If you want your 60s to be some of the best years of your life, say goodbye to these 7 habits

Here’s the deal: As we age, our priorities change and so do our needs. And while some habits may have served us well in the past, they might not be as beneficial now.

The good news is that it’s never too late to start living a healthier and happier life. All it takes is the willingness to make a few adjustments.

If you’re ready to embrace your 60s as some of the best years of your life, here are 7 habits you might need to say goodbye to.

1) Dwelling on the past

As we grow older, there’s a tendency to look back at the years gone by – the good times, the bad, and everything in between.

And it’s perfectly natural to reminisce, but it can become detrimental if we start dwelling on the past. Often, we get stuck in a loop of ‘what ifs’ and ‘if onlys’.

Living in the past can prevent us from fully enjoying the present and embracing new experiences. It can also lead to feelings of regret, sadness, or even bitterness.

Instead, focus on making the most of each day as it comes. It’s never too late to create new memories and have new adventures.

2) Neglecting physical health

I’ll be honest, when I reached my 60s, I realized that I couldn’t take my body for granted anymore. The late-night snacks and skipped gym sessions that I could shrug off in my younger years were catching up with me.

I began to feel sluggish, my joints started aching, and my energy levels were plummeting. That’s when I knew I had to make a change. It was time to say goodbye to the habit of neglecting my physical health.

So, I started making small but consistent changes. I introduced more fruits and vegetables into my diet. I began going for daily walks in the park near my house. Slowly but surely, yoga became a part of my routine.

And you know what? The transformation was astonishing. Not only did I start feeling better physically, but my mental and emotional health improved too. My energy bounced back, the joint pains lessened, and I felt more alert and focused.

The takeaway here?

If you’re in your 60s and want these years to be some of your best, start prioritizing your physical health. Your future self will thank you for it.

3) Ignoring mental stimulation

Learning isn’t just for the young—it’s for anyone who wants to stay mentally sharp, curious, and engaged with life. 

As Dr. Tracy Brower, a Ph.D. sociologist, put it, “Learning is a sure path to happiness.” It fuels a sense of purpose, stimulates creativity, and opens doors to new experiences. Moreover, the folks at Harvard Health highlight that picking up a new skill can also slow cognitive decline. 

Personally, I’ve seen this in action. My neighbor—a vibrant 72-year-old—decided to take up painting last year. Not only has her artistry improved, but she beams with pride each time she shares a new piece. It’s not about becoming a professional; it’s about engaging with life.

Sign up for a class, dive into a hobby you’ve always wanted to explore, or even teach yourself something new using the endless resources available online. Your brain—and your happiness—will thank you.

4) Overlooking the importance of social interaction

Retirement opens up countless opportunities—more time to travel, explore hobbies, and enjoy the freedom you’ve worked so hard to achieve. 

But with these opportunities comes a hidden danger: the potential for social isolation. Without the built-in social structure of work, it’s easy to find your circle of interaction shrinking. And that can be more damaging than you might think.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness, has shown that strong relationships are critical to our health and well-being. In fact, it concludes that good relationships—not money or fame—are the key to living longer and happier lives. 

Yet, many retirees inadvertently withdraw from regular social contact, focusing instead on solitary activities or falling into patterns of isolation.

This is a mistake you can avoid. Use retirement as an opportunity to build or strengthen social connections. Join community groups, volunteer, or reignite old friendships. If you’re not sure where to start, think about activities that naturally bring people together—like playing cards, joining a book club, or taking part in local events.

5) Neglecting self-love

In our 60s, it’s not uncommon to become our own harshest critics. We might look back on our lives and focus on the mistakes we’ve made, the opportunities we’ve missed, or the paths we didn’t take. 

But here’s the thing: You’ve come a long way and have weathered many storms. It’s time to start acknowledging your journey, your strength, and the wisdom you’ve gained along the way.

This is where self-love comes into play. It’s about celebrating yourself, embracing your imperfections, and understanding that it’s okay not to be perfect.

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Saying goodbye to self-criticism and embracing self-love isn’t always easy. It takes time and practice. But once you start treating yourself with kindness and respect, you’ll find that your 60s can truly be some of your best years.

6) Avoiding change

I have always been someone who loves routine and predictability. The comfort of knowing what to expect has been my safety net for the longest time. But as I stepped into my 60s, I realized this comfort was turning into stagnation.

Avoiding change meant I was missing out on new experiences, learning opportunities, and personal growth. I was holding myself back from becoming the best version of myself.

So, I slowly started saying yes to change. It was scary at first, but it opened up a world of possibilities that I never knew existed.

Trust me, let go and embrace change. It could lead to unexpected joys and make these years some of the best in your life.

7) Forgetting to dream

Last but not least, just because you’re in your 60s doesn’t mean you should stop dreaming. 

Whether it’s a long-held desire to learn a new skill, travel to a specific place, or write that book you’ve always thought about, your dreams are still valid and achievable.

Dreaming gives us something to look forward to, something to strive for. It keeps us motivated and adds joy and excitement to our lives.

If you’ve tucked away your dreams thinking it’s too late, it’s time to bring them back out. Age is just a number, and it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

Final thoughts: It’s all about embracing change

Your 60s can be a time of incredible growth, joy, and fulfillment if you let them.

By saying goodbye to habits that no longer serve you and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead, you can create a life that’s healthier, happier, and more meaningful. 

It’s never too late to rewrite your story and make these years some of the best of your life.

Here’s to living well and loving every moment!