If you want to thrive as you get older, say goodbye to these 7 habits

Getting older can be a challenging journey, one filled with both delight and difficulty.

And while we often look forward to the wisdom and experience that comes with age, there are certain habits that might be holding us back.

I’ve been there, trying to cling onto routines and behaviors that I thought defined me, only to realize they were doing more harm than good.

It isn’t always a grand revelation either. Sometimes, it’s a subtle nudge from within that tells you it’s time to let go of certain habits. Even when every fiber of your being resists, you know it’s the right thing to do.

Here’s my take on how you can identify these habits and bid them farewell for good.

1) Holding onto grudges

As we age, we accumulate experiences, both good and bad. And with those experiences come a fair share of grudges.

You may have been wronged or hurt by someone, and it’s only natural to feel resentment towards them. But over time, holding onto these grudges can be draining, both emotionally and mentally.

It’s like carrying a heavy burden that just keeps getting heavier with each passing day. And believe me when I say this, it’s not a load you want to carry into your golden years.

The idea isn’t about forgiving and forgetting instantly. It’s about acknowledging the pain, the hurt, and then consciously deciding to let it go. It doesn’t mean that what happened was okay, it just means that you are choosing your peace over your past.

2) Ignoring self-care

Now, this is something I’ve been guilty of more times than I’d like to admit.

As we grow older, we often find ourselves in the role of a caregiver. We put everyone else’s needs above our own and often forget that we too need care and attention.

I used to be one of those people who thought self-care was selfish. Until one day, I realized I was running on empty. I was so focused on taking care of everyone around me, that I had completely neglected my own needs.

And let me tell you, it was a wake-up call. One that made me understand that taking care of myself wasn’t selfish, it was necessary.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. To be there for others, you first need to be there for yourself. This means taking the time to rest, eat well, exercise and do the things you love.

If you want to thrive as you age, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of ignoring self-care. Prioritize yourself and take the time to replenish your energy and restore your spirit.

3) Living in the past

The great Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

There’s a profound wisdom in these words that resonates with me deeply. I’ve found that as we age, it’s easy to get caught up in nostalgia, to dwell on the past and the ‘good old days’.

But here’s the thing, while it’s nice to look back and cherish the wonderful memories we’ve created, constantly living in the past can hold us back from truly experiencing the present.

Just like riding a bicycle, if we stop moving forward and focus too much on what’s behind us, we lose balance and fall. We miss out on the beauty of now, the opportunities that today presents.

Letting go of this habit of living in the past is not about forgetting or disregarding your experiences. It’s about using them as stepping stones to propel you into a better future. It’s about acknowledging where you’ve been and then focusing on where you’re going.

4) Neglecting social connections

Did you know that humans are inherently social creatures? We crave connection, companionship and a sense of belonging.

As we age, it can be easy to let those connections slip away. Maybe we feel like we’re too busy, or perhaps it seems like too much effort to maintain relationships.

I’ve seen it happen, we start retreating into our comfort zones, choosing solitude over social interaction. But this isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and even affect our mental health.

It’s not about having a packed social calendar or being the life of the party. It’s about maintaining meaningful relationships, cherishing those deep conversations with friends or enjoying the simple pleasure of a shared meal.

Saying goodbye to the habit of neglecting social connections is key if you want to thrive as you get older. Remember, no man is an island. We thrive in community, in connection with others.

So reach out, reconnect and cherish those relationships that add joy and meaning to your life.

5) Avoiding new experiences

Getting older can sometimes feel like you’ve seen it all, done it all.

But that’s far from the truth. There’s a whole world out there filled with new experiences waiting for you to explore.

The thought of trying something new can be intimidating, especially as we age. Our comfort zones become, well, comfortable. But that’s precisely when we need to shake things up a bit.

I remember when I decided to take up painting at the age of 50. I had never held a brush in my life and didn’t even know where to start. But I did start. And I discovered a whole new passion that brought so much fulfillment and joy into my life.

You never know, your next passion could be just around the corner waiting for you to discover it. So why not take the leap and try something new today?

6) Resisting change

Change is inevitable. It’s a part of life and it’s something that we can’t avoid, no matter how much we might want to sometimes.

As we age, it can be tempting to resist change. We find comfort in the familiar, in the routines and habits that we’ve built over time.

But here’s the thing – resisting change doesn’t stop it from happening. It only prevents us from growing and adapting, from learning and evolving.

A few years back, I was hesitant to learn how to use a smartphone. I was comfortable with my old phone and didn’t see the need for a new one. But when I finally gave in and embraced the change, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.

If you want to thrive as you get older, it’s time to say goodbye to the habit of resisting change. Embrace the new, adapt to the changes around you and see it as an opportunity for growth and development.

7) Overlooking the power of gratitude

As we age, it can be easy to focus on what we’ve lost or what we don’t have. But shifting our focus to what we do have can make a world of difference.

I’ve found that practicing gratitude is like shining a spotlight on the good in my life. It’s a reminder of all the wonderful things I have, things that are easy to take for granted.

It might be something as simple as a beautiful sunrise, a good book or a hearty meal. It could be the love and support of family and friends or even the gift of good health.

Incorporating gratitude into my daily routine has been a game-changer. It has shifted my perspective and helped me appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.

Adopt an attitude of gratitude and watch how it transforms your life.

The final takeaway

Growing older is inevitable, but how we age is largely within our control.

If you find these habits resonating with you, know that it’s never too late for change. The key is awareness and a conscious effort to unlearn these habits.

Begin by acknowledging these habits and understand how they might be holding you back. Recognize the moments when you’re holding onto a grudge or neglecting self-care. Pay attention to when you’re resisting change or overlooking the power of gratitude.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and patience. But remember, each small step towards letting go of these habits is a step towards a more fulfilling and thriving life.

As the famous writer C.S Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

It’s time to let go of these habits and make room for growth, fulfillment, and vitality as you age.