People who stay physically fit in their 60s and beyond often practice these 8 daily habits

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | January 22, 2025, 8:26 pm

Staying fit in your 60s and beyond — it sounds like a tall order, right?

But it’s not as daunting as it seems. In fact, it’s about adopting certain daily habits that contribute to your physical well-being.

I’ve always admired those vibrant individuals in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s, who seem to defy the typical age-related decline in physical fitness.

Ever wondered what their secret is?

Well, I’ve figured out that it’s less about the luck of good genes and more about consistent healthy habits.

In this article, I’m going to share with you the 8 daily practices that most of these evergreen fitness enthusiasts swear by.

1) They make movement a non-negotiable part of their day

When it comes to maintaining physical fitness in your 60s and beyond, movement is the name of the game.

And I’m not necessarily talking about sweating it out in the gym or running marathons.

The fit seniors I’ve met tend to incorporate movement into their daily routine in quite a natural and enjoyable way. It could be walking the dog, gardening, or even simply choosing stairs over elevators.

The key here is consistency. They do it every day without fail.

It’s their non-negotiable commitment to daily physical activity that sets them apart.

Regular movement keeps their body agile and their muscles strong. Plus, it brings a host of other health benefits such as improved heart health and enhanced mental well-being.

This is one lesson we can all learn from them: Don’t make movement an option, make it a must-do.

Remember, every step counts towards staying physically fit.

2) They leverage the power of habit formation

Now, you might wonder, how do these individuals find the discipline to stick to daily physical activities?

Well, the secret lies in understanding the concept of habit formation.

In psychology, habits are behaviors that we perform automatically, without needing to think. Sounds easy, right?

Once a behavior becomes a habit, it requires less effort and thought. It becomes a part of our routine that we hardly notice.

Fit seniors understand this concept well. They don’t rely solely on willpower to get moving each day. Instead, they’ve smartly turned their physical activities into habits.

For example, they might always go for a walk after breakfast or do some stretching exercises before bed. The consistency and repetition turn these activities into deeply ingrained habits.

And guess what? You can do this too.

Turning your fitness activities into habits can make your journey towards physical fitness smoother and more enjoyable.

3) They don’t obsess over the perfect workout

Here’s something that might surprise you.

While these fit individuals are consistent with their daily movement, they aren’t necessarily rigid about the type of physical activity they engage in.

This is quite contrary to the popular belief that one must stick to a specific workout regimen to stay fit.

Many of them vary their activities based on their mood, weather, or even their social calendar. One day it could be a brisk walk in the park, the next day it could be a dance class or a yoga session.

The variety not only keeps things interesting but also works different muscle groups.

Remember the habit formation we talked about earlier? Well, being flexible about the type of activity can actually support habit formation as it removes the pressure of sticking to a ‘perfect’ workout routine.

4) They prioritize good nutrition

Ever thought about how what we eat impacts our physical fitness?

Fit individuals in their 60s and beyond sure do. Good nutrition is high on their list of daily habits.

They don’t fall for fad diets or quick fixes. Instead, they focus on a balanced, nutritious diet that fuels their body and supports their daily activities.

They understand that our bodies change as we age, and so do our nutritional needs. So, they make conscious choices based on what works best for them.

This could involve eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, or consuming lean proteins. Some might even seek advice from nutritionists to tailor their diet to their specific needs.

Think about your own dietary habits. Are they supporting your physical fitness goals or hindering them? It’s never too late to make better food choices. 

5) They pay attention to rest and recovery

One thing that often goes unnoticed is the importance of rest and recovery in maintaining physical fitness, especially as we age.

Fit seniors know this all too well. They don’t push their bodies to the limit without giving it time to recover. They listen to their bodies and respect its need for rest.

Here’s what their rest and recovery might include:

  • Taking a day off from physical activities when their body feels tired.
  • Getting a good night’s sleep every day.
  • Including light stretching or yoga in their routine to aid recovery.
  • Paying attention to any signs of discomfort or pain during their activities.

Rest is not laziness. It is a crucial component of fitness. And these fit seniors have figured this out long ago.

Who knew that doing ‘nothing’ could actually contribute to staying fit in your 60s and beyond?

6) They maintain a positive mindset

I’ve noticed something inspiring about these fit seniors. They seem to have an unwavering positive mindset.

Despite the physical challenges that come with aging, they don’t let it dampen their spirits. They see every day as an opportunity to move, to stay active, and to enjoy life.

They’ve taught me that age is just a number and it should never be a barrier to staying fit and healthy.

They believe in their capabilities, push through their limitations, and always strive for progress, not perfection.

And this positive mindset is not limited to their physical fitness. It transcends into other aspects of their life too.

Let’s take a leaf out of their book. After all, maintaining a positive mindset can make our fitness journey more enjoyable and rewarding.

7) They embrace social activities

Imagine going for a brisk walk with a group of friends, sharing stories, and having a good laugh along the way. Doesn’t that sound more enjoyable than walking alone?

This is something fit individuals in their 60s and beyond understand well. They often engage in social activities that involve some form of physical movement.

It could be a dance class, a hiking group, or even a weekly community cleanup. The social interaction not only makes the activity more enjoyable but also provides a sense of community and support.

Are there social activities that you enjoy which also involve some level of physical movement? Could you incorporate them into your routine more often?

After all, staying fit doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. It can be a fun and social endeavor too.

8) They focus on functional fitness

A few years ago, I met a sprightly lady in her early 70s at a local park. She was effortlessly doing lunges and squats, much to my amazement. When I complimented her on her fitness, she said something that stuck with me.

“I don’t exercise to look good. I do it so I can play with my grandkids, carry my groceries, and live independently.”

This is the essence of functional fitness – exercises that improve your balance, coordination, strength, and endurance to perform everyday activities with ease.

Fit seniors like her focus on staying functionally fit. They understand that it’s not just about having a toned body or being able to run a marathon.

It’s about being able to enjoy life and remain self-sufficient for as long as possible. And that’s an inspiring goal we can all strive for, isn’t it?

What’s your game plan for staying fit?

Now that we’ve explored the habits of people who stay physically fit in their 60s and beyond, it’s time to reflect on how we can incorporate these habits into our own lives.

Remember, it’s not about overhauling your lifestyle overnight. It’s about making small, consistent changes that add up over time.

Here are a few action steps you can consider:

  • Introduce one new physical activity into your routine this week.
  • Try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals.
  • Identify one social activity that involves movement and commit to participating regularly.
  • Set aside time each day for rest and recovery.

Our journey towards physical fitness is deeply personal and unique. Let’s draw inspiration from these fit seniors and create a game plan that works best for us.

As we move forward, let’s remind ourselves that every step we take towards better health is a victory, no matter how small. So, here’s to making health a priority and living our best lives, no matter our age.