There comes a point in life when we should reconsider certain habits and behaviors—not just for physical wellbeing, but for mental health and quality of life. By age 60, we’ve earned the wisdom to know what’s truly worth our time and energy. Here are seven things worth leaving behind as you embrace this new chapter of life.
Stop Ignoring Personal Safety
As we age, our balance and strength gradually diminish, often in ways we don’t immediately notice. This natural progression means activities that once felt routine may now carry unnecessary risks.
I witnessed this reality while visiting my daughter in New York City. Her apartment windows needed cleaning, and I watched as two window washers—one young, one older—tackled the job from her 20th-floor apartment. The younger worker stepped out onto the ledge while the older worker stayed inside, explaining later that only younger workers do the ledge work due to superior balance and strength.
This stark contrast serves as an important reminder: acknowledge your changing physical capabilities. Whether it’s avoiding the top step of a ladder, reconsidering the use of power tools, or being more cautious with everyday activities, listening to your body’s limitations isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
Stop Staying Out Late
Remember those nights in your twenties when staying out past midnight felt energizing rather than exhausting? At 60+, late nights typically deliver diminishing returns.
While the appeal was never really about the hour on the clock—it was about connection, conversation, and shared experiences—these social benefits can now be enjoyed earlier in the day. You’ll likely find that your peer group has naturally shifted to earlier gatherings anyway.
Quality social time remains essential, but it doesn’t need to come at the expense of your energy and sleep patterns.
Stop Eating Poorly
Many dietary habits formed in youth persist throughout our lives, even when nutritional science has evolved significantly. The family breakfast scenes from “Happy Days” with heaping plates of pancakes, eggs, and bacon might evoke nostalgia, but they don’t align with modern understanding of healthy eating.
The original food pyramid many of us grew up with was replaced in 2005 and eliminated entirely by 2011—yet many still eat as though those outdated guidelines apply. After 60, nutrition plays an increasingly critical role in maintaining health, energy, and cognitive function. It’s never too late to make positive dietary changes.
Stop Skipping Routine Health Exams
It’s tempting to skip annual check-ups when previous exams showed good results. The “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” mentality is particularly dangerous after 60, when health issues can develop quickly.
A friend of mine learned this lesson the hard way. After skipping several check-ups, her routine exam resulted in an urgent call from her doctor and surgery shortly thereafter. Had she maintained regular visits, her condition might have been addressed without surgical intervention.
As a wise friend from Australia often reminds me, “Bad news does not get better with age.” This applies perfectly to health concerns—early detection almost always leads to better outcomes.
Stop Taking Unnecessary Long-Distance Trips
Having flown to Australia more than 140 times—accumulating 5,600 hours in the air and 2.8 million miles—I’ve experienced firsthand how long-distance travel takes a progressively greater toll as we age.
Even in business class, crossing multiple time zones creates significant physical stress. The jet lag from traveling 14-16 time zones away doesn’t discriminate based on your seating class.
While travel remains one of life’s great pleasures, consider modifying your approach. When possible, travel north to south rather than east to west to minimize time zone disruption. Break longer journeys into more manageable segments. And be realistic about recovery time—you may need several days to feel normal again after extensive travel.
Stop Using Your Phone Before Bed
Quality sleep becomes increasingly precious with age, affecting everything from cognitive function to immune health. One of the biggest disruptors of healthy sleep patterns is pre-bedtime phone use.
The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers suppresses melatonin production and disrupts your circadian rhythm. Additionally, the content you consume—whether news, social media, or work emails—can stimulate your brain precisely when it should be winding down.
Try establishing a “phone curfew” at least 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Move charging stations outside the bedroom to remove temptation. Your sleep quality will likely improve significantly.
Stop Worrying About What Others Think
Perhaps the most liberating aspect of aging is the natural tendency to care less about others’ opinions. By 60, you’ve likely built a life that reflects your values and priorities.
Research from the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy reinforces what experience has likely taught you: 85% of what people worry about never happens. Of the 15% that does occur, nearly 80% has less impact than anticipated or is manageable. Effectively, 97% of worry is wasted energy.
After six decades of life, you’ve earned the right to direct your attention toward what truly matters to you, not what others might think should matter.
Life after 60 offers unique opportunities for growth, connection, and fulfillment—especially when you let go of habits that no longer serve your wellbeing.
