When my company downsized and I took early retirement at 62, it felt like the floor dropped out from under me. For weeks, I drifted around the house checking work emails that no longer existed, unsure of who I was without a job title.
But the confusion didn’t last forever. Slowly, almost unexpectedly, my 60s turned into the most meaningful, joyful decade of my life. Not because things became easier—but because I finally adopted habits that helped me embrace this phase instead of fearing it.
If you’re heading toward your 60s or already there, here are the 10 habits that changed everything for me.
1. I stopped waiting for permission to try new things
At 59, I picked up a guitar for the first time. My family thought I was going through a crisis. But learning those first few chords showed me one powerful truth: you’re never too old to start something new.
I spent decades following rules, seeking approval, and staying in my “lane.” Retirement rewired that mindset.
I took up Spanish at 61 so I could chat with my son-in-law’s family. I began watercolor painting even though I couldn’t draw a stick figure. Every new skill reminded me that growth has no age limit.
Stop overthinking. If something interests you, begin—even if you’re terrible at it at first.
2. I created routines that gave life structure
No one warns you that retirement can feel like an endless weekend. After a few weeks of wearing sweatpants and watching reruns, I realized I needed structure.
So I built simple, meaningful routines:
- A 6:30 a.m. walk with my golden retriever, Lottie
- A weekly Wednesday coffee date with my wife
- Sunday pancake mornings with the grandkids
These routines became anchors—not obligations—helping each week feel purposeful and grounded.
3. I finally learned how to ask for help
After knee surgery at 61, I tried to handle everything on my own until my wife called me out. I’d always seen asking for help as weakness. The truth? It takes strength to admit you need support.
Whether it’s asking someone to explain a tech issue, requesting help from a neighbor, or being honest with my doctor about pain, I realized people genuinely want to help.
Letting others support you gives them a sense of purpose too.
4. I invested in real friendships—not just acquaintances
Leaving the workplace showed me most of my “work friends” weren’t actually friends. Once the office connection disappeared, so did most conversations.
What mattered were the genuine relationships, like my longtime neighbor Bob—my chess partner and debate buddy.
I also joined a book club where I’m the only man. Intimidating at first, but those conversations expanded my world in ways I didn’t expect.
Friendships in your 60s don’t happen by accident. You have to show up, participate, and be open.
5. I made daily movement non-negotiable
After a heart scare at 58, I finally understood that my body needed consistent care.
No extreme workouts—just:
- Walking
- Light stretching
- Gardening
- Occasional group hikes
Movement keeps my body functioning and helps me listen to it better. Aging becomes less scary when you work with your body instead of fighting it.
6. I embraced discomfort instead of running from it
Joining Toastmasters at 55 terrified me. So did learning new technology. So did confronting my own biases when my daughter married outside our race.
Every uncomfortable moment made me more grounded, compassionate, and confident.
Growth often hides behind discomfort. Lean into it—you might surprise yourself.
7. I stopped defining my worth by productivity
After decades of working, doing nothing felt wrong. I’d feel guilty for an afternoon nap or reading a book in the middle of the day.
My wife asked: “Productive for what? And for whom?”
That question changed everything.
I learned to value presence over output. Some of my best days now involve nothing more than enjoying a mystery novel or playing with my grandkids.
8. I embraced creativity without judging myself
Watercolors, woodworking, sketching—I’m not great at any of them, and that’s the point.
Creativity helps quiet the mind. It gives your hands something to do and your thoughts somewhere to go. Even my crooked birdhouses make me smile because creating them felt good.
Forget mastery. Focus on expression.
9. I said yes to things that scared me a little
When my grandkids asked me to learn sign language to communicate with their deaf sibling, I almost panicked. But I did it anyway.
The joy on that child’s face was worth every awkward attempt.
A “yes” can change your life—especially when it nudges you slightly outside your comfort zone.
10. I practiced gratitude in a simple, realistic way
No journals full of motivational quotes. Just one small nightly habit:
Every evening, I write down one or two moments that mattered.
Small joys like:
- My dog greeting me at the door
- A grandchild’s joke
- The satisfaction of fixing something
This practice helped me notice joy without ignoring life’s challenges.
Gratitude doesn’t erase hardships—it helps you carry them more gently.
Final Thoughts
These changes didn’t happen all at once. They built slowly, like layers of a life I didn’t realize I was constructing. Before long, I found myself genuinely happy—something I didn’t expect entering my 60s.
Your 60s can be a beginning, not an ending.
What small habit can you start today that might transform your life a year from now?
