Some weeks, joy doesn’t come in grand gestures or perfect plans. It hides in the small, unassuming corners of life – a moment of laughter, a splash of colour, a song that stays in your head long after the curtain falls.
As we get older, we begin to see that happiness doesn’t have to roar. Sometimes it’s a whisper reminding us that ordinary days can still surprise us.
This fortnight, we spoke to a few of our Starts at 60 readers to find out where they found their joy, and it seems there’s plenty of it around when you simply pause and notice.
Cathy from Canberra spent an evening at the musical Back to the Future in Sydney with her 18-year-old son. She said it was funny, engaging and just a good time. They left the theatre smiling, chatting and humming along to the soundtrack all the way home. “It was one of those nights that just felt easy,” she told us. “We needed a bit of that.”
Down in Kiama, Elizabeth picked up a paintbrush for the first time in years and joined a local watercolour class. “I learned about brush techniques, met some wonderful people and rediscovered how relaxing it feels to just create,” she said. “It’s messy and imperfect, but that’s half the fun.”
On Hope Island in Queensland, Brian had reason to grin too. After months of near misses, he finally hit a birdie on the 14th and walked off the green feeling like a pro. “It wasn’t just the shot,” he laughed, “it was having my mates there to see it.”
And in Cootamundra, Colin’s joy came with a rush of nostalgia and a plume of diesel smoke. He spent the afternoon train spotting and managed to catch sight of a few classic locomotives rolling through town. “There’s something about that sound and smell,” he said. “Takes me right back.”
Different stories, same thread. Joy doesn’t demand grand moments; it asks us to notice the small ones. Whether it’s a great night out, a perfect golf swing, a splash of paint or the steady rhythm of a train, happiness often finds us when we stop chasing it.
Joy, Science and Ageing
You might wonder if joy is just a matter of luck or personality, but science says otherwise. Studies show that having a hobby or a creative outlet can reduce stress, boost mood and improve overall life satisfaction in older adults. Engaging in activities that challenge or excite us, whether that’s painting, gardening or learning something new, helps keep the mind sharp and spirits high.
Psychologists have also found that as we get older, we naturally focus more on what truly matters: meaningful relationships, shared laughter and emotional connection. This is one of the quiet advantages of age, knowing that joy doesn’t live in the rush but in the pause.
Staying active, socially or physically, also plays a huge part in happiness. Even small habits like a daily walk, a regular catch-up with friends or a class at the local community centre can lift our mood and strengthen our sense of purpose. It’s not about being busy; it’s about being engaged.
So this fortnight, take a cue from Cathy, Elizabeth, Brian and Colin, and from what the science tells us. Choose one small thing that brings you joy. Go see that show, try a sketch, pick up a golf club or simply sit outside and listen for something that makes you smile.
May your week contain at least one quiet miracle, one small thing that makes you feel a little more alive, a little more seen and a little more content.
Next time, we’ll bring you more stories and moments of joy from our Starts at 60 community. After all, the best kind of happiness is the kind we share.
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