What to Stop Doing After 60 to Live a Happier, Healthier, and More Meaningful Life
Retirement isn’t just about stopping work—it’s about starting a new, meaningful chapter of life. If you’re over 60, chances are you’ve spent decades saving, working hard, and putting others first. But now? It’s time to shift your focus.
Here are nine things to stop doing after age 60 so you can live with more joy, intention, and peace of mind.
1. Stop Saving If You’ve Already Saved Enough
The main reason to save money is to support future needs. But once you’ve done that—especially if you’ve built a healthy retirement portfolio—more saving might not be necessary.
Let’s say you’ve saved $2 million by age 60. At an 8% annual return, your money can generate $160,000 a year without you adding another dime. That kind of compound growth allows you to stop stressing about saving and start thinking about how to enjoy your money while you’re healthy and active.
2. Stop Spending on Things That Don’t Bring You Joy
This is your time. Spend your money on what actually makes you happy—not on things that impress other people or leave you feeling empty.
Take that family vacation. Go to the ballgame with your grandkids. Visit Disneyworld with your grown children. Get a dog if you’ve always wanted one. Make memories that will last longer than any financial optimization or Roth conversion.
3. Stop Trading Time for Money (Unless You Love It)
If you’re still working past 60, make sure you’re doing it because you want to—not because you feel you have to.
Time is your most precious asset now. You can always earn more money, but you can’t buy more time. If your financial needs are covered, consider stepping back from work to focus on what matters most—relationships, passions, travel, or just slowing down and enjoying life.
4. Stop Putting Off the Experiences You Dream About
How many people delay trips, hobbies, or adventures until “someday”? But someday isn’t promised. Start today.
Whether it’s a road trip across the country, a painting class you’ve always wanted to take, or a visit to your hometown—don’t wait. Retirement is the perfect time to finally do the things that got pushed aside during your working years.
5. Stop Neglecting Your Health
We say it all the time at Medicare School: good health is priceless.
You could have $20 million in the bank, but if your health is failing, what good is it? Staying active—walking, swimming, or even lifting light weights—helps maintain your energy, mobility, and independence. A healthy body makes everything else in retirement easier and more enjoyable.
6. Stop Caring What Others Think
This is your life. If not now, when?
One of the top regrets people have at the end of their lives is not living true to themselves. Don’t let fear of judgment stop you from pursuing your interests or being your authentic self. Whether that means downsizing, dying your hair purple, or moving to another state—do what feels right for you.
7. Stop Watching So Much Doom and Gloom News
Staying informed is one thing. Constantly consuming fear-driven headlines is another.
Too much negative news can weigh down your mental health and make the world feel scarier than it really is. Limit your exposure and focus instead on activities that lift your spirits—connecting with family, volunteering, gardening, or simply enjoying a quiet morning coffee.
8. Stop Ignoring Financial Planning (But Don’t Obsess Over It)
A solid financial plan gives you peace of mind, but don’t let it consume you.
You need a balance—enough planning to stay secure, but not so much that you’re always worrying about “what ifs.” A good retirement plan supports your lifestyle and your values, allowing you to focus on living rather than constantly monitoring your portfolio.
9. Stop Making Decisions as If You’ll Live Forever
Let’s face it—none of us are getting any younger. That’s not morbid; it’s motivating.
When you recognize that time is limited, your priorities shift. Ask yourself: If this were my last year, what would I want to do? Who would I want to spend it with? Then go do those things. Because living fully means not putting off what truly matters.
The Bottom Line
Life after 60 isn’t about slowing down—it’s about getting intentional. Let your money support your happiness. Let go of perfection. Focus on health, purpose, and meaningful experiences. Because when you stop doing what no longer serves you, you make space for what truly fulfills you.
You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar about your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This material is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this material constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns.
Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost.
