There’s a stark difference between simply growing old and truly feeling alive in your twilight years.

The distinction often boils down to mindset. Holding on to outdated beliefs can make you feel stuck in your golden years, like you’re just ticking off days.

However, releasing these outmoded views can be as liberating as opening the windows to let in a fresh breeze. It gives you the freedom to choose how you want to live, even when society tends to dictate otherwise.

As someone who is navigating their 70s with a spring in their step, I’m here to share eight beliefs that you should consider letting go of. Trust me, it’s the first step towards feeling vibrant and alive, no matter your age.

1) Age is just a number

One thing that can really cramp your style in your 70s is the belief that age is a barrier.

This outdated belief has been ingrained in our minds by society. It insists that once you reach a certain age, you should slow down, be less adventurous, less ambitious, and generally less alive.

But here’s the thing. Age really is just a number. It’s no more than a marker of the time you’ve spent on this planet. It doesn’t have to dictate how you live your life.

Think of all those inspiring seniors who are running marathons, starting new businesses, or learning new skills. They’re not letting their age hold them back – and neither should you.

So if you want to feel truly alive in your 70s, it’s time to let go of the belief that age determines what you can and can’t do. Embrace the idea that age is just a number and watch how your perspective changes.

Remember, it’s never too late to live your life to the fullest. And that’s not manipulative advice – it’s just plain truth.

2) Retirement means slowing down

This is a belief that I personally struggled with when I first hit retirement.

I had this preconceived notion, thanks to societal conditioning, that retirement should be all about winding down. About spending my days in a rocking chair, watching the world go by.

But boy, was I wrong.

Retirement gave me the freedom and time I’d always craved during my working years. I found that I could use this time to explore new hobbies, travel to places I’d never been before, and even start a small business of my own.

Retirement became not about slowing down, but rather about speeding up. About relishing new experiences and opportunities that came my way.

So let go of the belief that retirement should be a slow, leisurely stroll towards the end. Instead, view it as a vibrant dance, full of new steps and rhythms that keep you feeling alive and kicking in your 70s.

3) You’re too old to learn new things

Did you know the brain continues to create new neurons throughout life? It’s a process called neurogenesis. This means that our capacity to learn and adapt doesn’t diminish with age, contrary to popular belief.

This outdated concept that we’re too old to learn new things might stem from our early education system. There, we’re taught at a young age, and then expected to apply that knowledge throughout our lives. But this pattern doesn’t have to stop when the school bell rings for the last time.

Embrace the idea of lifelong learning. Whether it’s picking up a new language, mastering a musical instrument, or understanding the intricacies of digital technology, there’s no age limit to expanding your knowledge and skills.

So let’s debunk this myth that we’re too old to learn new things in our 70s. Because truth be told, you’re never too old to learn, grow, and surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

4) Your physical health will inevitably decline

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that as you age, your physical health is bound to take a nosedive. However, this is one of those beliefs that we need to let go of if we want to feel truly alive in our 70s.

Yes, there might be some aches and pains that come with age, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t stay active and fit. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular check-ups can go a long way in maintaining your physical health.

Sure, you might not be able to run a marathon as fast as you could in your 30s, but who says you can’t run at all? Or swim, hike, dance or engage in any physical activity that brings you joy?

Remember, the goal isn’t to compete with your younger self but to find activities that keep you active, healthy, and most importantly, happy. So let’s drop the belief that aging equals physical decline and embrace the idea of aging healthily.

5) You’ve lived your life, so now it’s time to step aside

There’s something incredibly disheartening about the belief that once you’ve reached your 70s, you’ve had your time in the sun and it’s time to step aside for the younger generation.

But here’s the thing – just because you’ve clocked up a few more years doesn’t mean that your worth or value diminishes. Quite the opposite, actually.

With age comes wisdom, experience, and perspective. These are qualities that are hard-earned and invaluable. They give you an insight that younger generations often lack.

So, instead of feeling like you need to step aside, consider how much you still have to offer. How much wisdom you can impart, how many stories you can share, and how much influence you can have on those around you.

Remember, age is not a sunset but a sunrise, illuminating the richness of your life’s journey. Don’t hide that light away. Instead, let it shine brightly for everyone to see.

6) Your best days are behind you

I remember waking up on my 70th birthday, looking at myself in the mirror and thinking, “Is this it? Are my best days behind me?”

This belief reeked of negativity and defeat and left me feeling low. But then, a moment of clarity hit me – who’s to say that my best days were in the past?

I decided then and there to flip this belief on its head. Instead of seeing my past as the peak, I chose to view my 70s as a new mountain to climb, full of potential experiences and joys yet to be discovered.

That shift in mindset was a game-changer. It allowed me to embrace each day as a new opportunity, rather than a step away from my ‘prime.’

So don’t let this belief hold you back. Your best days aren’t behind you – they’re wherever you choose to find them. And trust me, there’s plenty of good times to be found in your 70s and beyond.

7) It’s too late to make a difference

Many people think that by the time they reach their 70s, their chance to make a real impact in the world has passed. This belief can lead to feelings of insignificance and irrelevance.

However, the truth is, it’s never too late to make a difference. Your age doesn’t limit your capability to inspire change or leave a positive mark on the world.

Consider all the ways you can contribute to your community, be it through volunteer work, mentoring younger generations, or even launching initiatives on issues you’re passionate about.

Remember, age doesn’t diminish your power to influence and bring about change. In fact, your wealth of experience and wisdom can be tools for impactful contributions.

So let go of the belief that it’s too late to make a difference. You have the power to create a ripple effect in the world, no matter how old you are.

8) You’ve stopped growing

The most damaging belief you can hold in your 70s is that you’ve stopped growing.

Growth isn’t confined to our younger years. It’s a lifelong process, an eternal journey of self-discovery and improvement.

Just because you’ve lived seven decades doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to explore, learn, or change about yourself. Each day brings new possibilities for growth, whether it’s emotional, intellectual, or spiritual.

Don’t put a full stop on your growth story. Instead, let it be a series of commas punctuating your continued journey of exploration and self-improvement.

So here it is – the most important thing you should know: Your capacity for growth is limitless, regardless of your age. Embrace this truth and feel more alive than ever in your 70s.

Final thoughts: It’s all about perspective

The concept of aging and what it means to feel alive in your 70s is deeply intertwined with our individual perspectives.

One key perspective is the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change throughout one’s life. This scientific fact shatters the belief that our minds and bodies are rigidly set in their ways as we age.

In fact, it suggests that we hold the power to reshape our experiences and perspectives, no matter how many candles are on our birthday cake.

Whether it’s shedding outdated beliefs, embarking on new adventures, or simply savoring the small moments, the essence of feeling alive in your 70s lies in how you choose to perceive and interact with the world around you.

So as you journey through your golden years, remember this: age is not a countdown but a count up to experiences lived, lessons learned, and growth attained.

And with this perspective in mind, every day can be an invitation to feel more alive, more present, and more engaged with the world. So go ahead, embrace your 70s and beyond with an open heart and a vibrant spirit.