There’s a stark difference between aging with grace and just getting old.
The difference usually boils down to attitude. Just getting old is resigning to the passage of time, letting it dictate your happiness and vitality.
Aging with grace, however, is all about embracing each passing year with a sense of contentment and joy, regardless of what life throws at you.
Men who manage to stay youthful and happy in their 60s and beyond usually have something in common – they adopt certain Stoic habits, whether they know it or not. And it’s not as complex as it sounds.
In this piece, we’re going to delve into 7 Stoic habits these men swear by. So, stick around if you’re curious to learn their secrets!
1) Embracing what is…
The Stoics have a profound understanding of life – they know it’s unpredictable and constantly changing.
And men who preserve their youthfulness and happiness well into their sixties and beyond have a remarkable way of tapping into this wisdom.
Welcome to the principle of acceptance.
Acceptance, in Stoic philosophy, is the understanding that we don’t control what happens to us, but we do control how we respond.
Think about it. It’s the idea behind every resilient person who has faced adversity and come out stronger on the other side.
When faced with life’s inevitable changes – be it health issues, loss, or just the simple fact of aging – these men choose to embrace what is, rather than resist it.
They understand that every experience, whether positive or negative, adds to the richness of their existence.
So, if you want to age gracefully and happily, adopting this mindset of acceptance can be helpful.
Remember, it’s not about giving up or surrendering to fate but rather about choosing how we respond to our circumstances. Embrace what is, and find peace in any situation.
2) Finding joy in the ordinary…
As someone who’s been intrigued by Stoic philosophy for a while, I’ve learned a thing or two about finding joy in unexpected places.
Case in point – my morning routine.
Every day, I get up early and spend some quiet time alone. It’s nothing flashy or exciting – just a simple ritual of brewing a cup of coffee and watching the sunrise.
But in this seemingly ordinary routine, I’ve discovered extraordinary joy.
This is the essence of a Stoic habit that men who stay youthful and happy in their 60s and beyond know all too well.
They find joy in the ordinary. They embrace the mundane moments and transform them into meaningful experiences.
It’s not about chasing after grand adventures or thrilling experiences. Instead, it’s about appreciating the simple, everyday moments that make up the bulk of our lives.
By doing so, they not only enrich their day-to-day existence but also cultivate a deep sense of contentment and happiness that lasts well into their later years.
3) Practicing mindfulness…
Take a moment to think about where your mind is right now. Are you fully present, or is your mind wandering to the past or future?
The Stoics were ahead of their time, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment, long before mindfulness became a buzzword.
Mindfulness, as practiced by Stoics, is not just about meditation or yoga. It’s about being fully aware and engaged in whatever you’re doing at that moment.
Men who stay youthful into older age have mastered this art of mindfulness. They don’t let their minds wander aimlessly into the past or future. Instead, they focus on the present moment and all the beauty it holds.
4) Cultivating resilience…
Life is full of ups and downs. And it’s not the challenges we face but how we respond to them that truly defines us.
Men who hold onto their youthful cheerfulness and happiness as they grow older understand this principle. They don’t shy away from adversity. Instead, they view it as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.
This is the essence of resilience, a crucial Stoic habit.
Resilience is about bouncing back from hardships, adapting to change, and persevering even when things get tough. It’s about having the mental toughness to withstand life’s storms and come out stronger on the other side.
These men know that every challenge is a chance to learn something new, to strengthen their character, and to become a better version of themselves.
And the best part? Resilience can be cultivated. It’s not something you’re born with, but a skill you develop over time through experience and intentional practice.
5) Valuing wisdom over wealth…
There was a time in my life where I relentlessly chased after material success. The fancy car, the big house, the high-powered job – I thought these were the keys to happiness.
I was wrong.
It wasn’t until I discovered Stoic philosophy that I realized the true value of wisdom over wealth.
Those who keep a youthful spirit and stay cheerful beyond understand this principle. They know that wisdom – the deep understanding of life and its complexities – is far more valuable than any material possession.
They invest their time and energy in seeking knowledge, cultivating virtues, and developing a deep understanding of themselves and the world around them.
And in doing so, they find a sense of fulfillment and contentment that no amount of money can buy.
Am I saying wealth is bad? No. But when we prioritize wisdom, we gain a richer perspective on life, one that brings lasting happiness and peace.
6) Practice gratitude…
In a world where we’re constantly striving for more, it’s easy to overlook what we already have.
But men who remain vibrant and content as they age have mastered the art of gratitude.
Gratitude, as the Stoics see it, is not just about saying thank you. It’s about deeply appreciating everything that life has to offer – the good and the bad, the big and the small. As Marcus Aurelius wrote:
“Do not think of what are absent as though they were not existing, but ponder on the most fortunate of what you have got, and on account of them remind yourself how they would have been missed, if they had not been here.” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
By practicing gratitude, they cultivate a positive outlook on life, which not only contributes to their happiness but also enhances their overall well-being.
Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. You might be surprised at how this simple habit can transform your perspective and enrich your life.
7) Live according to nature…
Above all, men who stay young at heart and joyful in their later years understand the fundamental principle of Stoicism – to live according to nature.
Living according to nature doesn’t mean going off the grid or abandoning civilization. It means living in harmony with the natural order of things, recognizing our own nature as rational beings, and aligning our actions with our highest virtues.
These men understand that we are part of a larger whole – the universe – and that we have a role to play in it.
By living according to nature, they find a sense of purpose and direction. They navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and maintain a serene state of mind regardless of external circumstances.
Final reflection: It’s a mindset
The essence of staying youthful and happy, even as we journey into our 60s and beyond, often boils down to our mindset and attitudes toward life.
The Stoic philosophy, with its emphasis on acceptance, mindfulness, resilience, wisdom, gratitude, and living according to nature, provides a roadmap for aging gracefully.
These habits aren’t about defying age or clinging onto youth. Instead, they’re about embracing each passing year with contentment and joy, regardless of what life throws at us.
The men who embody these principles understand this deeply. They don’t just age – they age well. Their zest for life and positive disposition isn’t tied to their physical age but to their mental and emotional state.
Whether you’re nearing your 60s or much younger, the principles of Stoicism offer timeless wisdom that can guide your journey.
So reflect on these habits. Embrace them. Live them. And perhaps you too can find the secret to staying youthful and happy as you navigate the beautiful complexity of life.
I hope you found value in this post.
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What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
