Hello, my lovely readers! I’m Tina Fey—no, not that Tina Fey who does SNL skits—just the gal who started Love Connection and writes for Blog Herald. I’ve been diving deep into the world of self-improvement and relationships for over a decade now. Let’s just say I’ve seen and studied plenty—everything from the joys of turning 30 to the “wait, where did all the years go?” moment at 60. And if there’s one thing I know, it’s that a happier life doesn’t magically drop into your lap; you’ve got to wave goodbye to habits that drag you down.
Whether you’re charging headlong into your 60s or just warming up the engine in your 50s, here are eight habits you’ll want to ditch faster than your old flip phone. Let’s get right to it, shall we?
1. Obsessing Over Other People’s Opinions
They say “live and let live,” but if you’re anything like me (prone to internal monologues as dramatic as a Shakespearean play), you might catch yourself panicking about who thinks what. You know, that old high-school drama in a grown-up wrapper. Time to pack that away.
Try This Instead: Make decisions based on your values. If you want to dance salsa in your living room at 6 a.m. (like I do, sorry neighbors), go for it. Life’s too short to be a prisoner of imaginary judgments.
2. Procrastinating on Personal Passions
Trust me, nothing haunts us like the dreams we kept saving for “next week.” I once spent two years saying I’d learn the ukulele “someday.” Spoiler alert: that “someday” never came. When you’re in your 60s or beyond, each day is too precious to be pushing your passions into the indefinite future.
What to Do Instead: Pick one small, doable step. If you’ve always wanted to paint, grab a canvas and some paintbrushes online—two clicks and you’re there. Don’t leave your bucket list rotting in the bucket.
3. Hanging On to Toxic Relationships
Let’s be real: some people are more draining than a leaky faucet. If you’re dealing with repeated negativity or manipulative behavior, giving that person the polite-but-firm boot can be the greatest act of self-care.
My Personal Moment: I had a “friend” once who only called to complain about her exes and never asked about my life. Eventually, I realized we’d drifted so far that the conversation was just me playing therapist. Snipping that tie felt like escaping a never-ending soap opera. Liberating!
4. Thinking It’s ‘Too Late’ to Try Something New
Cliché alert: Age is just a number, folks. I know a 70-year-old who took up stand-up comedy—and he’s genuinely hilarious. If he can try new jokes in front of a crowd, you can try baking, belly dancing, or even building a birdhouse.
Turn It Around: Flip that limiting belief into a challenge. Turn “I’m too old” into “Wait, how can I make this fun?” Accept the fresh start and run with it, walker or not.
5. Neglecting Your Body
Yeah, we all know the dreaded “E” word—Exercise. I’d be lying if I told you I jump out of bed excited to do squats every morning, but here’s the truth: sitting around like a houseplant with a Netflix subscription will only breed stiffness and aches. Movement matters at any age, especially after 60.
Simple Steps: Go for a 10-minute walk. Try water aerobics. Maybe give yoga a shot. If I can attempt to do a downward-facing dog without toppling over, so can you.
6. Hoarding Grudges Like They’re Rare Collectibles
Ever notice how grudges start feeling heavier the longer you carry them? Sure, that old coworker from 1987 who stole your lunch from the break room was rude, but do you really need to hang on to that rage another 40 years?
Release & Reset: Forgiving isn’t about letting them off the hook; it’s about letting yourself off the hook. Write a letter and burn it (safely), talk it out with a friend, or just decide you’ve got better ways to spend your mental energy.
7. Refusing to Ask for Help
Remember, no one hands out trophies for “going it alone.” Getting older can mean new challenges—health stuff, daily tasks that suddenly become tricky, or even heartbreak that stings in ways you didn’t anticipate.
Where to Begin: Ask a grandkid to show you how to use that fancy smartphone feature (the one you still call “that newfangled doohickey”). Don’t be shy about leaning on your support system—family, friends, or a local community group. People are often happier to help than you’d think.
8. Putting Off Genuine Connections
Quality beats quantity in relationships. The older you get, the more you realize small, intimate moments can be the sweetest—whether it’s with a best friend, a partner, or even that neighbor who shares your love for weird indie movies.
Make It Count: Carve out weekly coffee breaks or FaceTime calls with the people who light up your life. That sense of closeness is the secret sauce for longevity, not the number of random acquaintances in your Facebook feed.
Final Word
A joy-filled life in your 60s and beyond isn’t just about traveling the world or launching a second career (though, hey, if that’s your thing, I salute you!). It’s about shedding the baggage that weighs you down. Say goodbye to these eight habits—and say hello to a freer, more vibrant you.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a salsa session in my living room to get to. Time to crank up the tunes—neighbors, brace yourselves.
