8 evening habits of people in their 70s who still wake up with purpose and drive

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | April 20, 2025, 9:47 pm

If you see an elderly person jogging in the morning, you know they’re driven. If they’re up before sunrise, brewing coffee and reading a book, you sense their purpose.

That’s just the surface of their motivating lifestyle.

But, there’s more to their drive than what meets the eye. In fact, these people in their 70s have some distinctive evening habits which fuel their vibrant mornings.

Let’s take a closer look. I’ve pinpointed 8 evening routines of such inspiring individuals who never let age dim their purpose and drive.

Ready to peek into their secret? Let’s dive in.

1) They plan their tomorrow

These go-getters in their 70s don’t let the sun set on today without preparing for tomorrow.

Isn’t it amazing how they’re always a step ahead?

Here’s the thing: Nighttime isn’t just about winding down for them. It’s also about gearing up for the next day.

They jot down their to-do lists, lay out their morning necessities, and mentally walk through the upcoming day’s plan.

This way, when they wake up, they’re not flustered or stressed about what to do. Instead, they’re organized and ready to seize the day with a clear mind and a purposeful heart.

Evenings for them are not just about ending the day, but also about setting the stage for a bright and productive morning.

Intriguing, isn’t it?

2) They indulge in mindfulness

You know, my grandmother was one of these driven souls.

Every evening, without fail, she would sit quietly in her favorite armchair, gazing out the window. It was her ‘me’ time. She would say it was her way of grounding herself, of aligning her thoughts and emotions with the rhythm of the universe.

This quiet time wasn’t about pondering over the day’s events or planning for tomorrow. It was about being present in the moment, experiencing the tranquility of the evening, and drawing energy from it for the next day.

She’d often tell me that this habit of mindfulness had a profound impact on her mornings. It made her feel rejuvenated and ready to embrace the new day with enthusiasm and positivity.

Isn’t it fascinating how a few moments of stillness in the evening can fuel a day packed with purpose and drive?

3) They maintain a consistent sleep schedule

Let’s talk about the power of consistency. People in their 70s with ongoing drive and purpose have one thing in common – they value their sleep.

They understand that good sleep is the ultimate rejuvenator.

They go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends or holidays.

This routine helps regulate their body’s internal clock and optimize the quality of their sleep.

Here’s something you might not know – according to the National Sleep Foundation, seniors who adhere to this regular sleep-wake schedule actually report better sleep quality and more daytime alertness.

It’s like having a secret weapon for waking up each morning with renewed energy and a clear sense of purpose. No wonder they are always ready to tackle the day!

4) They limit nighttime screen time

In our modern world, it can be hard to disconnect from our devices

. But these purposeful septuagenarians understand the importance of disconnecting to reconnect with themselves.

You see, too much screen time in the evening can interfere with the body’s natural winding-down process.

The blue light emitted by screens can trick our brains into thinking it’s still daylight, leading to difficulty falling asleep.

So, these folks make it a point to switch off their devices at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, they might read a book, listen to some soothing music, or engage in a calming hobby.

By reducing their nighttime screen time, they not only improve their sleep quality but also create a peaceful environment that sets the tone for a fulfilling day ahead. Quite a smart move, don’t you think?

5) They cultivate gratitude

I’ve always admired people in their 70s who still wake up with purpose and drive. One habit that really stands out to me is their evening practice of gratitude.

I have a dear friend in this age bracket who has adopted this beautiful routine.

Each night before bed, she takes a moment to reflect on the day and jot down three things she’s grateful for. It could be as simple as a warm cup of tea, a phone call from a loved one, or a lovely sunset.

She once told me that this practice of expressing gratitude has transformed her perspective on life. It helps her focus on the positives and fosters a sense of contentment, which fuels her motivation to make the most of each new day.

I’ve started implementing this habit in my own life and I must say, it does add a touch of positivity at the end of each day. It’s like wrapping up the day with a warm, comforting blanket of thankfulness.

6) They embrace solitude

In a world that often equates being alone with loneliness, these energetic 70-somethings choose to see things differently. They value and embrace their alone time.

Every evening, they set aside some quiet time for themselves. This might involve a peaceful walk, reading a book, or simply sitting in silenc

. Far from being isolating, this solitude actually allows them to reconnect with themselves and reflect on their day.

You see, it’s during these quiet moments of reflection that they draw strength and inspiration. They get to understand themselves better, evaluate their goals, and rekindle their drive for the next day.

By embracing solitude, they don’t just recharge their bodies, they recharge their spirits too. It’s almost like hitting a reset button, preparing them to wake up refreshed and ready to tackle another day with purpose.

7) They keep their environment tidy

It may seem like a mundane task, but there’s something to be said about the habit of tidying up before bed.

These driven individuals in their 70s understand the importance of maintaining a clean and organized living space.

Every evening, they make it a point to put things back where they belong – be it a book on the shelf, the remote control on the table, or dishes in the kitchen.

This simple act of decluttering their physical environment also declutters their mind. It brings a sense of order and calm, making way for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Moreover, waking up to a tidy home sets a positive and productive tone for the day ahead. It’s like they’re creating an environment that supports their drive and purpose for the next day.

Impressive, isn’t it? How such a simple act can have such profound benefits!

8) They practice self-care

At the heart of all these habits lies one fundamental principle – self-care.

These 70-somethings understand that in order to wake up with drive and purpose, they need to take care of their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Every evening, they engage in activities that nourish them on a deeper level.

This could be a relaxing bath, a soothing cup of herbal tea, or even a few stretches to relieve the day’s stress.

By prioritizing self-care, they ensure they wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to embrace the day with vitality and enthusiasm.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about ticking off tasks from a to-do list. It’s about nurturing one’s self to be able to live each day with purpose and drive.

Embracing the wisdom of age

As we wrap up this exploration of the evening habits of purposeful 70-somethings, I hope you’ve found a new appreciation for the wisdom of age.

You see, these habits aren’t just about maintaining a routine. They are a testament to the resilience, determination, and zest for life that these individuals embody.

It’s not about the number of years you’ve lived, but rather, it’s about the life you breathe into those years. And these vibrant septuagenarians are a shining example of that philosophy.

Isn’t it inspiring to see how they use their evenings to set the stage for a day filled with purpose and drive?

So, take a moment to ponder: What evening habits can you adopt to fuel your mornings with vitality and enthusiasm?

Remember, it’s never too late or too early to start. Because ultimately, it’s not just about waking up with purpose and drive. It’s about living every moment of your life with purpose and drive.