The 8 Surprising Habits Sabotaging Your Happiness After 60 — And How to Break Free Now
4. Stop ignoring your body
I used to think that working nonstop was a badge of honor. Long hours, lots of caffeine, minimal sleep—I thought that was the secret sauce to success.
It took a few personal wake-up calls (and conversations with my older relatives) to realize that health is something we can’t fully appreciate until it’s under threat.
Ignoring our body’s signals—whether it’s constant fatigue, recurring aches, or stress-induced issues—can lead to bigger problems down the road. The best gift you can give your future self is consistent attention to physical well-being.
That doesn’t mean we need to become marathon runners. Even small changes, like taking the stairs, choosing water over sugary drinks, or setting aside five minutes of stretching, can accumulate into major benefits.
5. Ditch holding onto grudges
Holding onto old resentments is like dragging a heavy suitcase wherever you go.
I’ve had my fair share of disagreements, and there were times I found it hard to let go of my anger. But I also noticed that it took a huge toll on my mood and relationships.
Brené Brown has spoken about the power of vulnerability and forgiveness, suggesting that letting go of grudges is more for our own peace than for the person who hurt us.
Anger can be a protective mechanism, but it also blocks us from deeper joy and compassion. By releasing grudges, we clear emotional space for healthier connections and experiences.
6. Stop isolating yourself socially
In my younger years, I had a tendency to retreat when things got tough. I’d isolate myself, convinced I had to solve every challenge alone.
While short periods of solitude can be restorative, chronic isolation robs us of one of life’s greatest resources: genuine human connection.
Loneliness can take a real toll on mental health, especially as we get older and circumstances change—children move away, friends might be less available, or we retire from busy careers.
Staying socially active, whether through volunteering, joining clubs, or attending community events, brings a sense of belonging that can’t be replaced by an online connection alone.
So, pick up the phone and call a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Even a quick chat can remind you how good it feels to stay connected. Schedule a face-to-face visit if possible to keep the relationship thriving.
7. Say goodbye to clutter (physical and mental)
Clutter sneaks up on us over the years—piles of papers, old clothes, random trinkets we never use. I’ve found that when my living space is messy, my mind feels equally cluttered. And the older we get, the more important it becomes to make room for clarity and calm.
Clearing out physical clutter also has a symbolic effect on our mental state. Letting go of things we don’t need can feel like cutting ties with outdated mindsets or expectations. It frees up space for what truly matters.
A friend of mine who recently entered his 60s told me he’s never felt lighter in his life after donating boxes of unused items to charity.
8. Stop living without curiosity
One of my biggest goals for later life is to stay curious. I never want to stop asking questions or discovering new ideas. Sometimes we fall into routines so rigid that we stop learning about the world around us.
Curiosity is a powerful motivator—it propels us to try fresh experiences, meet new people, and explore interests we might not have considered in our younger years.
I’ve seen people in their 60s start painting for the first time, or learn to play an instrument they’ve always admired. Curiosity keeps our minds active and our hearts open.
Set aside time each week to explore something that piques your interest. It can be a new cuisine, a hobby, or a thought-provoking podcast. Notice how this mindset shifts your perspective and enriches your day.
Conclusion
When I picture myself in my 60s, I see someone who’s content with life’s ups and downs, open to new experiences, and at peace with both the victories and failures of the past.
But none of that happens by accident. Building a happier future means actively identifying what’s holding us back and being willing to let it go.
These eight habits—comparing yourself to others, negative self-talk, fear of change, ignoring your body, holding onto grudges, isolating yourself, allowing clutter to pile up, and losing curiosity—can weigh on us.
Over time, they chip away at our sense of fulfillment. By saying goodbye to them now, you can create space for healthier habits, stronger relationships, and a more resilient perspective.
So pick at least one habit to tackle this week, and you’ll be one step closer to the kind of happiness that only gets richer as the years go by.
