There’s a big difference between aging and feeling old.

Aging is inevitable, but feeling old? That’s a choice, and it often comes down to habits.

Bad habits can make you feel like you’re aging at warp speed, making 60 feel more like 80.

But here’s the good news: ditch these habits and you can feel and look younger, no matter what your age.

In this article, I’ll share the key habits you need to kick to the curb if you want that youthful glow to stick around well into your golden years. So if you want to look and feel young when 60+ it’s time to ditch these habits. Let’s dive in, shall we?

1) Sedentary lifestyle

Let’s start with a big one – the sedentary lifestyle.

As we age, it’s natural to slow down a bit. But slowing down doesn’t mean you have to become stationary.

In fact, leading an overly sedentary lifestyle can age you faster than you might think. It impacts your physical health, yes, but also your mental agility, your mood, and even your appearance.

Think about it. The less you move, the less blood flow to your brain and skin, the less efficient your metabolism, and the more likely you are to put on weight – all things that can make you feel and look older.

So if you want to feel young when 60+, it’s time to ditch the habit of sitting around all day.

Get up, get moving, and get active. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous – a walk around the block, some gentle yoga, or even just a bit of gardening can do wonders.

And remember – it’s never too late to start. So why not start now?

2) Late-night snacking

I’ll be the first to admit – late-night snacking is a habit I’ve had to kick myself.

There’s something about those quiet late-night hours that just makes the refrigerator call my name. But I quickly noticed the impact it was having on my health and my energy levels.

You see, when you eat late at night, your body is less efficient at burning those calories. Instead, it’s likely to store them as fat. Plus, it can mess with your sleep – which we all know is crucial to feeling young and vibrant.

Once I ditched the late-night snacking habit, I not only started to lose some stubborn pounds, but I also found I was sleeping better and had more energy during the day.

So if you’re in the habit of raiding the kitchen after dark, consider this your wake-up call. It’s time to ditch the habit and start feeling younger.

3) Neglecting hydration

Our bodies are made up of about 60% water. It’s the main component of our cells, it regulates our body temperature, and it’s vital for our organs to function properly.

When we don’t drink enough water, our bodies can’t perform at their best. We might feel tired, have headaches, or even experience changes in mood.

But there’s more. Dehydration can also make your skin look dull and dry, giving you an older appearance.

So if you want to look and feel young when you’re 60+, it’s time to ditch the habit of neglecting hydration. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day – your body (and your youthful glow) will thank you.

4) Overdoing it on alcohol

A glass of wine with dinner or a beer after work can be a nice way to unwind. But if one glass turns into two or three regularly, it could be aging you more than you realize.

Excessive alcohol can lead to a host of health issues, including high blood pressure, liver problems, and certain types of cancer. But it also has a direct impact on your appearance. It can dehydrate your skin, leading to wrinkles and dryness.

Not to mention, alcohol can disrupt your sleep patterns and leave you feeling tired and sluggish.

If you want to look and feel young when 60+, consider ditching the habit of overdoing it on alcohol. It’s all about moderation – enjoy your favorite drink, but keep it within healthy limits.

5) Neglecting relationships

We often focus on physical habits when we talk about aging, but our social and emotional habits play a big role too.

Neglecting relationships, or letting them fall by the wayside, can lead to loneliness and isolation as we get older. And believe it or not, loneliness can actually make us age faster. It can impact our mental health, our stress levels, and even our physical health.

Remember, it’s not just about quantity, but quality of relationships. It’s about having people in your life who you can laugh with, cry with, and share life’s ups and downs with.

So if you want to look and feel young at 60+, consider ditching the habit of neglecting your relationships. Reach out to old friends, make new ones, cherish your family. It might just be the best anti-aging secret there is.

6) Skipping sunscreen

In my younger years, I used to think that a good tan was the epitome of health and youth. Oh, how I was wrong.

The sun’s UV rays are a major cause of premature aging. They can cause wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. And while a tan might look good in the short term, in the long run, it’s damaging your skin.

I learned this the hard way. After years of sun worshiping without protection, I started to notice fine lines and discoloration on my face. It was a wake-up call.

If you want to look and feel young when 60+, it’s time to ditch the habit of skipping sunscreen. Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays every day – even when it’s cloudy. Your future self will thank you.

7) Stressing over small stuff

Life can be stressful, no doubt about it. But constantly stressing over small stuff can take a toll on your health and accelerate the aging process.

Chronic stress can lead to a variety of health problems, from heart disease to depression. It can also cause premature wrinkles and gray hair.

Plus, when you’re always stressed, you’re not enjoying life. And isn’t that what staying young is all about?

So if you want to look and feel young when 60+, it’s time to ditch the habit of sweating the small stuff. Focus on what’s important, let go of what’s not, and remember to take time for yourself. Your body and mind will thank you.

8) Ignoring regular check-ups

If you want to look and feel young when 60+, this is non-negotiable. You must ditch the habit of ignoring regular check-ups.

Regular health screenings and preventive care are crucial in catching any potential issues early, when they’re most treatable. This includes everything from your annual physical, to eye exams, to screenings for cancer and other diseases.

It’s not always fun, but it’s necessary. Because looking and feeling young isn’t just about how you appear on the outside. It’s about being healthy on the inside too.

Final reflection: It’s all in your hands

The aging process is a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle. But the power of choice plays a significant role in our journey through life.

From the food we eat to the company we keep, every decision we make leaves an imprint on our health and wellbeing. And over time, these imprints accumulate and manifest in how we look and feel.

So if you want to look and feel young when 60+, remember this: your decisions matter. The habits you cultivate today can pave the way for a vibrant tomorrow.

If you want to learn how to coach yourself to a happier, more fulfilling life in your 60s and beyond, consider enrolling in Your Retirement, Your Way: Thriving, Dreaming and Reinventing Life in Your 60s and Beyond. Sign up to The Vessel to find out when the course is launched.

As the renowned French author, Victor Hugo once said, “Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.” So embrace each phase of life with grace and make choices that honor your health and happiness.

Because ultimately, aging is not about adding years to life, but adding life to years. And that’s a choice that’s always in your hands.