“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” – Betty Friedan

Aging isn’t experienced the same way everywhere in the world. In some cultures, older adults are revered and celebrated. In others, aging is feared, hidden, or even stigmatized. But across borders and generations, there are valuable lessons to be learned—especially when it comes to purpose, happiness, and how we view the journey into later life.

Looking beyond our own cultural lens can help us imagine new ways to age brilliantly, with dignity, curiosity, and fulfillment. So, what are other countries doing right? And how can we bring some of those practices into our own lives?

1. Japan: Purpose Keeps You Young

In Okinawa, Japan, people live longer than almost anywhere else on Earth. One of their secrets? Ikigai—a concept that loosely translates to “reason for being.” It’s not just about doing something to stay busy. It’s about waking up with a sense of meaning and contribution.

A 2020 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that people with a strong sense of purpose had a significantly lower risk of death over the study period (source).

Action step: Reflect on your own ikigai. Use tools likeIkigai diagram generators to identify where your passions, talents, values, and what the world needs intersect.

2. Denmark: Happiness Through Simplicity and Social Bonds

Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, according to theWorld Happiness Report. Why? Strong social safety nets, a focus on equality, and a cultural philosophy of hygge—coziness, contentment, and well-being in daily life.

What’s more, older Danes report high levels of life satisfaction, even after retirement. They remain active in their communities, and the culture respects intergenerational living and lifelong learning.

Action step: Practice your own version of hygge. Host a cozy dinner with friends, enjoy a long walk in nature, or start a “purpose club” where people of different ages discuss goals, passions, and what it means to live meaningfully.

3. Costa Rica: Pura Vida and Living Slower

In Nicoya, Costa Rica—a Blue Zone where people often live past 100—there’s a cultural emphasis on pura vida, or “pure life.” It’s a mindset rooted in gratitude, simplicity, connection, and joy in the present moment.

A study in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that people in Nicoya live longer due to factors including family support, daily physical activity, and having a plan de vida (life plan) that gives them purpose (source).

Action step: Build your own “life plan” beyond retirement. Try usingFutureMe to write a letter to your future self, describing the life you want to be living 5, 10, or 20 years from now.

4. India: Wisdom Through Spiritual Practice and Community

In Indian culture, aging is often viewed as a spiritual journey. Elders are respected as wisdom keepers, and many stay actively involved in guiding family and community. Retirement doesn’t mean withdrawal—it means deeper engagement with purpose, often through mentorship or service.

Meditation and yoga aren’t trends—they’re time-honored tools for personal reflection and growth. And the emphasis on multigenerational households supports both emotional connection and practical caregiving.

Action step: Try incorporating a mindfulness practice into your day. Apps likeInsight Timer orTen Percent Happier offer guided meditations tailored to all levels and ages.

5. The Netherlands: Redefining Retirement With Freedom and Flexibility

Dutch retirees often stay physically active, volunteer, and engage in social life long after leaving formal work. The culture promotes work-life balance throughout life—not just at the end—and many pursue phased retirement or encore careers.

Older adults are seen as vital contributors, not burdens. And the infrastructure—from transportation to lifelong education—supports continued independence.

Action step: Explore ways to give back in your own community. UseVolunteerMatch to find opportunities that align with your skills and passions.

Let Global Wisdom Guide Your Personal Path

You don’t need to move to another country to age brilliantly—you can integrate the best of global practices into your own life, starting today. The common thread across these cultures is clear: purpose, relationships, movement, and gratitude create a meaningful life, no matter your age.

By exploring how others define a “good life,” we expand our own vision for what’s possible. And in doing so, we become more intentional architects of our future—living not just longer, but better.

What wisdom from other cultures inspires you to rethink aging and purpose in your own life? What habits or perspectives are you ready to adopt?

Join the conversation and share your ideas in theforum.