Top tips to make the most of ageing joyfully
Ageing Can Expand Happiness
Our society generally assumes happiness declines with age, but modern research tells a different story. Over 50s report higher levels of contentment and life satisfaction than teenagers and young adults.
Satisfaction for Australian seniors is generally high and positive, with reports showing that nearly one-third of people over 50 feel their happiest times are after this age. Key drivers of satisfaction include discovering simple pleasures, building stronger relationships, and having a greater appreciation for the present.
How can we make the most of life and our approach, can vastly affect these years.
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Bring back play
Play isn’t only for children. Adults who make time for play experience genuine benefits, whether through hobbies, game nights, or trying new activities simply for enjoyment. Research indicates that engaging in leisure activities supports older adults in maintaining cognitive function, physical health, and mental wellbeing.
Additionally, playful ageing enhances attention, working memory, mood, and social connections. As many of us know from experience, play and joy release feel-good chemicals like dopamine, reduce stress, and foster stronger relationships.
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Be ready!
Studies indicate that people who cultivate hobbies, maintain strong social connections, and create meaningful routines in the first half of their life tend to navigate more successfully and experience greater overall wellbeing.
The goal isn’t merely to occupy time, but to redesign your days with intention and fulfilment. This could involve joining a walking club, picking up a musical instrument, caring for a garden, or engaging in local community activities—pursuits that foster growth, relationships, and enjoyment.
Join those groups and figure out what you love.
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Appreciate the little things
Joy doesn’t need to stem from major milestones or grand accomplishments, especially as we age. Studies in positive psychology reveal that appreciating simple everyday moments can enhance your mood and strengthen emotional resilience.
It’s the little things—like the comforting warmth of a cup of tea, the melody of a bird’s song, or the gentle touch of sunlight on your skin—that matter most. The key is to slow down and fully experience these moments, rather than moving through life on autopilot.
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Be adaptable
Embrace Multiple Roles and Identities
Whether as a friend, mentor, sister, parent, or volunteer, many of us navigate life through a spectrum of identities. Research shows that engaging in a variety of roles contributes to improved mental health and resilience over time. When one role diminishes or transforms, other roles provide support and preserve a sense of purpose and connection.This adaptability in identity serves as an emotional safety net. Studies reveal that those who nurture diverse roles experience higher life satisfaction and lower incidences of depression.
The Booming Business of Active Wellbeing Over 50
According to Zea, Australia is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with the aging population becoming a powerful force in shaping the nation's economy and lifestyle trends. As the over 50s demographic continues to grow, so does the business of aging health and wellness.
Government statistics tell us that in a departure from the traditional stereotype of retirement, many Australians in this age group are choosing to embrace an active and vibrant lifestyle, driving the demand for travel, business ventures, active wellbeing programs, apps, and other tools to help us to discover the best balance for ourselves.
They report that “One notable trend among the over 50s in Australia is their passion for travel. Many are seizing the opportunity to explore new destinations, experience diverse cultures, and engage in adventurous and potentially risky activities (hiring a scooter in Rome seemed like a good idea at the time, they said).
However, the reality of long-haul flights, carting luggage and the general physical demand on our bodies in the name of intrepid excursions, has created a shift in the mindset of over 50s to strive for better wellbeing. The concept of retirement villages and minibus rides to regional tea houses has been replaced by the desire to enjoy the second half of our lives with a sense of bravery and discovery. The over 50s are opting for extended holidays, team sport, wellness retreats, and even volunteer programs abroad. Striving for personal enrichment particularly post-covid, has created an extremely motivated age demographic”.