Ageing gracefully isn’t just about looking good, but also about feeling good.
Nobody wants to be miserable at 80. Yet, some habits we carry over after the age of 60 set the stage for a less happy future.
The tricky part is, we may not even be aware of these small, seemingly negligible actions.
In this article, I aim to highlight nine habits you might be unknowingly doing that could jeopardize your satisfaction in your 80s.
Let’s explore these potential mistakes and discuss how to avoid them for a happier, healthier future.
1) Not prioritizing your health
After crossing the 60-year milestone, health surely becomes a prime concern for most of us.
Unfortunately, some of us take it for granted. We neglect regular check-ups, continue with unhealthy food habits, or overlook the importance of exercise.
Consider this as the law of inertia from physics applied to our bodies. Our habits and actions today tend to direct our future state.
Think about it. A diet of junk food today can lead to complicated health issues tomorrow. A lazy attitude towards exercise now could set us up for mobility challenges in later years.
To avoid setting yourself up for misery in your 80s, start prioritizing your health today. It’s never too late to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Remember, we are what we repeatedly do. So break out of the inertia, build good habits, stay active, and make mindful choices for a healthier and happier future.
2) Ignoring mental health
I remember my grandma always used to say, “healthy mind in a healthy body”. For a long time, I didn’t pay much attention to those words.
As I hit the 60-year benchmark myself, I realized just how wise she was. Mental health is just as important as physical health, if not more.
I noticed that not maintaining social connections, not engaging in stimulating activities, or bottling up feelings instead of seeking help, led me to bouts of unnecessary anxiety and loneliness.
We often forget that our mental well-being majorly impacts our overall quality of life, especially in our later years. I learned that the hard way.
From my personal experience, let me assure you, it’s crucial to maintain positive mental health. An active social life, pursuing hobbies and interests or even seeking professional help when needed can make all the difference.
After all, what can be more gratifying than a peace of mind as we age?
3) Lack of financial planning
Retirement requires planning long before the actual event occurs. It’s like setting sails for a long journey – you wouldn’t start without a well-charted course, would you?
In a study by U.S. News, nearly three out of four Americans have less than a year’s income saved in retirement accounts. This lack of planning can lead to financial insecurity, negatively impacting the quality of life in the later years.
It’s essential to have a strategy for income flow after retirement and unexpected expenses. Regular saving, wise investments, and a clear understanding of your monetary requirements can help secure a comfortable and independent life post 60.
So, if you haven’t already, now is the time to start charting your financial journey for a worry-free future.
4) Neglecting relationships
Once we hit our golden years, relationships often take on a richer meaning. The rush and chaos of juggling career and parenting typically slow down, leaving more room in our lives for the people that matter.
Yet, many of us, past 60, unintentionally neglect to invest time and effort into these relationships. We become content living in our cocoon or get complacent about reaching out and nurturing bonds.
Isolation or a lack of social support during the later phase of life, however, can lead to loneliness or even depression.
As humans, we thrive on connections. So, maintaining strong relationships with family, friends, or community members not only feeds emotional health but also contributes to a higher sense of satisfaction and happiness in the twilight years.
Let’s remember, it’s the people in our life that make living worthwhile.
5) Postponing dreams
Our 60s often bring us to a turning point. With retirement, we finally get the time we always wished for to pursue our interests, go on that dream trip, or learn a new skill.
Yet, I’ve observed that many of us, myself included, tend to defer our dreams under the pretext of practicality and age.
The conflict between ‘I would love to do this’ and ‘Is it practical at my age?’ is an all too familiar one.
However, remember that passion and dreams have no expiration date. Being 60 or 80 doesn’t mean you have to put your dreams and aspirations on a shelf.
Pursuing what you love actually keeps you vibrant and alive, bringing a sense of accomplishment and happiness that no materialistic gain can ever provide.
So go ahead, dust off those dreams and paint your 80s with rich, fulfilling experiences. After all, life is too short for ‘what ifs’.
6) Forgetting to live in the present
With the toll of years on our bodies and minds, it’s easy to fall into the trap of living in the past or fretting about the future. We either end up reminiscing about the glory days or worrying excessively about what’s yet to come.
I’ve noticed a profound wisdom in children; they have this simple, beautiful ability to stay in the present, to really ‘live’ each moment as it comes.
However, as we age, we often lose sight of this essential value in life.
Although it’s crucial to plan for future and acknowledge the past, it’s equally important to not lose touch with the present. After all, it’s the only thing we truly possess. The joys of life lie in our daily activities, the unexpected laughter, a meaningful conversation, the beauty of a sunset.
Learning to stay present and savoring each moment can not only enrich our daily experiences, but also build a reservoir of happy memories, setting us up for a joyful journey even past 80.
7) Sticking to the familiar
For a long time, I was stuck in my ways. Whether it was lunch at the same old restaurant, visiting the same vacation spot, or even sticking to the same routine, I loved my comfort zone.
Change was something that intimidated me. I felt that at my age, change was no longer necessary, or maybe I was too old to adopt anything new.
However, I soon realized that this attitude was dampening my spirit and turning my life mundane.
Stepping out of the familiar opens up a world of new experiences, challenges and opportunities. It shakes up our routine and stirs vitality into our lives.
Whether it’s sampling a new cuisine, joining a book club, learning a new language, or even adopting a pet – these changes can make life past 60 exciting, fulfilling, and far from miserable.
From my own experience, I know it can be unnerving, but trust me, the rewards are worth it. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone!
8) Skipping regular screenings
Health check-ups and screenings are like the control tower for our body’s airplane. They guide us safely through any potential turbulence and keep us on track.
A common mistake many of us make past 60 is downplaying the importance of these regular screenings. We adopt an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ attitude and hope for the best. We ignore the signs our body might be giving us, dismissing them as ‘just age’.
However, the value of regular screenings cannot be overstressed. They are the ounce of prevention that can save a pound of cure.
Regular check-ups and screenings can help in early detection and management of multiple health issues, like heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and more. It is a step towards proactive health management and could even be a lifesaver.
Therefore, make your health your priority. After all, a healthier 60 is a happier 80.
9) Forgetting the importance of self-love
The most significant habit to cultivate as we grace our 60s and beyond is to practice self-love.
Many of us, myself included, have spent our prime years nurturing others, whether it’s our families, our jobs, or our social duties. Rarely have we paused to think about ourselves and asked the question – are we being kind to ourselves?
Our 60s and beyond are just the right time to show ourselves some love. Self-love is about accepting ourselves as we are, flaws and all, and being at peace with them. It’s about investing time and effort into our physical and mental well-being.
This self-love and acceptance, and the consequent self-care, form the pillars of a joyful life past 60 and well into our 80s.
We have journeyed a long road, and every wrinkle, every silver hair, every life experience has contributed to our unique self. Embrace it, love it, and live it to the fullest. After all, we are our greatest asset!