We sometimes assume that once we hit our 60s, our biggest growth spurts—both personal and professional—are behind us.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In my work as a psychologist, I’ve seen countless individuals in their 60s and beyond who are not only thriving but continuing to set (and achieve) ambitious goals.
They’re embracing fresh challenges, finding new passions, and steadily climbing whatever mountain they choose—be it career, community impact, or personal development.
What’s their secret?
Well, it boils down to doing certain things differently. Let’s dive into nine habits that set these high-achievers apart.
1. They stay curious and embrace lifelong learning
It’s easy to think formal education is for the young. But successful people well into their 60s don’t buy into that myth.
They take online courses, read extensively, attend workshops, or even explore new hobbies—regardless of how advanced (or not) they are in that subject.
I recently spoke with a retired teacher who decided to learn coding at 65.
She laughs about how her teenage grandkids initially teased her, but now they come to her for help with their own projects. The world is always evolving, and the willingness to stay curious makes all the difference.
As Daniel Goleman has noted, emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness—and part of self-awareness involves understanding that you can always grow, learn, and expand your horizons. That constant pursuit of knowledge doesn’t just keep your mind sharp; it keeps your sense of wonder alive too.
2. They prioritize relationships over status
Have you ever noticed how, in our earlier decades, many of us chase promotions, accolades, or financial milestones?
By the time you get to 60, you realize true success isn’t just about what’s on your résumé—it’s about who’s in your corner.
The people I see thriving in their later years make it a point to nurture meaningful relationships and build supportive communities.
They reach out to friends regularly, plan gatherings, volunteer in community groups, or mentor the younger generation.
They understand that no one looks back on their life wishing they’d spent more time isolated behind a desk.
Quality relationships also provide a powerful support system, especially when life throws challenges your way. Friends who truly know you—flaws and all—offer an irreplaceable sense of belonging and validation. And for many, that’s the real marker of success.
3. They maintain a healthy dose of self-compassion
We all make mistakes, we all have regrets, and we all wish we could travel back in time and do a few things differently.
But successful people in their 60s don’t wallow in self-blame or hold grudges against themselves.
They don’t treat their past errors like insurmountable roadblocks; they treat them as lessons that shape who they are today.
I once worked with a woman who, at 62, told me she felt “too old” to switch careers. She blamed herself for not making the change sooner and carried around loads of guilt.
Over time, she learned to say: “Well, that was then, and this is now.” She eventually launched her own consulting business, becoming a prime example of why it’s never too late to course-correct.
Self-compassion isn’t about letting yourself off the hook for everything.
It’s about acknowledging that you did the best you could with the knowledge and resources you had at the time. Brene Brown has famously said, “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” That’s what people who truly succeed in their later years do—they give themselves grace to try, fail, and try again.
4. They keep moving—literally
Successful aging isn’t just about mental agility or emotional resilience; it’s also about physical health.
People who continue to accomplish great things in their 60s and beyond take care of their bodies. They find ways to stay active that actually bring them joy, whether it’s daily walks, yoga, gardening, or dancing.
I’ve noticed that when exercise feels like a dreaded chore, motivation tanks pretty quickly.
But when it’s something you genuinely look forward to—like a dance class at the community center or gentle stretching in the morning—your body and mind both benefit. Keeping physically active doesn’t just improve longevity; it also enhances mood, reduces stress, and often sparks new friendships.
5. They invest in emotional intelligence
By the time you reach 60, chances are you’ve weathered a variety of emotional storms—loss, heartbreak, setbacks, and moments of profound joy.
The question is, what did you learn from those experiences?
You might have read my post on cultivating resilience in midlife, where I talked about how understanding your own emotions (and those of the people around you) significantly impacts your relationships.
Successful people in their 60s often show an advanced level of empathy.
They can navigate conflicts without letting them become all-out wars. They don’t avoid confrontation; they just handle it with kindness and clarity.
Much of this emotional intelligence comes from decades of seeing what works and what doesn’t—and then choosing to respond differently next time. They’re living proof that you can keep refining these skills at any stage of life.
6. They find purpose beyond a job title
One of the biggest questions I hear from clients who retire or downshift their careers is, “What do I do with myself now?”
Sometimes, our entire identity is so tightly wrapped up in our work that stepping away leaves us adrift. But successful people in their 60s rarely fall into that trap for long.
Maybe they volunteer at a local shelter, join a writing club, or become a mentor in their industry.
It’s not about how big or public your purpose is—it’s about finding meaning in what you do. Viktor Frankl wrote, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” That principle holds when your career path changes, too. You adapt by finding new ways to contribute to the world, ensuring you stay motivated, engaged, and fulfilled.
7. They stay open to new definitions of “success”
While some keep climbing the corporate ladder or growing their businesses, others redefine success altogether.
They might decide success looks like having more time with grandkids, exploring creative passions, or traveling around in an RV.
The point is, they don’t let past definitions box them in.
I remember talking to a retired finance executive who admitted he used to think success meant earning a certain income and managing a massive team.
In his 60s, he realized success for him meant having the freedom to spend winter months near his children and summers traveling. He’s happier than ever because he allowed that definition to shift, rather than clinging to what once was.
That flexibility—being able to change your goals, priorities, and perspectives—is a hallmark of people who continue to flourish well into their later years. They don’t see it as “downgrading” or “giving up.” It’s a wise recalibration to what matters most at that stage in life.
8. They make peace with aging (and use it to their advantage)
Aging can be unnerving. Societal norms often push the idea that once you’re past a certain age, you’re no longer “in your prime.”
Successful folks in their 60s push back on that nonsense. They acknowledge they might not have the same energy levels or the same memory recall as their younger selves.
But they also recognize they have something far more valuable—years of hard-earned life experience.
In your 60s, you often have a better grasp of what really resonates with you and what doesn’t. That clarity becomes a superpower. Rather than fighting every gray hair or new wrinkle, they accept these signs of aging as badges of wisdom.
This acceptance also frees up mental space. Instead of worrying about looking younger or keeping up with fleeting trends, they put their energy into projects, relationships, and passions that actually matter.
9. Finally, they keep a sense of humor and adventure
Some of the most inspiring people I’ve met in their 60s are the ones who never lost their spark of playfulness.
They don’t see themselves as “too old” to try zip-lining on a family trip or to laugh until their sides hurt at a stand-up comedy show. In fact, their sense of humor often seems sharper—like they’ve seen enough of life to appreciate the lighter side of it all.
When you bring that adventurous spirit to life’s challenges, even the tough moments become a bit more manageable.
You’re not just slogging through each day; you’re enjoying the journey. In this stage, many realize life is precious, and they embrace opportunities for joy wherever they can find them. After all, who said excitement and new discoveries are reserved for the young?
The bottom line
Reaching your 60s doesn’t mean stepping away from achievements; it can be a jumping-off point for a new wave of growth, purpose, and excitement.
The key is to remain curious, nurture meaningful relationships, and keep pushing the boundaries of what you thought was possible.
Whether you’re approaching this stage yourself or simply looking ahead, remember that age is merely one measure of time.
Your mindset, habits, and determination will always have more influence on what you can accomplish. So if you’re feeling that spark of motivation, don’t ignore it—fan the flames and watch where it takes you.
