Sadly, some of these habits, while seemingly harmless today, might make us unhappy in our golden years.
But how do you know which habits to kick to the curb?
Luckily for you, I’ve walked this path and identified 10 daily habits that you must bid goodbye to if you want to age happily.
In this article, I’m going to share these habits with you. Brace yourself – some of them might surprise you.
1) Neglecting your physical health
When we’re young, we often feel invincible. Skipping that workout or indulging in junk food doesn’t seem like such a big deal.
But here’s the thing: our bodies aren’t indestructible. If you’re habitually:
- Skimping on sleep
- Neglecting exercise
- Eating junk food
…it might be time to reassess and make some changes.
Neglecting your physical health today can lead to serious health issues down the line, robbing you of the joy and happiness you deserve in your golden years.
This isn’t about becoming a fitness fanatic or completely eliminating all your favorite snacks. It’s about moderation, consistency, and making healthier choices more often than not.
Remember: the decisions you make today will directly impact your quality of life in the future.
Treat your body with respect and kindness. After all, it’s the only one you’ve got.
2) Ignoring your mental health
When it comes to health, many of us focus solely on the physical rather than considering our mental well-being. But mental health is just as important, if not more so, in shaping our happiness as we age.
Ignoring your mental health can lead to:
- Chronic stress
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Low self-esteem
The consequences can be severe, impacting not only your happiness but also your physical health and relationships.
So it’s crucial to make mental health a priority. This could mean seeking professional help, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking time each day to relax and unwind.
Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to take care of your mental health. It’s an act of strength and self-love. Your future self will undoubtedly thank you for it.
3) Holding onto grudges
Let’s talk about grudges, those bitter feelings that linger long after a conflict is over. The ones that make you wince every time you think about a particular person or situation.
Psychology tells us that holding onto grudges is like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go. It weighs you down, physically and emotionally.
But get this: the person who suffers most from your grudge isn’t the one who wronged you — it’s you.
Holding onto resentment can lead to chronic stress, which can wreak havoc on both your physical and mental health. It’s a surefire recipe for unhappiness in old age.
So, if you’re in the habit of nursing grudges, it might be time to consider a new approach. More than being a gift for the other person, it’s a gift to yourself.
4) Avoiding confrontation
It might seem a little counter-intuitive, especially after discussing the damage grudges can do. But avoiding confrontation isn’t the answer to preventing grudges.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Regularly dodging difficult conversations or conflicts can lead to resentment build-up. This unresolved tension can gnaw at your happiness over time, leading to dissatisfaction and regret in old age.
The key is having healthy confrontations.
This involves expressing your feelings and concerns openly and respectfully, rather than letting them fester. It’s about standing up for yourself without stepping on others.
So while it may be uncomfortable in the moment, addressing issues head-on can save you a lot of future unhappiness.
5) Living on autopilot
Have you ever driven to work and realized you don’t remember the journey? That’s living on autopilot — going through life without truly experiencing it.
While it’s normal to slip into routine, living your whole life on autopilot can lead to a sense of emptiness and regret in old age.
You could miss out on the beauty of small moments, the joy of new experiences, and the satisfaction of personal growth.
Instead, practicing mindfulness — actively paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and experiences — can enrich your life.
Be present in whatever you’re doing, whether that’s washing dishes or watching a sunset.
6) Prioritizing work over everything else
I get it, we all have bills to pay and ambitions to achieve. But here’s the thing: if we’re not careful, work can consume our lives.
We’ve all heard stories of people who’ve reached the top of their career ladder only to realize they’re standing there alone. Their health is in shambles, their relationships are strained, and they feel empty inside.
In fact, it’s such a common behavior that this is one of the top 5 regrets of the dying, according to palliative care nurse Bronnie Ware:
“I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.”
Let’s not fall into that trap. It’s important to strike a balance between work and other aspects of life.
After all, life isn’t just about what we do for a living but who we are as individuals and how we relate to others.
7) Overcommitting and not setting boundaries
Picture this: you’re at work and your boss asks you to take on another project, even though you’re already drowning in tasks. Or a friend asks for a favor when you’re already stretched thin. What do you do?
Often, our instinct is to say yes, even if it means sacrificing our own time and well-being.
But constantly overcommitting and not setting boundaries can lead to burnout and resentment, which can seriously dampen our happiness in the long run.
Here’s a question: what’s the point of striving to please everyone else if it leaves you feeling drained and unhappy?
Learning to say no and setting healthy boundaries is an essential skill in maintaining your well-being and happiness.
If you don’t want to be unhappy and have a lot of regrets in old age, this is well worth doing.
8) Neglecting personal growth
One of the most unfortunate things that happen to people the older they get is that they start to simply exist rather than truly live.
There’s an attitude like they’re just waiting out their time on earth. And frankly, it can lead to a lot of despair and purposelessness.
That’s why it’s so important to always cultivate a growth mindset. Personal growth is about continuously learning and evolving.
No matter our age, life should be about challenging ourselves, stepping outside our comfort zones, and striving to be the best version of ourselves.
It can be as simple as picking up a new hobby, reading a challenging book, or even just spending some time each day in self-reflection.
That way, you’re constantly investing in yourself, constantly keeping your brain fresh and sharp.
And you know what? When you’re older, you’ll keep surprising yourself with all the things you can still do!
9) Not cultivating gratitude
Here we are, at the final point. And it’s perhaps the most essential one: not cultivating gratitude.
In our pursuit of more — more money, more success, more stuff — we often overlook the blessings we already have.
But research shows that practicing gratitude can significantly enhance our well-being and happiness. It shifts our focus from what’s missing in our lives to the abundance that’s already present.
Cultivating gratitude could be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal or taking a few minutes each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for.
If you’re not in the habit of practicing gratitude, it might be time to start. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your happiness as you age.
What’s your happiness plan?
As we’ve explored throughout this article, the choices we make today significantly influence our happiness in old age. So, it’s worth asking: what’s your happiness plan?
Here are a few things to consider:
- Building strong and meaningful relationships
- Staying physically and mentally active
- Continuing to learn and grow personally
- Engaging in activities that bring you joy
These factors are instrumental in designing a fulfilling life, regardless of age.
So reflect on your daily habits, consider where changes could be made, and ask yourself: “Am I setting myself up for a happy old age?”
Remember, the power to shape your future happiness lies in your hands. So choose wisely.
