3 tips on how to be happy in your 60s, 70s, and beyond

Everyone has a set of beliefs and practices that influence feeling happy. Popular culture may drive those beliefs, so let’s explore some commonly held views.

• Does money buy happiness? Maybe. One study suggests yes but only up to about 75,000 then little changes with our happiness quotient.

• Practicing faith and taking part in religious services does lead to more happiness through an indirect path. Faith tends to create a more compassionate soul who tends to support and cultivate emotional health and kindness for others. Helping others does produce more positive feelings.

• Happiness leads to greater civic and social involvement, both of which lead to more happiness.

While no one recipe fits all, it does appear that general practices can lead to a stronger feeling of contentment and happiness, no matter what the age. In fact, our daily living habits prove to be fundamentally more responsible for our outlook than even genetics.

Here are 3 tips to starting your own happiness journey.

Exercise has long been associated with promoting feelings of well-being and contentment. Exercise boosts confidence, produces endorphins, and encourages social connections.

A study by the National Institutes of Health concluded a simple fact: Physical activity is tied to feelings of happiness and life satisfaction for all age groups. More importantly, “there was a positive curvilinear” between age and happiness that shows happiness increases with age when an individual continues to be active.

If tip #1 lays the foundation, then attitude becomes the structure. Maintaining a positive outlook becomes more important over time to continue to find value and self-worth.

• Be curious, learning new things or trying something completely different
• Surround yourself with encouraging people still interested in learning and experiencing new things. Aging itself brings about a new perspective, often the realization that time is finite, and many years are now behind.
• Learn to let go, forgive, and look to tomorrow. Resentments and regrets mire thoughts in a past that can’t be changed.

Life is about evolution and change. Every morning brings a new day filled with the unknown, perhaps something exciting or disappointing or rewarding. Perhaps something sad or joyful. The key is to recognize that moving forward with courage leads to a different outcome than resignation or regret.

By accepting and adapting to life’s situations, it’s easier to dwell on the possibilities and potential of tomorrow, no matter the age.

Uncovering new ways to think about happiness may just lead to greater independence, both in practical living and in thought.

Related articles: 

• Alone for the Holidays? Beat the Loneliness