As I grow older, now at the age of 77, the question I often ask myself and others is: What really makes sense? What is it that I truly want to do?

It is a difficult question because I have already experienced so much in life. I have traveled, built businesses, raised a family, and enjoyed children and grandchildren. For the most part, I can say many of life’s major accomplishments have been completed. Living with your spouse in your later years often brings up the same question: What should I do with my remaining golden years?

What Gets You Up in the Morning

You have to ask yourself what will motivate you to get up each day. When you are young, life naturally gives you goals, building a business, finding a mate, raising a family, or making money. But after those things have been accomplished, life becomes different. Over time, we develop an ego and a self-identity that shape the life we live.

As you grow older, much of that no longer seems as important. You have probably made most of the money you are going to make, and daily routines can become more difficult because of physical limitations and changing attitudes. Hopefully, you have completed most of your “bucket list” and gotten many desires out of your system.

So now what?

Is There Something More?

Beyond taking care of yourself, eating properly, shopping for food, maintaining personal hygiene, visiting your children, and handling daily responsibilities, is there something more important to consider? Is there something meaningful that can still motivate you?

I believe there is.

Finding What Really Makes Sense

First and foremost, besides taking care of your health, it is important to have a real purpose. It may be something very small: reading a poem, quoting a proverb, saying a prayer, or participating in some inspirational activity. Even simple acts can become a reason to get up and engage with life one more time.

There is value in reviewing your life and reevaluating your past, but there is only so much reflection one can do before it begins to repeat itself.

The Power of Small Acts of Love

If there is someone you love, you can make them breakfast. That alone gives purpose to a day. You might send emails to old friends you haven’t spoken to in years just to see how they are doing, or remember birthdays and reconnect with people. You can read the news, although much of it can feel useless unless you are able to change something about it. Still, sharing kindness and love with others is always worthwhile. No matter how small the gesture may seem, it is still a good reason to get up in the morning.

Personally, I enjoy taking walks in the woods and seeing life through a different set of eyes. I may not do it every day, but often enough to remind myself how beautiful this world truly is. I also enjoy watching sunrises and sunsets and spending time with friends. Recently, I decided to learn old songs and play them on the guitar for family and friends.

Redefining Faith as Energy

Religious faith can also go a long way if you believe in the teachings and stories of the church. But for many people, reality eventually causes them to redefine faith and develop a more personal philosophy about God and existence. You may no longer believe in a human-like God described in religious texts, but the idea of an energy or universal spirit can still be meaningful, especially as you age and become more aware of your body and its energy.

You can write down ideas and thoughts that make you feel alive and youthful again. You can meditate, spend time outdoors, practice small rituals, or simply try to understand yourself more deeply. These can all become worthwhile activities to place on your list.

Choosing a Positive Attitude

Being positive and maintaining a good attitude should remain near the top of your priorities. People generally do not want to be around someone who is constantly negative or grumpy. There are still many beautiful things to discuss besides aches, pains, and body parts.

When speaking with younger people, listen to how their lives are unfolding. You may be able to offer wisdom by sharing your own experiences. If you can help another person in some way, that alone becomes a meaningful reason to exist.

To me, the “God of energy” is one of the most important ideas in life because it creates an unlimited world to explore. Even simple subjects such as electricity, nature, music, or the Internet can open new doors and provide a fresh sense of purpose.

Some people turn to painting, pottery, music, or gardening, using their life experiences to create and learn. Personally, I enjoy piecing my life together and understanding why I made certain choices. I also appreciate simple pleasures that younger people often overlook, enjoying a meal, saying a prayer, working in the garden, or simply sitting quietly in peace.

Making Your List for the Golden Years

Before becoming a senior citizen, try making a list of things you still want to do, experiences, ideas, or simple joys that you have not yet explored. Life may slow down with age, but meaning and purpose can still continue to grow.