My 68-year-old neighbor, Margaret, is one of those people who just radiates energy. While others her age seem to be slowing down, she’s out there tending her garden at dawn, hosting dinner parties, and planning her next adventure.
It got me thinking—what exactly separates people who seem to be truly thriving in their 60s and beyond from those who appear to be just getting by?
Well, through my work as a relationship expert and observing people like Margaret, I’ve noticed some distinct patterns. There are certain behaviors and attitudes that seem to be common among older adults who aren’t just surviving—they’re genuinely flourishing.
If you’re still doing these seven things in your 60s, you’re not just aging gracefully—you’re absolutely thriving.
1. You’re still curious about learning new things
Margaret recently enrolled in a pottery class at the community center. When I asked her why, she shrugged and said, “I’ve always wanted to try it. Why not now?”
I think, that curiosity—that willingness to step into unfamiliar territory—is what keeps people vibrant at any age. But don’t just don’t take it from me. Here’s what some researchers had to say:
“We found that later‐life education slowed cognitive decline and improved cognitive function, especially verbal memory, verbal fluency, and episodic memory”
Too many people think learning stops after retirement, but the most thriving individuals I know treat every day as an opportunity to discover something new. Whether it’s picking up a musical instrument, learning a language, or exploring technology, they maintain that beginner’s mindset.
And the beauty of learning in your 60s is that you’re doing it purely for joy, not for grades or promotions. You’re free to explore whatever genuinely interests you without the pressure of external expectations.
2. You maintain meaningful relationships
“Good relationships don’t just protect our bodies; they protect our brains,” said Robert Waldinger, Director of Harvard Study On Adult Development.
Margaret is living proof of this.
Her calendar is busier than mine most weeks—coffee dates, book club meetings, family dinners, and regular phone calls with friends scattered across the country. She doesn’t just maintain these connections; she actively nurtures them.
Another thing I’ve noticed about people thriving in their 60s is that they understand the difference between having many acquaintances and having deep, meaningful relationships. They invest time in the people who truly matter.
Sure, their social circles might be smaller than they were decades ago, but the quality is extraordinary. These are the friends who show up when life gets tough, who celebrate the wins, and who provide that sense of belonging we all crave.
If you’re still prioritizing relationships and making new connections in your 60s, you’re doing something incredibly right.
3. You stay physically active in ways you enjoy
Margaret doesn’t hit the gym for hours or run marathons, but she’s constantly moving. Whether she’s dancing in her kitchen while cooking, taking evening walks around the neighborhood, or doing gentle stretches in her backyard, she keeps her body engaged.
And when we look at what the experts have to say, this makes perfect sense. For instance, Dr. Linda P. Fried, dean of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, has said: “Exercise is the closest thing we’ve found to a magic pill for combating the effects of aging”.
The key here isn’t about being a fitness fanatic—it’s about finding movement you genuinely enjoy. I’ve seen people in their 60s discover swimming, take up ballroom dancing, or simply make gardening their daily workout.
The thriving ones don’t force themselves into exercise routines they hate. Instead, they’ve figured out how to weave physical activity into their lives in ways that feel natural and fun.
Your body doesn’t care if you’re lifting weights or chasing grandchildren around the park—it just wants to keep moving.
4. You embrace playfulness and spontaneity
George Bernard Shaw, the playwright, once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”. Margaret embodies this perfectly.
Just last month, she impulsively bought a bright purple hat at a yard sale and wore it to the grocery store simply because it made her smile. When her grandkids visit, she’s the first one to suggest building a fort or having a water balloon fight.
There’s something magical about people who refuse to let societal expectations of “acting their age” dim their spark. They laugh loudly, try silly things, and aren’t afraid to look foolish.
Are you still finding reasons to be playful, to laugh until your sides hurt, and to do things just because they bring you happiness? Good for you!
5. You adapt to change rather than resist it
When Margaret’s longtime hairdresser retired, instead of complaining about it for months, she saw it as an opportunity to try a completely different style. “Change happens whether we like it or not,” she told me. “Might as well make it work for us.”
This adaptability is something I see consistently in people who are excelling as they age. They don’t waste energy fighting inevitable changes—whether it’s technology, family dynamics, or physical limitations. Instead, they find creative ways to work with their new reality.
Maybe their knees aren’t what they used to be, so they switch from jogging to swimming. Perhaps they can’t see as well at night, so they become the friend who hosts dinner parties instead of driving to them.
The key is flexibility without surrender. They’re not giving up on life; they’re simply adjusting their approach.
6. You maintain a sense of purpose
Margaret volunteers at the local literacy center twice a week, teaching adults how to read. When I asked her about retirement, she laughed and said, “Retire from what? Helping people?”
These folks may not have a job but they sure haven’t retired from purpose.
This might look like mentoring younger people, volunteering for causes they care about, or finally pursuing that passion project they never had time for. Some become the family historians, others focus on environmental causes, and some discover they love teaching.
What matters isn’t the specific purpose—it’s having something that gets you excited to wake up in the morning. That sense of being needed, of making a difference, keeps people engaged with life in the most beautiful way.
7. You practice gratitude for what you have
Perhaps most crucially, I’ve noticed that people thriving in their 60s have developed this remarkable ability to focus on abundance rather than loss. Yes, they acknowledge that some things have changed, but they don’t let that overshadow all the good that remains.
They’re grateful for their health, whatever level it’s at. They appreciate relationships that have deepened over time. They find beauty in having the freedom to choose how to spend their days.
This isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about recognizing that gratitude is a practice that gets stronger with time—and the people who’ve mastered it seem to glow from within.
Final thoughts
Watching Margaret and others like her has taught me that thriving in your 60s isn’t about defying age—it’s about embracing it with intention and joy.
If you recognize yourself in several of these behaviors, congratulations—you’re not just surviving your 60s, you’re making them some of your best years yet.
And if you’re not quite there, don’t worry. These are choices you can make starting today.
