The 8 Surprising Habits Sabotaging Your Happiness After 60 — And How to Break Free Now
I’ve always been fascinated by those who seem to grow happier and more fulfilled as they get older—like they’ve discovered a secret map to contentment that the rest of us haven’t seen yet.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat around the dinner table with older relatives or mentors, listening to their stories and noticing the common threads. They laugh more easily, they don’t sweat the small stuff, and they seem to have a stronger sense of self.
Over the years, I’ve picked up on certain habits they’ve consciously let go of, and I’ve tried my best to follow their example.
Today, I want to share eight habits that often hold people back from living a more joyful life as they head into their 60s, 70s, and beyond.
Letting go of these now can give you a head start on a more peaceful, purposeful, and downright fun life in your later years.
1. Stop comparing yourself to others
I once read a piece in Harvard Business Review about how constant comparison drains our energy and self-esteem, making it difficult to appreciate our own progress. We’re surrounded by highlight reels on social media, so it’s easy to feel behind or inadequate when everyone else seems to be living their best life.
I’ve fallen into that trap myself—checking my phone and wondering why I wasn’t accomplishing as much as someone else in my field. It took me a while to realize that comparison is a game you can’t win. There’s always going to be someone with a bigger house, a glitzier job, or a more impressive vacation.
When we reach our 60s, we want to look back and be proud of the path we walked, not haunted by how well someone else did. If you find yourself scrolling and feeling down, try unfollowing or muting accounts that spark comparisons. Fill your feed (and your mind) with content that genuinely inspires you.
Each time you catch yourself comparing, pause and remind yourself of one recent personal accomplishment. It may feel small at first, but it’s a step toward celebrating your unique journey.
2. Drop the negative self-talk
Self-criticism can become a bad habit that erodes our confidence bit by bit. When I used to launch new projects, I’d sometimes slip into a spiral of harsh inner dialogue: “You’re going to fail,” or “You’re not cut out for this.” Over time, it forms an invisible barrier between us and our true potential.
As we age, this negative voice tends to grow louder if we don’t actively manage it. It’s like a radio station playing in the background of our mind, constantly reminding us of our perceived shortcomings.
Negative self-talk zaps joy, can harm relationships, and might even keep us from trying new experiences that could enrich our later years.
One practice I’ve found helpful is challenging negative thoughts the moment they appear. Imagine you’re speaking to a friend—would you ever call them a failure for trying something new? Probably not. So why do it to yourself?
3. Let go of fear of change
Change is inevitable. Our careers evolve, family dynamics shift, and our own interests expand or contract. I used to be afraid of changes in my routine or environment, worried that trying something new might set me back.
But I noticed that the happiest older folks I’ve known embrace change—even if they do so with caution and a bit of uncertainty.
This might mean switching up your exercise routine, relocating to a new neighborhood, or exploring a new hobby. Adam Grant once wrote about how stepping out of our comfort zone can help us grow more resilient. If we practice adaptability now, we’re building a mindset that will serve us well in our 60s and beyond.
Think about one area in your life where you’re hesitating to embrace change. Maybe it’s learning a new technology or attending a new social group. Give it a try for a week. Notice how stepping forward, even in small ways, builds confidence.
