Wisdom from Hideki Wada’s “The 80-Year-Old Wall”

As life expectancy continues to rise, many of us are now living well into our 80s and beyond. This new chapter of life holds the promise of joy, peace, and fulfillment—provided we approach it with the right mindset and lifestyle.

Japanese psychiatrist Dr. Hideki Wada explores this very idea in his bestselling book, “The 80-Year-Old Wall.” Upon its release, the book sold over 500,000 copies, and it is on track to cross 1 million—making it Japan’s top-selling book of the year.

In his book, Dr. Wada outlines 44 key principles to help individuals between the ages of 60 and 80 become truly happy and content in their later years. These practical, heartfelt, and insightful suggestions can serve as a roadmap for aging gracefully and joyfully.

44 Habits of Happy People Aged 60 to 80

1. Keep walking – Movement is medicine.
2. Take deep breaths when angry – Calmness brings clarity.
3. Exercise enough to prevent stiffness – Stay flexible, stay young.
4. Drink water when using air conditioning – Hydration is crucial.
5. Don’t hesitate to use adult diapers – Comfort should come first.
6. Walk often – It energizes both body and mind.
7. Forgetfulness isn’t due to age – It’s from underusing your brain.
8. Avoid excessive medications – Simplicity often works best.
9. Don’t obsess over reducing blood pressure or sugar levels artificially – Balance is key.
10. Being alone isn’t being lonely – Enjoy your own company.
11. Being lazy isn’t shameful – Rest is essential.
12. Driving may be risky—consider giving up your license – Safety matters.
13. Do only what you enjoy – Follow your passions.
14. Natural desires remain—honor them – You’re still human.
15. Don’t stay confined at home – The world awaits you.
16. Eat what you love – A little weight is okay.
17. Be mindful in everything – Presence is power.
18. Avoid people who make you feel unwanted – Protect your peace.
19. Reduce screen time – Live real life.
20. Learn to live with illness, not just fight it – Acceptance brings peace.
21. Believe: “Even uphill, a way will appear.” – Stay hopeful.
22. Eat fresh fruits and salads – Nourish your body.
23. Keep showers short (10 minutes) – Simplicity again.
24. Don’t force sleep – Let it come naturally.
25. Engage in joyful activities – Happiness activates your brain.
26. Speak your mind – Don’t overthink communication.
27. Find a trusted family doctor early – Build support.
28. It’s okay to be a little mischievous or stubborn – Have fun!
29. Let go of rigid opinions – Be flexible.
30. See dementia as a divine blessing – It may bring peace.
31. When learning stops, aging begins – Stay curious.
32. Let go of fame and ambition – What you have is enough.
33. Innocence is your privilege now – Embrace it.
34. More problems = more stories – Life is rich with lessons.
35. Bask in sunlight – It uplifts your mood.
36. Do kind deeds for others – Giving brings joy.
37. Take it slow—savor the day – Life isn’t a race.
38. Desire gives life its spark – Keep dreaming.
39. Stay positive always – It changes everything.
40. Breathe deeply and freely – Life is in each breath.
41. You set the rules for your life – Take charge.
42. Accept all things calmly – Peace lies in acceptance.
43. Happy people are always loved – Spread joy.
44. Smile often—it brings good fortune – Your smile is powerful.

Growing older is not a limitation—it’s a gift. With the right perspective and daily habits, the years after 60 can be among the most rewarding of your life. Let’s accept aging not with fear, but with grace, gratitude, and the wisdom that Dr. Wada so generously shares.

Dr. Prakash Satyabhama Dinkarrao Sigedar is a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon Jalna Maharashtra