People who stay joyful in their 70s and beyond usually adopt these 8 daily habits

There’s a vast difference between simply growing old and aging joyfully. And it often boils down to daily habits.

Growing old is inevitable. But staying happy and joyful in your 70s and beyond? That involves real choice and conscious effort.

Aging joyfully means embracing the years with a positive attitude, celebrating the wisdom they bring while maintaining zest for life. And believe it or not, those who manage it typically share common daily habits.

In this piece, I’m going to share with you the 8 daily habits that keep people feeling youthful and joyful into their golden years.

These aren’t magical secrets, but simple practices you can adopt to make the most of each day.

1) Maintaining a positive attitude

It’s no secret that attitude is everything, particularly when it comes to aging joyfully.

And those in their 70s and beyond who continue to radiate happiness understand this all too well.

Faced with the inevitable challenges that come with age, they choose optimism. They consciously decide to focus on the positive, to embrace change, and to celebrate life’s little victories.

This doesn’t mean they ignore the realities of aging. But they choose to dwell on the positives rather than the negatives. They see each new day as a gift, not as a burden.

Adopting this positive mindset isn’t just about feeling good – research suggests it could even add years to your life. So if you want to age joyfully, it might be time to start looking at the glass as half full.

2) Regular physical activity

In my personal journey, I’ve found that those who stay joyful in their later years have a secret weapon – regular physical activity.

Now, I’m not talking about running marathons or lifting heavy weights. But rather, simple daily activities like walking, gardening, or even dancing around the living room.

My grandmother, for example, is in her late 80s and she’s one of the most joyful people I know. One of her secrets is her daily walks. Rain or shine, she never misses her morning stroll around the neighborhood.

She often shares how these walks not only keep her physically active but also provide a time for reflection and appreciation of the world around her.

For her, and many others in their golden years, physical activity isn’t a chore – it’s a chance to stay engaged with life and find joy in movement. It’s a habit that keeps the body strong and the spirit high.

3) Nurturing social connections

Humans are inherently social creatures, and maintaining strong social connections is critical for our overall happiness and well-being. This holds true at any age, but becomes particularly important as we get older.

People who stay joyful in their 70s and beyond tend to have rich, fulfilling social lives. They regularly connect with friends, family, and community members, sharing laughter, stories, and companionship.

Interestingly, a study from the Harvard School of Public Health found that people with the most active social lives had the slowest rate of memory decline.

Whether it’s grabbing coffee with a friend, attending a community event, or simply calling a loved one to catch up, nurturing your social connections can do wonders for your mood and even your memory.

4) Embracing mindfulness

One of the key tenets of Buddhism is mindfulness – being fully present in the moment. And it’s a habit that many joyful people in their 70s and beyond have incorporated into their daily lives.

Whether it’s savoring a cup of tea, taking a mindful walk in nature, or simply breathing deeply and focusing on the sensations in their body, they make time each day to connect with the here and now.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the power of mindfulness and how it can help us lead more fulfilling lives at any age. It’s about learning to live with awareness, free from the distractions that pull us away from experiencing life fully.

Adopting mindfulness as a daily habit can not only increase our enjoyment of life but also help us better cope with its challenges. It encourages us to slow down, engage fully with each moment, and appreciate the beauty around us – all key components of aging joyfully.

5) Lifelong learning

Staying joyful in your 70s and beyond isn’t just about maintaining physical health and social connections, it’s also about keeping the mind sharp and engaged. Lifelong learning is one of the habits often adopted by those who age joyfully.

I’ve found that immersing myself in new subjects, learning new skills, or simply reading a good book can ignite a sense of excitement and wonder that keeps life feeling fresh and stimulating.

A few years back, I decided to learn how to play the piano. It was challenging and at times frustrating, but it brought me a sense of accomplishment and joy I hadn’t expected. It reminded me that we’re never too old to learn something new.

Keeping your mind active and engaged through lifelong learning can bring joy, ward off feelings of stagnation, and even support cognitive health as you age.

6) Embracing solitude

In a world that often equates being alone with loneliness, the ability to enjoy one’s own company can seem a bit counter-intuitive. However, those who stay joyful in their 70s and beyond often master this art of finding comfort in solitude.

Rather than seeing it as a negative, they see solitude as an opportunity for self-reflection, relaxation, and recharging. It’s a time to connect with themselves, to enjoy their own thoughts and interests, free from the distractions and expectations of others.

This isn’t to say they shun social interaction – far from it. But they understand the value of balance, of having time for others, and crucially, time for themselves.

While it may seem counter-intuitive in our hyper-connected world, embracing moments of solitude can actually be a key ingredient in the recipe for aging joyfully.

7) Practicing gratitude

It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges and setbacks that life throws our way. But those who stay joyful in their 70s and beyond often have a powerful tool at their disposal – the practice of gratitude.

Rather than focusing on what’s going wrong, they make a habit of acknowledging what’s going right. They appreciate the simple things – a sunny day, a good meal, a kind word from a friend.

This practice of gratitude helps them to maintain a positive outlook, even when faced with adversity. It shifts their focus from what they lack to what they have, fostering contentment and joy.

Whether it’s keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a moment each day to reflect on something they’re thankful for, practicing gratitude can be transformative in maintaining joy throughout our later years.

8) Living purposefully

At the core of aging joyfully is living a life of purpose. Those in their 70s and beyond who radiate joy typically lead lives that are filled with meaning. They have a clear sense of purpose that drives them, motivates them, and gives them a reason to get up in the morning.

Whether it’s contributing to their community, pursuing a passion, or simply being there for their loved ones, they know what matters most to them and they make it a priority.

Living purposefully doesn’t mean you have to do something grand or monumental. It’s about finding what brings you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of accomplishment, and making that a central part of your life.

When we live with purpose, we not only enrich our own lives but also the lives of those around us. And that’s the ultimate secret to aging joyfully.

The heart of the matter: It’s about choice

When it all comes down to it, aging joyfully isn’t about the number of years you’ve lived, but about the quality of those years. And that quality often stems from the daily choices we make.

Whether it’s choosing positivity over pessimism, gratitude over dissatisfaction, or purposeful living over aimless existence, these choices shape our experiences and our joy as we age.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into how we can make these mindful choices that ultimately shape our lives. It’s not about adding more years to our life, but more life to our years.

Ultimately, staying joyful in your 70s and beyond isn’t something that just happens. It’s a conscious effort, a series of daily habits and mindful choices that together contribute to a fulfilling and joyful life.

Remember, it’s never too late to start making these choices. Each day is a new opportunity to choose joy, to choose growth, and to embrace the beauty of aging with grace and positivity.