I often find myself drawn to folks who’ve lived long enough to see and experience it all.

There’s something calming about how they approach life—like they’ve learned what’s truly important and what’s just background noise.

Over the years, I’ve noticed eight small but impactful habits that many people in their seventies (and beyond) tend to share.

I believe these simple practices can teach younger generations a thing or two about slowing down, savoring what we have, and living more intentionally.

Let’s dive right in.

1. They slow down and savor everyday moments

I’ve known quite a few friends who are comfortably over 70, and one thing that always strikes me is how unhurried they seem.

It’s not that they never have busy days; some of them are still actively volunteering, gardening, or helping out with their grandchildren.

But even amid their tasks, they tend to move with a sense of measured calm.

If you look at younger folks rushing from one thing to another, you’ll see a stark contrast.

We can be so frantic—working, running errands, keeping up with social media—that we rarely pause to just be present.

People over 70, on the other hand, often delight in simple pleasures: a warm cup of tea, an unhurried chat on the porch, or a leisurely stroll in the park.

I do a fair bit of strolling myself, usually with my dog Lottie and my grandchildren in tow, and it really is one of life’s simplest joys.

By slowing down, they create space to appreciate life’s little gifts.

It’s a simple habit that reminds me of something Winston Churchill once said: “Continuous effort—not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.”

When we slow down and savor moments, we give ourselves room to recognize which efforts are truly worthwhile, and that’s how we unlock not just potential but greater contentment, too.

2. They keep physically active in small ways

A lot of older friends tell me they no longer do high-intensity workouts like they might have in their younger days.

Instead, they stick to lighter forms of exercise—short walks, gentle stretching, maybe a bit of tai chi in the backyard.

One neighbor of mine, who’s well into his seventies, is out walking his dog every morning rain or shine.

He doesn’t rush; he just does it consistently.

What’s the takeaway for younger people? It doesn’t have to be an intense gym session to count as physical activity.

Consistency is what really makes the difference.

A daily walk or a few stretches at home can contribute more to your well-being in the long run than sporadic bursts of intense exercise that leave you exhausted—or worse, injured.

I once read an article by the WHO stating that even moderate physical activity, done regularly, significantly reduces health risks.

Those folks in their seventies seem to have gotten the memo: small, steady steps often trump big leaps that peter out after a month.

3. They prioritize face-to-face connections

Sometimes I envy how older generations maintain long-standing friendships.

They actually pick up the phone (or drop by in person!) instead of just firing off a text.

Now, I’m not saying we should all ignore our devices—goodness knows I appreciate a convenient text message.

But folks over 70 often put real effort into connecting with loved ones face to face.

They hold weekly coffee meetups, gather for Sunday dinners, or drop by unannounced just to say hello.

These gestures build deep-rooted relationships that can last a lifetime.

On the flip side, I’ve seen younger folks (my grandkids included) losing themselves in digital interactions.

It’s not their fault; it’s the reality they grew up in. But there’s still something special about bonding without a screen between you.

I’ve mentioned this before in a previous post, but those in-person moments give us a richness that technology can’t replicate.

Making the time to see someone in the flesh fosters empathy and understanding, which, if you ask me, is the real glue in any relationship.

4. They approach finances with wisdom

People over 70 didn’t typically grow up with credit cards handed to them as soon as they left school.

Many learned to be frugal, budget carefully, and save for a rainy day.

My own father—who would be well into his nineties if he were still around—often reminded me to “Live within your means and save a little extra if you can.”

This habit might feel old-fashioned, especially in our culture of constant upgrades and subscription services.

But it’s timeless wisdom. Younger generations often face a barrage of “Buy now, pay later” messages.

The result can be impulsive spending, debt, and stress that eats away at mental well-being.

The older crowd tends to keep it simpler: they use what they have until it’s worn out, they budget carefully each month, and they’re cautious about taking on debt.

Warren Buffett once said, “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

That might apply to many things, but it certainly fits finances—save up and invest wisely now, and you’ll have a comfortable shade to sit in later.

5. They cultivate gratitude daily

When I chat with someone who’s seen seven or eight decades, I often notice a humble appreciation for what they have.

Whether it’s good health (or relatively good health), family, or the comfort of a familiar home, they don’t take life’s blessings for granted.

This sense of gratitude seems to boost their resilience.

I’m the first to admit I don’t know everything, but I’ve seen how practicing gratitude can shift your outlook.

Grateful people tend to be happier, more compassionate, and even more willing to help others.

Brené Brown put it well when she said, “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.”

When I wake up each morning, I try to think of at least one thing I’m grateful for—be it a peaceful night’s sleep, the ability to write for a living, or even that first sip of coffee.

It’s a small practice that can have a big ripple effect.

Younger folks who adopt this mindset might find it easier to cope with stress, disappointment, and setbacks.

6. They rely on timeless reading

People over 70 often have a reading list that might look ancient to some of us—classics by authors like Jane Austen or John Steinbeck, and maybe even older philosophy texts.

One friend of mine still quotes Marcus Aurelius from time to time, a Stoic philosopher who wrote about finding inner peace amidst chaos.

Now, I’m not suggesting we all swap our favorite contemporary novels for books centuries old.

But I’ve noticed that older generations often appreciate the lessons and perspectives found in timeless texts.

They believe that human nature—our desires, struggles, and triumphs—hasn’t changed all that drastically over the ages.

For example, Marcus Aurelius once noted in his Meditations, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

This concept of focusing on what we can control remains as relevant now as it was thousands of years ago.

Younger folks might find fresh perspectives or solutions to modern problems by diving into these classic works.

It’s a small habit—reading older, enduring books—that can offer surprising insights and a sense of continuity with the past.

7. They maintain a sense of purpose

I’ve met retirees who have launched small businesses in their seventies, taken up painting at 75, or become mentors in the local community after closing the door on their longtime careers.

What stands out is their determination to stay engaged with life.

They don’t see retirement as the end of their journey; rather, they view it as an opportunity to invest in new passions or share hard-earned wisdom with others.

Having a sense of purpose isn’t reserved for the young. In fact, I’d argue it’s even more critical in our later years.

Research has shown that seniors who have a clear sense of purpose tend to be happier and even healthier.

Purpose can look different for everyone—volunteering at a local shelter, writing a memoir, or simply being there to support family members.

That’s a powerful reminder for younger generations who might be burnt out from the hustle culture.

Purpose doesn’t have to be tied to a job title or a certain level of success; it can be about contributing to your community, mentoring someone younger, or developing a skill just because it sparks joy.

8. They let small conflicts go

Have you ever noticed how older folks don’t sweat the small stuff quite as much?

Sure, they have their opinions and can be stubborn at times—I can be that way myself.

But by the time someone has reached their seventies, they’ve probably seen enough arguments to realize most petty disagreements aren’t worth losing sleep over.

I recall a conversation with a woman who had just turned 80. She said, “At my age, every day is precious.

Why spend it upset about something that won’t matter in a week?” That line stuck with me.

When we’re younger, we can get caught up in the heat of the moment—arguing over minor issues or letting our egos take charge.

In the big picture, though, letting go of trivial squabbles can save emotional energy and keep relationships healthier.

There’s an old saying often attributed (in various forms) to President Abraham Lincoln: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”

It’s a shift in perspective, really—do you focus on the thorn or the flower?

The older folks I know tend to see the flower more often, and that’s a skill worth emulating.

Wrapping up

I’ve observed these eight habits from friends, neighbors, and even some family members who’ve marched past the age of 70 with grace and kindness.

There’s plenty to learn from them if we pause, pay attention, and then try these habits on for size in our own lives.

After all, the wisdom we gain might just help us navigate life’s twists and turns with a bit more ease.

So here’s my question: Which of these habits resonates with you the most, and how can you start weaving it into your daily routine?

Sometimes, all it takes is a small first step—like slowing down during your morning cup of coffee—to open up a fresh perspective on the day.

If you ask me, that’s worth a try.