7 daily habits of people who become happier as they get older

There’s a fine line between simply aging and aging happily.

The distinction lies in habit. Aging happily isn’t about chasing youth or denying the passing of time. It’s about embracing each moment and finding joy in the journey.

These people have daily habits that keep their spirits high, no matter how many candles are on their birthday cake. And believe it or not, these habits aren’t elusive or complex.

In fact, I’ve identified seven simple daily habits that seem to be common among those who grow happier as they get older.  And who knows, maybe you’ll find a few you’d like to adopt!

1) They embrace gratitude

There’s a certain wisdom that comes with age, and one of the biggest lessons learned is the power of gratitude.

Those who age happily have mastered the art of being thankful. They don’t take things for granted, they appreciate the small moments and express gratitude for what they have.

Gratitude is a powerful tool for happiness. It shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that’s already present. It’s about recognizing the good in life and acknowledging it.

A simple daily habit like maintaining a gratitude journal or simply taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for can make a significant difference.

Remember, it’s not happiness that brings us gratitude. It’s gratitude that brings us happiness. So, make sure you’re cultivating this habit if you want to age happily.

2) They cultivate positivity

When I was younger, I often found myself caught up in the negativity of life’s challenges. The daily grind, the stress, the minor inconveniences… they all seemed to overshadow the good things in life.

But as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized the power of positivity.

Those who age happily make it a daily habit to cultivate positivity. They make a conscious effort to see the glass half full, to see the silver lining in every cloud.

I’ve started doing this myself. For example, if I have a day filled with back-to-back meetings, I try to view it as an opportunity to connect with others and make progress, rather than a stressful obligation.

This shift in perspective has made a world of difference in my happiness level.

Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring life’s problems. It means approaching them with a positive mindset to find solutions and lessons rather than dwelling on the negatives. It’s a habit that takes practice but is definitely worth it in the long run.

3) They practice mindfulness

I’ve noticed a common thread among those who seem to grow happier as they age. They live in the moment. They’re not constantly worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. They practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is simply being fully present in the moment, being aware of where we are and what we’re doing. It sounds easy, but in our fast-paced, always-connected world, it’s often easier said than done.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I dive deeper into this concept and provide practical strategies for incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.

You see, mindfulness isn’t just about meditation or yoga (although those can help). It’s about being present in your day-to-day life. It’s about really listening when someone talks to you, not just waiting for your turn to speak.

It’s about savoring your morning coffee, not just gulping it down as you rush out the door.

By practicing mindfulness each day, we can reduce stress and anxiety, improve our mood, and ultimately become happier. It’s a habit worth cultivating as we get older.

4) They nurture relationships

Human beings are social creatures. We thrive on connection, and strong relationships contribute significantly to our happiness.

There was a time when I was so focused on climbing the career ladder that I neglected my personal relationships. As a result, I felt isolated and unhappy, despite my professional success.

Those who age happily understand the importance of nurturing their relationships. They make time for family and friends. They reach out to loved ones and they’re there for them through thick and thin.

Whether it’s having a regular catch-up with an old friend, spending quality time with family, or simply being present for the people in our lives, nurturing our relationships is a crucial habit for happiness.

No achievement or amount of money can replace the joy of shared experiences and deep connections with the people we care about.

So, don’t take your relationships for granted. Nurture them and watch your happiness grow as you age.

5) They welcome change

Most of us are creatures of habit. We find comfort in routine and predictability. But here’s the thing: those who age happily have learned to embrace change.

Yes, you heard it right. They welcome change. They understand that life is a series of ebbs and flows, highs and lows, and they roll with the punches.

Change can be scary, I get it. But it’s also a part of life. It brings about new experiences, new opportunities, and growth.

Those who age happily see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity. They adapt, they learn, they grow. And in doing so, they discover new aspects of themselves and the world around them that contribute to their happiness.

If you’re someone who fears change, maybe it’s time to shift your perspective. Embrace change as a part of life, and who knows? You might just find yourself becoming happier as you get older.

6) They take care of their health

As the saying goes, “Health is wealth”. Those who age happily understand this to the core. They know that without good health, nothing else really matters.

Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep – these aren’t groundbreaking concepts. Still, they’re essential habits that contribute significantly to our wellbeing and happiness as we get older.

Taking care of your health isn’t just about preventing illness or staying fit. It’s also about feeling good in your own skin, having energy, and being able to do the things you love.

So if you want to age happily, start taking care of your health now. It’s never too late to start, and your future self will thank you.

7) They practice self-love

Here’s the most crucial habit of all: self-love. Those who age happily don’t just care for others; they care for themselves too.

Self-love isn’t about being self-absorbed or narcissistic. It’s about treating yourself with kindness, respect, and compassion. It’s about setting boundaries, taking time for self-care, and not being too hard on yourself.

When you love yourself, you set the tone for how others should love you. You become happier because you’re at peace with who you are, and that radiates from within.

Remember, it’s not selfish to love yourself. It’s necessary.

Final thoughts: It’s about the journey

Becoming happier as we age isn’t about a destination, it’s about the journey.

The seven habits we’ve discussed are not quick fixes or magic solutions. They’re lifestyle choices that require commitment and practice.

But the beauty of it is that the journey itself can bring immense joy and satisfaction. Each day is an opportunity to cultivate these habits and to grow a little happier.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve into some of these practices with more depth. It’s a resource for those looking to further explore this journey towards happiness.

Remember, growing older is inevitable, but growing happier as we age? That’s a choice. And with these daily habits, it’s a choice that’s within your reach.

As you reflect on these habits, know this: you have the power to shape your happiness as you age. It all starts with a single step, a single choice, a single day. What will your choice be today?