Ever stop to wonder why so many people seem to hit their stride later in life?
I’ve noticed friends in their 60s who are more content and vibrant than they ever seemed in their 30s, and it got me thinking: what changed?
We all like to joke about how we’re ‘over the hill’ at that age, but maybe that’s where the view is best.
Today, I want to share seven things I believe people who find greater happiness in their 60s are doing right.
1. They prioritize quality relationships
It’s often been said that the people we surround ourselves with can make or break us.
That old cliché about “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” feels especially true the older I get.
But it’s not only anecdotal. The famous Harvard Study of Adult Development, which spanned decades, found that strong relationships are vital to our well-being, even more so than wealth or status.
When you’re in your 30s, you might be caught up hustling, chasing career goals, and juggling a hundred things at once. As you move into your 60s, you realize that meaningful relationships—family, friends, trusted colleagues—are the real anchors in your life.
They show up for you, you show up for them, and that mutual support keeps you emotionally balanced.
If you’re happier in your 60s, there’s a good chance you’ve built and maintained bonds that actually feed your soul.
You probably started setting aside time for lunches with old friends, video calls with grandkids, or simply checking in with neighbors.
It’s that sense of community that can keep you going strong.
2. They take care of their bodies and minds
I’ve seen people in their 60s who could give me a run for my money—literally.
They hike, they do yoga, they hit the gym, and they prioritize sleep like it’s a sacred ritual.
I get it. In my 30s, I often felt invincible, thinking I could get by on minimal sleep and questionable nutrition.
But as time goes on, it’s hard to outrun poor habits.
Taking care of your body and mind doesn’t mean you have to run marathons. Maybe it’s daily walks, light strength training, or just focusing on good, whole foods.
It’s about being consistent.
According to the National Institutes of Health, regular exercise can drastically improve mood, cognition, and overall health—especially as we age.
And this leads to a simpler truth: it’s easier to be happy when your body doesn’t feel like it’s constantly dragging.
I remember reading James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits,” who wrote, “You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.”
Those in their 60s who are enjoying life more likely started building better systems: scheduling exercise time, making healthy meals, and prioritizing rest.
In turn, they have more energy to do the things that make them happy.
3. They embrace lifelong learning
Ever chat with someone older who’s way more up to date on tech than you are?
They’re the ones who know how to navigate social media better than you, or who are constantly picking up new skills. That’s no accident.
Staying curious and continuing to learn can be a huge factor in long-term happiness.
According to psychologists, engaging your brain helps maintain mental sharpness and a sense of purpose.
Lifelong learning doesn’t have to be formal education, though plenty of retirees do go back to school.
It might mean taking up a new hobby, reading widely, or watching tutorials to master a new skill—like graphic design or drone piloting. When you keep learning, you’re also future-proofing your mind.
As Tim Ferriss has said, “What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.”
That might be signing up for an online course you’ve always been curious about, or diving into a side project you once found intimidating.
Those who are happier in their 60s often keep their minds engaged, which helps them feel more connected to the world around them.
4. They cultivate a sense of gratitude
I’ve mentioned this in a previous post, but it’s worth repeating because gratitude is so easy to forget when life is hectic.
In our 30s, it’s common to focus on what’s next: the next promotion, the next investment, the next vacation.
But if you’re smiling more in your 60s, it might be because you’ve learned to appreciate what you already have.
There’s solid science behind it, too. A study from Harvard Health found that people who regularly practice gratitude report feeling more optimistic and better about their lives overall.
They even make more progress toward personal goals.
When you’re consistently thankful for life’s blessings—even small ones—it becomes second nature to see the positive side of things.
Personally, I started a simple gratitude practice a while back, and it changed the way I view my day. It’s nothing fancy: just jotting down a couple of things that went well or that I’m grateful for.
By the time you hit your 60s, if you’ve been doing that for years, you’ve likely trained your mind to spot the silver linings without even trying. And that, my friends, is a recipe for contentment at any age.
5. They know when to say “no”
One of the biggest challenges in our 30s is overcommitting.
We say yes to everything—work projects, social obligations, networking events—because we think that’s how we’ll get ahead.
And sure, it might yield some career gains, but it can also lead to burnout, stress, and a serious lack of fulfillment.
By the time you’re in your 60s, chances are you’ve learned the art of saying “no” to what doesn’t serve you. You realize your time is precious, and you only have so much energy in a day.
Greg McKeown, author of “Essentialism,” says, “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” That’s powerful stuff.
When you finally figure out that not every opportunity is worth your time, you make space for the things that truly matter. Less hustle, more flow.
If you’re seeing people who are genuinely happier in their 60s, they’ve probably streamlined their schedules and commitments.
They give their time to projects, people, and causes that align with their values. And guess what that leaves them with?
A calmer, more fulfilling life.
6. They foster financial wisdom
No, money can’t buy happiness.
But the way you manage it can certainly help you avoid a ton of stress.
I’ve noticed that people who are smiling wide in their 60s often have a more grounded relationship with money than they did in their 30s.
They’re not necessarily wealthy, but they understand how to budget, invest, and spend in a way that aligns with their life goals.
Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s long-time business partner, once said, “Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up.”
That might not directly scream ‘financial advice,’ but it points to incremental gains in knowledge and decision-making.
When you gradually learn better money habits—like living below your means, saving for a rainy day, or investing in areas you truly care about—you set yourself up for a less stressful future.
The payoff is the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re not a slave to debt or living paycheck to paycheck.
You can take that trip you’ve been dreaming about or simply enjoy your retirement without worrying that the money will dry up tomorrow.
It’s hard to deny the contentment that comes from financial stability, especially later in life.
7. They find (or create) a sense of purpose
You might retire in your 60s, but if you’re truly happy, you probably haven’t retired from life.
I’ve encountered retirees who volunteer at local charities, mentor young entrepreneurs, or even kick off new business ventures.
It’s that pursuit of purpose—something bigger than yourself—that keeps you going.
Jordan Peterson has famously said, “Pursue what is meaningful, not what is expedient.” While that might mean different things to different people, the essence remains the same.
In our 30s, purpose can sometimes get tangled in our job titles or social status. By 60, many folks see through that illusion and realize purpose is more about contributing to the world in a meaningful way.
Maybe you’re raising grandkids, writing a book, coaching a youth team, or volunteering at an animal shelter.
Whatever it is, it likely feeds your sense of being needed and valued.
That sense of contribution can be a strong antidote to the loneliness or aimlessness some people feel as they age. If you’re waking up every day with something positive to work on, it’s a lot easier to keep a smile on your face and hope in your heart.
And to round things off (though it’s no small matter)…
Happiness in your 60s doesn’t just magically appear; it’s often built on the habits, attitudes, and decisions you’ve shaped over time.
If you’re among those who feel more content, it might be because you’ve nurtured deep relationships, cared for your body and mind, kept learning, practiced gratitude, set boundaries, got wise about your finances, and found a sense of purpose.
The good news is, regardless of your age, it’s never too late to start adopting these habits.
I’m in my 30s, and I look forward to learning from the role models who are hitting their stride in their 60s and beyond.
There’s no reason we can’t start now.
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