People who stay happy and joyful in their 70s and beyond usually have said goodbye to these 8 habits

Getting older doesn’t mean losing your happiness. In fact, some of the happiest people I know are in their 70s, 80s, and beyond. They wake up with energy, laugh often, and truly enjoy life.

But here’s the thing—they didn’t get there by accident. Over the years, they’ve learned to let go of certain habits that drag people down.

Happiness isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about what you stop doing. If you want to stay joyful as you age, it might be time to say goodbye to these eight habits.

1) Holding onto grudges

Nothing drains happiness faster than carrying around old resentments.

People who stay joyful in their 70s and beyond have learned to let go of grudges. They know that holding onto past hurts only steals their peace in the present.

That doesn’t mean they forget or allow people to mistreat them—it just means they choose not to waste energy on negativity. Instead, they focus on the good, practice forgiveness, and move forward with a lighter heart.

If you want to stay happy as you age, it might be time to release the weight of old grudges and make space for more joy.

2) Worrying about what others think

For years, I spent way too much time worrying about what other people thought of me. I second-guessed my decisions, held back my opinions, and even avoided things I truly wanted to do because I was afraid of judgment.

But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized something—most people aren’t thinking about you nearly as much as you think they are. They’re too busy worrying about their own lives.

The happiest people in their 70s and beyond have let go of this habit. They live life on their own terms, wear what they want, say what they mean, and don’t waste energy trying to impress anyone.

Looking back, I wish I had stopped caring so much about others’ opinions sooner. Life is too short to live for someone else’s approval.

3) Neglecting friendships

Strong social connections are one of the biggest predictors of long-term happiness. In fact, people with close friendships tend to live longer, healthier lives compared to those who are socially isolated.

But as life gets busy, it’s easy to let friendships fade. The happiest people in their 70s and beyond make an effort to stay connected. They call old friends, join social groups, and prioritize meaningful conversations.

They know that joy isn’t just about what you have—it’s about who you share it with. Letting go of the habit of neglecting friendships can make all the difference in staying happy as you age.

4) Clinging to control

Buddhism teaches that attachment is the root of suffering—and one of the biggest attachments people struggle with is the need for control. The truth is, no matter how much we plan or prepare, life will always be unpredictable.

The happiest people in their 70s and beyond have learned to embrace this uncertainty. Instead of stressing over things they can’t change, they focus on what they can control—their attitude, their actions, and their ability to adapt.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore how letting go of control can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life. By accepting impermanence and learning to flow with life’s changes, you can reduce stress and find greater joy in the present moment.

Holding on too tightly only leads to frustration. Learning to release control can be one of the most freeing shifts you make as you age.

5) Comparing yourself to others

For a long time, it felt like I was always measuring my life against someone else’s. Seeing others succeed made me question if I was doing enough. Watching people my age hit milestones I hadn’t reached yet made me feel like I was falling behind.

But the happiest people in their 70s and beyond don’t waste time on comparisons. They’ve realized that everyone moves through life at their own pace, and true happiness comes from appreciating where you are, not where someone else is.

The moment you stop comparing, life becomes lighter. You start to see your own journey for what it is—unique, valuable, and worth celebrating.

6) Always trying to stay positive

It might seem like the happiest people are the ones who force themselves to stay positive no matter what. But in reality, those who find lasting joy in their 70s and beyond have stopped pretending everything is fine when it isn’t.

They’ve learned that real happiness doesn’t come from avoiding negative emotions—it comes from allowing themselves to feel everything, process it, and move forward. Suppressing sadness, anger, or frustration only makes those feelings stronger over time.

Instead of forcing positivity, they practice acceptance. They acknowledge life’s ups and downs, give themselves permission to have bad days, and trust that joy will come naturally when they stop chasing it.

7) Ignoring their body’s needs

As people get older, it’s easy to fall into the habit of ignoring what the body is trying to say. Pushing through exhaustion, neglecting movement, or eating out of convenience rather than nourishment can become second nature.

But those who stay happy and joyful in their 70s and beyond have learned to listen to their bodies. They rest when they’re tired, move in ways that feel good, and fuel themselves with what makes them feel their best.

They don’t see self-care as an indulgence—it’s a necessity. Because they know that when they take care of their body, they’re also taking care of their mind and overall happiness.

8) Thinking it’s too late

The biggest thing that steals joy from people as they age is the belief that it’s too late—too late to change, too late to try something new, too late to build the life they truly want.

But the happiest people in their 70s and beyond have let go of this idea completely. They know that as long as they’re alive, there’s still time. Time to learn, to grow, to love, to explore.

They don’t dwell on what they didn’t do in the past. They focus on what they *can* do now. And that mindset makes all the difference.

Bottom line: Happiness is a choice

Happiness in your 70s and beyond isn’t something that just happens—it’s something you cultivate by letting go of what no longer serves you. The people who remain joyful as they age aren’t necessarily the ones who had the easiest lives, but the ones who made intentional choices about how to live.

A big part of this wisdom comes from learning to detach—from grudges, from comparison, from control. In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore how ancient teachings can help us release these attachments and find deeper fulfillment in everyday life.

At the end of the day, joy isn’t about chasing something external—it’s about unlearning the habits that keep it out of reach. And the best part? It’s never too late to start.