Getting older doesn’t mean losing your happiness. In fact, some of the most joyful people in their 70s and beyond seem lighter, freer, and more content than ever.
What’s their secret? It’s not just about what they do—it’s also about what they’ve let go of.
Over the years, they’ve learned that certain traits only bring stress and negativity. And by saying goodbye to them, they’ve made more room for joy, peace, and fulfillment.
Here are the traits that happy, thriving older adults have left behind.
1) Holding onto grudges
Life is too short to carry old resentments. And the happiest people in their 70s and beyond know this well.
Holding onto grudges only weighs you down. It keeps you stuck in the past, reliving negativity instead of enjoying the present.
That’s not to say they’ve forgotten every wrong done to them. But they’ve learned to let go—for their own peace of mind.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing bad behavior. It simply means choosing not to let bitterness control your life. And the happiest older adults have made that choice.
2) Worrying about what others think
I used to spend so much time second-guessing myself, wondering what people thought of me. Did they like me? Was I saying the right things? Did I fit in?
But over the years, I realized something: most people are too busy worrying about themselves to be judging me all the time. And even if they were, why should I let their opinions dictate my happiness?
The happiest people in their 70s and beyond have let go of this constant need for approval. They live life on their own terms, doing what makes them feel good instead of trying to please everyone else.
Letting go of that worry was one of the most freeing things I ever did. And I can tell you—it’s a big part of staying joyful as you get older.
3) Comparing themselves to others
Nothing steals joy faster than constantly measuring yourself against other people. And those who stay happy well into their 70s and beyond have learned to stop playing the comparison game.
Studies have shown that social comparison can lead to higher stress levels and lower self-esteem. The more people compare themselves to others, the less satisfied they tend to be with their own lives.
Happy older adults focus on their own journey. They celebrate their achievements, embrace their imperfections, and appreciate what they have—without worrying about how they stack up against someone else.
4) Dwelling on regrets
Everyone has moments in life they wish had gone differently. But the people who stay joyful in their 70s and beyond have learned not to let regret consume them.
Spending too much time thinking about “what could have been” only leads to frustration and sadness. It doesn’t change the past—it just takes away from the present.
Instead of dwelling on regrets, happy older adults focus on what they can control: the choices they make today. They learn from their past, but they don’t let it define them.
5) Expecting life to be fair
For a long time, I believed that if I worked hard and did the right things, life would reward me in kind. But as the years went by, I realized that life doesn’t always work that way.
Good people face hardships. Effort doesn’t always lead to success. Sometimes, things happen that just don’t make sense.
The happiest people in their 70s and beyond have stopped expecting life to be fair. Instead, they accept life as it comes—finding joy in the good moments and resilience in the tough ones. It’s not about giving up; it’s about letting go of unrealistic expectations and making the most of what is.
6) Trying to control everything
There’s a certain peace that comes with realizing you can’t control everything. The happiest people in their 70s and beyond have learned this lesson well.
Trying to micromanage every outcome, every situation, and even other people only leads to frustration. Life is unpredictable, and no amount of planning or worrying can change that.
Instead of stressing over things they can’t control, joyful older adults focus on what they *can*—their attitude, their choices, and how they respond to life’s ups and downs. And that makes all the difference.
7) Neglecting their relationships
The people who stay happiest in their 70s and beyond know that life isn’t about money, achievements, or status—it’s about the people you share it with.
They prioritize friendships, make time for family, and nurture meaningful connections. They don’t let pride, grudges, or busyness get in the way of the relationships that matter most.
At the end of the day, joy isn’t found in what you have—it’s found in who you have.
bottom line: happiness is a choice
A joyful life in your 70s and beyond isn’t just about luck—it’s about mindset.
Research has shown that emotional well-being often improves with age, as older adults tend to focus more on positive experiences and let go of unnecessary stress. This shift isn’t accidental; it comes from consciously releasing what no longer serves them.
Happiness isn’t found in chasing perfection, dwelling on the past, or controlling every outcome. It’s found in gratitude, connection, and embracing life as it comes.
The people who stay truly joyful in their later years aren’t holding onto things that weigh them down. They’ve made a choice—one we all have the power to make.
