6 Surprising Habits for a Happier Life After 60
What was the happiest time of your life? If you’re like many women over 60, the answer is “right now.” After 60 years of looking after other people, many of us are exploring our independence and building new lives, full of possibility and adventure.
Unfortunately, positivity is not equally distributed after 60. While some of us are having the time of our lives, others are still looking for direction, dealing with loneliness or looking to the past.
I passionately believe that every woman has the power to build her dream life after 60. One of the first steps on this journey is to learn to see the world with a sense of optimism, regardless of what is going on around you. Over the last several years, I have had the opportunity to talk with hundreds of women in the Sixty and Me community. In doing so, I have noticed some interesting commonalities between the most positive members of our group.
If you are not a natural optimist, I hope that you will find these traits inspiring. Make a conscious choice to build these habits into your daily life. They have the power to put you on the path to happiness and positivity.
Here are the traits that the happiest women I know have cultivated to get the most from life after 60.
Forgiveness
The happiest women in our community do not hold grudges. They know how to forgive others, and, more importantly, they know how to forgive themselves. This allows them to live fully in the present.
Do you find yourself feeling flustered by minor annoyances? Are you still feeling bad about a past relationship or a conflict long ago with family, friends or colleagues? Learn to let it go. The past is gone; all we have is the present moment. Forgiving others is one of the best ways to free up your mental space for a more abundant life.
One technique that I use on a regular basis is to write forgiveness notes to myself and others. I don’t actually send them. I just write them and keep them tucked away in a special box. It doesn’t matter whether you keep the letters or destroy them. The simple act of bringing your forgiveness into the world will give you a big positivity boost.
The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About
Acceptance
Perfection is an illusion. The happiest among us realize this and accept who they are, inside and out. You are not perfect despite your flaws. You are perfect because of your flaws.
This doesn’t mean that you should stop striving to be better. Many of the happiest women in our community see self-improvement as a worthy goal. But, perfection is not their aim.
Learn to laugh at your imperfections and the inadequacies of others. Set aside time every day to be grateful for the opportunities in your life. Life after 60 is full of small imperfections. Don’t let them get in the way of building the life you want.
Read The Magic of Shine in Our 60s, or How Comparing Ourselves to Others Can Actually Ruin Our Lives.
Curiosity
Some of the happiest women in the Sixty and Me community nurture a sense of lifelong learning and curiosity. They love to explore, stand in awe of nature and relish the little puzzles and contradictions of everyday life. One of the best ways to be happier is to keep asking questions and keep discovering the beauty of the world around you – in ways great and small. Be curious about people. Ask friends and strangers unexpected questions and be genuinely interested in their answers.
Read Rediscovering Joy: Picking Up New Hobbies in Your 60s and Beyond.
What are you curious about? Is there a hobby that you always wanted to try? Or, maybe you want to see more of the world. Be curious. Explore the world with the same daring that you felt during the 1960s. Our generation has always been a curious bunch and we’re just getting started.
Read 26 Surprising Habits of Happy Older Women (#18 Might Catch You Unprepared).
Generosity
If you want to be happier, bring joy into the lives of others. Your gifts don’t have to cost money for them to have value. Sometimes, kind words or a compliment are all that is needed to make someone else’s day. There is always one thing about someone that you can comment on. Even if to simply say, you have beautiful eyes or that color is perfect for you.
The happiest women in our community are generous with their time and attention. When you’re in their presence, you feel appreciated and loved.
What simple act of generosity could you perform today? Is there a person that you have been meaning to thank for their help? Do you have something sitting around your house, collecting dust, which someone else would find useful? Give generously and the world will pay you back in happiness.
Read How to Find Happiness by Creating More Space in Your Life After 60.
Gentleness
Many of the happiest women that I have met since starting Sixty and Me have big hearts and gentle souls. They are comfortable in their skins. They know how to accept compliments and they take pride in their accomplishments.
These women are not necessarily quiet or passive. As you know, I’m not a big fan of the concept of “aging gracefully.” But, they approach the world with a softness that makes others around them feel comfortable. They are their own biggest cheerleaders, without cheering. They are self-aware, without being self-promoting.
Learn to be gentle – with yourself and others. The world is harsh enough on its own.
Read Don’t Wait for the Perfect Moment – Make Your Moments Perfect.
Being Proactive
Many of the happiest women I know understand the power of small rituals. They don’t leave positivity and happiness to chance. They find small ways, every day, to be grateful, joyous and free. Some have a religious or spiritual practice that they enjoy. Others meditate, write in a happiness journal or set aside thinking time in the park.
These women have one thing in common – they are proactive. Rather than waiting for happiness to come to them, they look for happiness in their own hearts.
Read The Joyful Living Toolkit: 10 Transformative Practices.
Creating Your Happiness List
Happiness isn’t something that just happens – it’s something you cultivate daily. The happiest women I know take a proactive approach by creating small, meaningful rituals that boost their well-being. One effective way to do this is by making a “happiness list” – a personalized collection of simple activities that bring you joy and keep you feeling grounded.
Your happiness list might include:
- Morning gratitude exercises – Start each day by listing three things you’re grateful for.
- Journaling – Write down thoughts, reflections, or even small wins to reinforce positivity.
- Music and movement – Play your favorite song and dance around the house, or go for a relaxing walk outdoors.
- Creative expression – Engage in hobbies like painting, knitting, gardening, or photography.
- Daily connection – Make it a habit to call a friend, write a kind note, or engage with a community.
By intentionally weaving small joys into your routine, you create a daily foundation for happiness—one that is within your control, no matter what life brings.
Read 4 Ways to End the Day with Positivity.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you tried to change your habits to create more happiness in your life? What characteristics do the happiest women that you know share? Please leave a comment and let us know.
LEARN MORE
Watch my interview with Gretchen Rubin for some more ideas on how to be happier in your 60s and beyond:
Tags Finding Happiness
We are each responsible for our happiness and feelings of happiness. Thank you for providing this helpful information.
“I love this post about happiness habits as we get older!
For me, happiness comes from embracing the reality of aging rather than fearing it.
I acknowledge that I am getting older—and instead of resisting it, I choose to accept, adapt, and adjust to the changes that come with it. Every wrinkle, every gray hair, and every experience is a testament to the life I’ve lived and the wisdom I’ve gained.
But I also recognize that not everyone feels the same way. Some struggle with the idea of aging, and that’s okay too. It’s important to be kind to ourselves, find what makes us feel fulfilled, and create a life that brings us joy at every stage.
For years, I worked as an accountant, helping businesses and charities with their finances. But this year, I am making a bold decision to focus on developing myself as a happiness and wellbeing coach—because I truly believe that happiness is a choice we can cultivate, no matter our age.
For me, happiness means embracing change, staying active, learning new things, and surrounding myself with positivity. It’s not about clinging to the past but about creating new, exciting possibilities for the future.
awesome list! Totally agree with each and every idea. Than you for the reminders!
Great article, Margaret! I love the science of happiness. Such simple things to do and they make such a huge difference. The happiest women I know not only show gratitude, but go out of their way to say thank you in special ways like giving little treats or gifts they’ve made themselves. I use a gratitude journal. We can all find things to be grateful for. Even on the worst days, most can be grateful for the ability to walk, see or hear.