Hitting 60 is a milestone, but it doesn’t mean life is over! In fact, it’s just beginning. However, there are a few habits and behaviors you might want to ditch if you are entering this exciting new chapter. Let’s take a look at 18 things that you might want to reconsider doing after 60.
Wear Uncomfortable Shoes
Limiting the risk of additional aches and pains as we age is important. It is crucial to take care of the feet, back, and spine. Wearing impractical high heels or shoes that don’t offer elderly feet support is not a good idea. ResearchGate explains how the “use of appropriate footwear can help to better stabilize the foot, thus reducing the risk of sustaining debilitating physical injuries.”
Obsess Over Appearance
As we age, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. But obsessing over wrinkles, gray hairs, or a changing body shape can steal our joy and distract us from the truly important things in life. Embracing our age and the wisdom it brings can be incredibly liberating.
Dwell on Regrets
Constantly dwelling on past mistakes, missed opportunities, or “what ifs” can be emotionally draining and prevent someone from fully embracing life in their senior years. Try not to get consumed by regrets; reflect on what can be learned from the past, but don’t let it define the rest of your days. Forgive and let go.
Give Up on Dreams
Just because you are old enough to get a free bus pass doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ride that bus all the way to Disneyland. Dreams don’t have an age limit, and if you are feeling like your days are numbered, then that’s all the more reason to keep chasing those dreams.
Begin Hoarding
It can be so easy for belongings to accumulate, each one often carrying sentimental value or memories. However, for those over 60, holding onto excessive possessions can get out of control. Clutter can create physical obstacles, increase stress, and even pose safety hazards. Mass.gov states that “significant hoarding can put individuals who hoard and their family members at serious risk of health problems.”
Compare Yourself to Others
As social circles may change or shrink with age, it could become easier to start comparing yourself to others. However, for those over 60, it’s important to remember that everyone ages differently, with unique experiences and challenges. Focusing on comparisons can lead to unnecessary self-doubt and dissatisfaction. It’s better to celebrate our own personal accomplishments instead!
Hold Onto Grudges
The weight of past grievances can become a heavy burden. Holding onto anger and resentment towards others can create a toxic inner environment, impacting both mental and physical well-being. It’s essential for those over 60 to prioritize forgiveness and let go of past hurts. This doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning what happened, but rather choosing to release it.
Avoid New Friendships
Nobody is too old to make a BFF, so if you are over 60, then you should not be avoiding opportunities to make new friendships. While it’s comfortable to stick with familiar faces, opening up to new people can bring fresh perspectives, shared experiences, and a renewed sense of purpose. Joining clubs, taking classes, or volunteering are all great ways to meet new people and combat feelings of isolation.
Neglect Health
Just because we get older doesn’t mean that we should give up on feeling fit and healthy. Studies identify it as “an independent risk factor for early mortality among the aged.” So keeping our nutrition, fitness, and overall health in good check as we age is more important than ever.
Make Excuses
Constantly making excuses can become a harmful habit as we age. Whether it’s blaming external factors for personal setbacks or avoiding responsibility for our actions, excuses prevent us from learning from our mistakes. For those over 60, it’s important to cultivate a sense of accountability and ownership over our lives. Embracing responsibility can lead to greater self-awareness, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life overall.
Not Indulge in Guilty Pleasures
Don’t quit the pleasures, but just the guilt! Embracing those little indulgences, whether it’s a decadent dessert, a cheesy reality TV show, or a lazy afternoon nap, can bring simple joys and add a touch of fun to daily life. There’s no need to feel guilty about enjoying yourself when you are over 60. Just go for it!
Isolate Yourself
Humans are social creatures; even introverted characters need some sort of social connection. As people age, their schedules get less busy, and they are often left feeling lonely and isolated. PBS NewsHour warns how “the loneliness of social isolation can affect older adults’ brains.” So, it is crucial for older people to stay connected.
Avoid New Experiences
The comfort of routine can be enticing at any age, but shutting the door on new experiences isn’t the answer to a happy retirement. Stepping outside of our comfort zones, trying new hobbies, traveling to a new destination, or simply engaging in a different social activity can ignite a spark again.
Spend Time with People You Dislike
Gone are the days when we wanted to be popular by the time we reached 60. It’s okay to prioritize your own happiness and surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Setting boundaries and politely declining invitations from people who don’t bring you joy is totally acceptable.
Drink All Night
While youthful stamina might have allowed for all-night partying in the past, for those over 60, the body simply doesn’t bounce back as quickly. Drinking all night can lead to dehydration, disrupted sleep patterns, and exacerbated health issues. Moderation becomes key in later years, not just for physical well-being but also for maintaining mental clarity and energy levels for the activities that truly matter.
Extreme Sports
Maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for those over 60, but is jumping off a cliff or bungee jumping really worth the risk? Activities like skydiving, rock climbing, or snowboarding can put undue stress on aging bodies and increase the likelihood of injuries. It’s important to consult with a doctor before embarking on any physically demanding activities and to consider gentler alternatives like hiking, swimming, or yoga, which can provide similar benefits without the same level of risk.
Use Slang
While it’s admirable to stay current with trends, forcing yourself to use modern slang when it doesn’t feel natural can be awkward and severely cringeworthy. For those over 60, trying too hard to fit in with younger generations by using unfamiliar slang can come across as inauthentic or out of touch. It’s more genuine to use your own voice and communicate in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Apologize For Being You
One of the most empowering things about growing older is the freedom to be unapologetically yourself. Those over 60 have earned the right to embrace their unique quirks, interests, and preferences without seeking validation from others. Whether it’s a love for cheesy songs, a penchant for bold fashion choices, or a preference for quiet evenings at home, there’s no need to apologize for enjoying what you like anymore.
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