Our elders are an example for young people in many areas of life, including enjoying life to the full.
The key to a full and happy life, beyond prolonged youth, is the wisdom to leave behind certain habits that no longer serve us. This is the view of self-development expert and writer Tina Fey, who highlights nine behaviors that people over the age of 70 who remain happy and satisfied have learned to avoid and which also serve as an example to younger people when it comes to developing a fulfilling life.
According to this American author, these people “consciously choose” to leave certain habits behind in order to make way for a fuller existence. In her study, she points out that the first step towards a happy old age is to “let go of the past”, advice that is useful for anyone of any age. In her opinion, this involves letting go of resentment, regrets and doubts about what might have been. Instead of clinging to mistakes or negative experiences, happy older people accept their history as part of their journey and choose to learn from it.
Another important aspect is “letting go of the obsession with perfection”, a habit that, according to the study, can cause unnecessary stress and prevent people from enjoying life. Instead, the most satisfied older people focus on doing the best they can and appreciating the process, because “the reality is that perfection is an illusion”.
Likewise, the author of books such as ‘Breaking the attachment’ highlights the importance of ‘prioritizing physical health’. Staying active through regular exercise and eating a balanced diet not only improves physical condition, but also mood and cognitive functions. Fey recalls that the World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week for people over 65. In addition, the study emphasizes the need to “maintain an active social life,” as genuine connections are fundamental to mental and physical well-being. This involves participating in community activities, keeping in touch with friends and making new friends.
Advice from seniors on how to achieve happiness
- Don’t obsess over perfection, as it causes unnecessary stress.
- Maintain physical health with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- Maintaining an active social life is important for mental and physical well-being
- Don’t avoid new experiences and getting out of your comfort zone, learn, travel or take up new hobbies
- Prioritize physical, emotional and mental self-care with small acts of self-care
- Let go of things that no longer serve you, adopt minimalism, understanding the freedom that comes with having fewer things
- Instead of resisting change, accept it and stay connected to the world and open to new possibilities
- Live fully in the present, as the past is gone and the future is not guaranteed; appreciate every moment and savor the simple joys
Their review of good habits finds that happy older people also “embrace new experiences,” which stimulates their minds and reminds them that there is always something new to learn. Whether it’s trying out a new recipe, traveling or taking up a new hobby, new experiences bring joy and new perspectives. Her analysis also emphasizes the need to “take care of oneself,” physically, emotionally and mentally, as self-care is fundamental to overall well-being. According to Tina Fey, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”, so small acts of self-care like reading a book or taking a walk can make a big difference. In addition, happy older people learn to “let go of unnecessary things”, understanding that less is more and that this generates freedom.
Finally, the writer emphasizes that happy older people “accept change” rather than resist it, and that this helps them to remain connected to the world. Above all, her analysis concludes that the key to happiness in old age lies in “living fully in the present”, savoring every moment, since the past is gone and the future is not guaranteed. According to Tina Fey, “life happens here and now. That’s where happiness and joy are to be found”, and she concludes that life in the golden years can be a wonderful stage if you choose the right habits and make the effort to cultivate them: “The key to staying happy and joyful in our 70s and beyond lies largely in the decisions we make”.
