If you see a boomer with the energy of a millennial, you know they’re onto something. If they look decades younger, you know their routine is worth noting.

Here’s the deal about aging.

It isn’t always about the number on your birthday cake. Often, it’s about the habits we keep. For some boomers, they’ve cracked the code to feeling and looking 20 years younger – and it all starts when the sun goes down.

Now, some folks have it easier than others. But usually, those age-defying boomers have these 8 specific evening habits in common.

Get ready to take notes.

1) Unplug and disconnect

You know that feeling when you’ve been staring at a screen for too long?

Your eyes are tired, your mind feels cluttered, and no matter how many times you blink, you just can’t seem to shake off the strain. Well, our boomer friends have found a way around this.

They simply unplug.

Disconnecting from digital screens an hour or two before bedtime is a habit commonly shared by our age-defying boomers. This simple act allows their minds to unwind, their eyes to rest, and their bodies to prepare for a good night’s sleep.

Imagine it as giving your brain a mini vacation every night – a break from the constant stream of information and blue light.

And the best part? It’s not just beneficial for looking and feeling younger. It’s also a great way to ensure a restful sleep, which translates into more energy the next day.

Sounds pretty manageable, doesn’t it?

2) A spot of herbal tea

Now, let me share with you a personal habit that has made a significant difference in my own life.

I’ve always been a coffee person, but a couple of years ago, I decided to switch my late-night espresso for a calming cup of herbal tea. I had heard it from many boomers who looked astonishingly young that herbal tea was their secret weapon.

And they were right!

Herbal teas like chamomile or lavender aren’t just warm and soothing, they’re also packed with antioxidants that work wonders for your skin and overall health.

Plus, they aid in digestion and promote better sleep – both of which are crucial if you want to wake up feeling fresh and youthful.

So every evening, I swap the caffeine jitters for the tranquil warmth of herbal tea, and honestly, I’ve never looked back.

It’s the perfect way to signal to my body that it’s time to wind down and get ready for rest.

Try it out. You might just love it as much as I do.

3) Stretch it out

When it comes to holding onto youth, flexibility is key. And I’m not just talking about being open to new experiences or adapting to change – though those are important too.

Physical flexibility plays a significant role in keeping us youthful. It keeps our bodies mobile, agile, and less prone to injury. That’s why many boomers who look and feel 20 years younger have a little evening ritual: stretching.

A gentle yoga session or some light stretching exercises before bed can do wonders for your body and mind.

It not only helps to release the tension built up throughout the day, but it also increases blood circulation, promoting better skin health and giving you that coveted youthful glow.

And here’s something you might find intriguing: The world’s oldest yoga teacher was a boomer named Tao Porchon-Lynch, who taught yoga well into her 100s!

Now if that doesn’t inspire you to incorporate some stretching into your evening routine, I don’t know what will.

4) The power of gratitude

We all know that a positive mindset can do wonders for our mental health. But did you know it can also impact your physical appearance?

Many young-looking boomers have this incredible habit of practicing gratitude every evening. They take a few moments before bed to reflect on the day and acknowledge the good in their lives.

Now, this might not seem like an anti-aging secret at first glance, but here’s the catch. Gratitude doesn’t just make you happier; it reduces stress and anxiety, which are notorious for accelerating the aging process.

When you’re counting your blessings instead of sheep, you’re not just fostering a more positive outlook on life, but you’re also actively fighting off those pesky wrinkles and promoting better sleep – which we all know is crucial for maintaining that youthful glow.

Seems like something worth adding to the evening routine, doesn’t it?

5) Early to bed

I’ve always been a night owl, but recently, I’ve been inspired by those youthful boomers to switch up my routine. One habit that they all seem to share is going to bed early.

You see, our bodies follow a natural rhythm known as the circadian rhythm. It’s like an internal clock that tells us when it’s time to sleep or wake up.

And when we respect this rhythm by going to bed early and waking up with the sun, our bodies thank us.

I started going to bed earlier and noticed a difference almost immediately. I was waking up feeling more rested and energized.

My skin looked better, and I even noticed a significant improvement in my mood and focus throughout the day.

If you’re like me, constantly burning the midnight oil, consider calling it a night a little earlier. Your body and your youthful appearance will thank you for it.

6) Embrace the quiet

In our always-on, hustle culture, doing nothing can seem like a waste of time. But many young-at-heart boomers have found value in this seemingly unproductive habit.

They take time each evening to just be still, sit in silence, and let their minds wander.

This quiet time is not about achieving anything or ticking off items from a to-do list.

It’s about giving the mind a much-needed break from the constant barrage of stimulation.

This might seem odd in a world where we’re constantly encouraged to do more and be more.

But here’s the thing – taking time to do nothing actually helps reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and even boost creativity. And as we know, less stress equals less aging.

So while it might feel strange at first, embracing the quiet could just be your secret weapon for staying young and vibrant.

7) Healthy dinner choices

It’s no secret that what we eat has a massive impact on how we look and feel. And the boomers who are defying the aging process have this figured out.

They make healthy dinner choices that nourish their bodies and maintain their youthful vitality. They opt for lean proteins, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

These foods not only provide essential nutrients for cell regeneration but they also aid in digestion and promote better sleep.

But here’s the key – it’s not just about what they eat, but when they eat. Eating a heavy meal late at night can disrupt sleep and accelerate aging. That’s why these boomers often have their last meal of the day a few hours before bed.

Making smart dinner choices could be your ticket to joining their ranks. After all, you are what you eat!

8) Consistency is key

Here’s the thing about habits – they’re only effective if you stick with them.

The boomers who look and feel 20 years younger don’t just practice these evening habits once in a while. They’ve made them an integral part of their daily routine.

They understand that it’s not about a one-time miracle cure, but consistent, healthy habits that accumulate over time. Because when it comes to aging, there are no shortcuts or quick fixes.

So if you want to join these age-defying boomers, start incorporating these habits into your evening routine.

And remember, consistency is key. Stick with it, and you’ll start seeing the difference before you know it.

Embrace the wisdom of age

As we close, I invite you to reflect on this: Aging is not something to fear, but rather a journey to embrace.

The boomers who look and feel 20 years younger are not chasing their youth, but rather embracing the wisdom that comes with age.

They understand the value of taking care of themselves, physically and mentally. They respect their bodies, honour their minds, and make choices that reflect this understanding.

And because of these habits, they’re not just aging. They’re aging well.

But remember, these habits are not just for boomers. They are time-tested practices that can benefit everyone, regardless of age.

So it’s never too early or too late to start making healthier choices.

In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”

So keep laughing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep living well.