Eliza Hartley
There’s a remarkable distinction between people who reach their 70s feeling fulfilled and those who don’t.
In essence, it’s all about choices. Some individuals live their lives in such a way that, by the time they hit their golden years, they’ve cultivated a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. They’ve made certain decisions and acted in ways that have led them to a state of genuine contentment.
Now, the real question is: what are these things that they did differently?
This is about uncovering patterns, not mystical secrets. It’s about learning from those who have walked the path before us and have found a way to live life that breeds happiness.
In this article, I’ll share seven things that folks who are genuinely happy in their 70s usually spent their earlier decades doing differently. These insights might just provide you with the roadmap you need to navigate your own journey towards a fulfilling and contented later life.
1) They embraced mindfulness
Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a practice that has been used for centuries to cultivate inner peace and acceptance.
Many folks who radiate happiness in their 70s have often spent their earlier decades practicing mindfulness.
Why is this so?
Well, mindfulness is about being present in the moment. Instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on past mistakes, they learned to focus on the here and now. By doing this, they found a way to appreciate life as it unfolds, reducing stress and fostering a sense of contentment.
Consider the art of mindfulness as an exercise for the mind. Just as we work out to keep our bodies healthy, practicing mindfulness is a way to keep our mental state in good shape.
So, if you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of those who are genuinely happy in their 70s, consider exploring mindfulness. There are numerous resources available to you including books, courses, and even apps that can guide you through this journey.
Remember, it’s not about reaching some mystical state of bliss. It’s about cultivating a peaceful and accepting mindset that can lead to genuine happiness as you age.
2) They prioritized meaningful relationships
In my own life, I have seen the profound impact that relationships can have on one’s happiness.
I am reminded particularly of my grandfather. He was one of those people who always seemed happiest in his later years. I remember often asking him about his secret. His answer was always the same: “Cherish your relationships.”
He wasn’t talking about having a large group of friends or being popular. He was referring to the deep, meaningful relationships he had cultivated over the years. His closest friends, his family, and especially his relationship with my grandmother.
He made it a point to spend quality time with those he loved, to support them during their lows and celebrate their highs. He listened more than he talked, and he made sure everyone felt valued and loved.
It was evident in the way he lived his life that these connections were not just important to him; they were his source of happiness and contentment.
Seeing this firsthand has made me realize the kind of life I want to lead. One filled with genuine connections and meaningful relationships. Because at the end of the day, it is these bonds that truly enrich our lives.
3) They practiced acceptance
Another key aspect of mindfulness that has greatly contributed to the happiness of folks in their 70s is acceptance.
Acceptance, in this context, means acknowledging life as it is without constantly trying to change or control it. It’s about letting go of expectations and learning to flow with life.
I’ve found in my own journey that practicing acceptance has been instrumental in reducing stress and fostering a sense of peace and contentment. It’s also a key theme I explore in my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“.
In this book, I delve into how acceptance can help us live more mindfully. I explain how we can let go of the need for control and instead embrace the beautifully unpredictable nature of life.
So how does this relate to happiness in our 70s?
Well, those who have learned to practice acceptance earlier in life, tend to navigate their later years with greater ease. They see challenges not as obstacles but as part of the journey. They understand that every moment, good or bad, is transient.
By accepting life as it comes, they’re able to focus on the positive aspects, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life in their golden years.
4) They valued self-improvement
We all have our strengths and weaknesses. And it’s easy to become complacent, accepting our flaws as unchangeable parts of who we are. But those who are genuinely happy in their later years often approach things differently.
I remember a period in my life where I was stuck in a rut, feeling like there was no room for growth or change. That was until I came across a quote that said, “The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come.”
That quote sparked something in me. It made me realize that personal growth is not just about reaching an end goal. It’s about the journey of becoming a better version of ourselves.
So, I started to focus more on self-improvement. I sought out new learning opportunities, embraced challenges, and started to view mistakes not as failures but as lessons.
This shift in mindset wasn’t easy but it was transformative. It brought about a sense of purpose and fulfillment that has greatly contributed to my happiness.
And the same is true for those happy folks in their 70s. They spent their earlier years investing in themselves, continuously learning and growing.
So, consider making self-improvement a priority in your life. Whether it’s learning a new skill, embracing healthy habits, or simply changing your mindset – every step towards becoming a better you is a step towards lasting happiness.
5) They allowed themselves to fail
This one may seem counterintuitive, but stick with me.
In a society that often equates success with happiness, the idea of allowing oneself to fail might seem a bit off. But those who are genuinely happy in their 70s often have a different perspective on failure.
Instead of seeing failure as a negative outcome to be avoided at all costs, they see it as a stepping stone to success. They understand that failure is an inevitable part of life, and it’s through these failures that we learn, grow and ultimately become stronger.
By embracing failure rather than fearing it, they’ve managed to remove a great deal of stress and pressure from their lives. This shift in perspective allows them to take risks, try new things, and continue to learn and evolve without fear of making mistakes.
So the next time you find yourself fearing failure, remember that it’s a part of the journey towards success and happiness. Allow yourself to fail, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone towards your goals.
6) They maintained a healthy lifestyle
Living a happy and contented life in your 70s isn’t just about mental and emotional health, it’s also about taking care of your physical well-being.
Those who are genuinely happy in their later years often spent their earlier decades maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t necessarily mean they were marathon runners or gym enthusiasts, but they understood the importance of regular physical activity and balanced nutrition.
They made conscious choices to fuel their bodies with nutritious food and keep themselves active. These healthy habits contributed to their overall well-being, boosting their energy levels, improving mood, and enhancing their physical health.
But it’s not just about diet and exercise. They also understood the importance of rest and relaxation. They made sure to get adequate sleep, engage in activities they enjoyed, and took time to rejuvenate.
7) They cultivated gratitude
If there’s one thing that can truly transform your life, it’s gratitude. Those genuinely happy folks in their 70s didn’t just stumble upon happiness; they cultivated it through a habit of gratitude.
Gratitude is powerful. It shifts your focus from what’s missing in your life to appreciating what you have. It’s about recognizing the good in your life and acknowledging everything you’re thankful for.
There’s a profound sense of contentment that comes from being grateful. It fosters positive emotions, reduces stress, and improves mental health.
So, start practicing gratitude today. It could be as simple as jotting down three things you’re thankful for each day. You’ll be surprised at how this small practice can lead to big changes in your life, taking you on a path towards genuine happiness in your 70s and beyond.
The power lies in your hands
At the end of the day, genuine happiness in your 70s isn’t a stroke of luck or a result of fortunate circumstances. It’s a culmination of the choices you make and the habits you cultivate throughout your life.
Each of the seven points discussed in this article plays a significant role in shaping your journey towards a happier, more contented life in your later years.
It’s about being mindful, embracing acceptance, cherishing relationships, valuing self-improvement, allowing yourself to fail, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and practicing gratitude.
These aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re actionable insights that you can start implementing today. And remember, it’s never too late to start.
For those interested in diving deeper into the practice of mindfulness and acceptance—one of the key aspects we’ve discussed here—I invite you to explore my book “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“. It provides practical tools and insights to help you live more mindfully and embrace the beautifully unpredictable nature of life.
As you reflect on these insights and consider how they might apply to your own life, remember this simple truth: The power to shape your future happiness lies in your hands. It’s about making conscious decisions today that will lead to a fulfilling tomorrow.
