If a woman wants to be happy in her 60s and beyond, say goodbye to these 8 behaviors

There’s a clear distinction between living life in your 60s and beyond with joy, and merely existing. The distinction boils down to habits. Holding on to certain behaviors can restrict your happiness, while you might not even realize it.

To truly embrace happiness in your 60s and beyond, there are some behaviors that you simply have to let go. Saying goodbye to these habits isn’t about losing a part of yourself, rather it’s about choosing a more fulfilling and happier life.

This article is going to reveal the 8 behaviors that women should ditch to find true happiness as they move into their 60s and beyond. It’s about choosing joy over habits that no longer serve you.

1) Worrying about what others think

The importance of individuality cannot be overstressed, especially when it comes to living a fulfilling life in your 60s and beyond. Often, women find themselves entangled in the web of societal expectations and opinions. This, unfortunately, can become a roadblock to happiness.

Welcome to the practice of letting go. Letting go is about releasing the burden of others’ opinions and expectations. The fundamental idea is that your happiness should not be dependent on what others think of you.

Think about it. How many times have you held back from doing something you love because you were worried about what others might say? When faced with decisions, many women unfortunately allow societal pressures to sway their choices.

So, if you want to embrace happiness in your 60s and beyond, it’s time to let go of worrying about what others think.

2) Holding on to grudges

A few years ago, I had a fallout with a very dear friend over a misunderstanding. We both said some things we shouldn’t have, and it led to us parting ways. For years, I held onto the bitterness and anger, replaying the argument in my mind.

However, as I moved into my 60s, I realized that this grudge was not serving me any purpose. It was only draining my energy and stopping me from feeling truly happy. So, I decided to let it go.

I reached out to my friend, we talked it out, and it felt like a heavy burden was lifted from my heart. Letting go of that grudge didn’t just mend a broken friendship; it also brought me a sense of peace and happiness that I hadn’t felt in years.

So, if you’re holding on to any grudges or past hurts, let them go. Life is too short and too beautiful to be filled with negativity. Choose forgiveness over resentment for a happier life in your 60s and beyond.

3) Living in the past

A pivotal aspect of happiness in your 60s and beyond is embracing the present and looking forward to the future.

The human brain has a tendency to hold on to past memories, both good and bad. This can lead to a phenomenon called ‘rosy retrospection’, where we remember past events as being more positive than they actually were.

While it’s great to cherish good memories, constantly living in the past can prevent you from enjoying the present moment and planning for the future. It’s important to remember that every stage of life has its own charm and possibilities. Your 60s and beyond can be just as exciting and fulfilling as any other phase of your life, if not more.

4) Comparing yourself to others

We’ve all heard the saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and it couldn’t be truer, especially as you step into your 60s and beyond.

In an age of social media, where everyone’s life appears perfect, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your journey with others. This comparison, however, can rob you of your happiness.

It’s essential to understand that each person has their own unique path. Your journey, with all its triumphs and trials, is exclusive to you. So instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on appreciating your own journey. Celebrate your achievements, learn from your failures, and most importantly, be proud of the person you’ve become.

5) Neglecting self-care

Here’s something from the heart. As women, we often wear many hats – mother, wife, friend, caregiver, employee – the list goes on. And while we’re busy taking care of everyone else, we often forget to take care of ourselves.

As you step into your 60s and beyond, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary.

Self-care is about giving the world the best of you, not what’s left of you. It can be as simple as taking a walk in the park, reading a book, or indulging in your favorite hobby. Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your responsibilities; it means you’re refueling your tank to continue fulfilling them more efficiently.

6) Fear of change

Change can be daunting. I remember when I was about to retire, the thought of not having a routine or a job to go to every day scared me. It felt like I was venturing into the unknown.

But here’s what I’ve learned: Change is an inevitable part of life, and resisting it only creates stress and unhappiness. It’s natural to feel uneasy about the unknown, but it’s also important to realize that every new phase brings new opportunities.

Retirement brought me the chance to explore hobbies I’d never had time for, to travel, and to spend more quality time with my loved ones. It was a change, yes, but it opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

So, if you’re entering your 60s and beyond, don’t fear change. Embrace it. There are so many new experiences and opportunities waiting for you on the other side of that fear. Remember, life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

7) Putting happiness on hold

Sometimes, we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we postpone our happiness. We tell ourselves, “I’ll be happy when I retire,” or “I’ll be happy when I move to a warmer climate,” or “I’ll be happy when the kids are grown.”

The truth is, there will always be something that can potentially delay your happiness.

But why wait? Happiness is not something in the distant future; it’s in the here and now. It’s in the small moments, like a good cup of tea, a stroll in the park, or a laugh with a friend.

As you step into your 60s and beyond, don’t put your happiness on hold. Embrace it now. Find joy in the little things and cherish each moment. 

8) Not embracing your age

The most important thing you should know is this: Age is just a number. It doesn’t define you or your capacity for joy.

In your 60s and beyond, don’t shy away from your age. Embrace it. Every wrinkle tells a story of a life lived, every grey hair is a testament to experiences gained.

Your age is a badge of honor, a sign of strength and resilience. It’s a testament to the journey you’ve been through and the wisdom you’ve gained along the way.

So wear your age proudly. It’s not something to be hidden or feared, but to be celebrated. Because with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes the ability to truly appreciate the beauty of life.

Embrace your age, embrace your journey, embrace yourself. This acceptance is the key to finding true happiness in your 60s and beyond.

Source: If a woman wants to be happy in her 60s and beyond, say goodbye to these 8 behaviors, Global English Editing. Pearl Nash, June 8, 2024.