There’s a stark contrast between simply growing old and truly aging well.

The disparity lies in our habits. Holding on to certain behaviors can rob us of the joy and fulfillment we could otherwise experience in our 70s.

On the flip side, letting go of these behaviors can make our later years some of the best times of our lives. It’s about choosing to live better, not just longer.

You see, thriving in your 70s isn’t about trying to turn back time, but rather moving forward with grace, wisdom, and a few changes in habit.

Here are nine behaviors you should consider ditching if you want your 70s to be more than just a number on a birthday cake.

Let’s dive in.

1) Worrying about the past

We’ve all heard the saying, “you can’t change the past.” Yet, many of us spend an inordinate amount of time trying to rewrite history in our heads.

As we age, it’s all too easy to look back and dwell on the “what ifs” and “if onlys.” But doing so can zap our energy and rob us of the joy of living in the present.

Living in your 70s isn’t about looking back with regret, but rather, it’s about embracing the present and looking forward to what’s yet to come. It’s about accepting past mistakes, learning from them, and then letting them go.

If you want your 70s to be some of the best years of your life, it’s time to say goodbye to worrying about the past.

2) Putting off health check-ups

I learned this lesson the hard way. I used to be one of those people who’d put off routine health check-ups. I’d always tell myself, “I feel fine, I’ll do it later.”

But one day, my body decided it had had enough of my procrastination. I found myself sitting in an emergency room with a severe case of pneumonia that could have been prevented with a simple flu shot.

From that moment on, I realized the importance of regular health check-ups. They aren’t just about finding potential problems; they’re also about preventing them.

As we move into our 70s, these preventative measures become all the more critical. Regular screenings and check-ups can help catch health issues early when they are usually easier to manage or treat.

3) Neglecting physical activity

It’s no secret that our bodies change as we age. But did you know that adults lose 3% to 5% of their muscle mass each decade after age 30? This process, known as sarcopenia, accelerates after the age of 60.

But here’s the good news. Regular physical activity can slow down this process and even reverse some of its effects.

Movement keeps our bodies strong, flexible, and agile. It improves balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls – a common problem for people in their 70s.

4) Isolating yourself

As we age, it’s not uncommon for our social circles to shrink. Friends and family members may move away, retire, or even pass on. But that doesn’t mean we should resign ourselves to a life of solitude.

Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. It can also have physical health impacts, including a weakened immune system and increased risk of heart disease.

On the flip side, maintaining social connections and staying engaged with the world around us can boost our mental and physical well-being.

5) Resisting new technology

Okay, I get it. The pace at which technology is advancing can be downright daunting. But sticking to the old ways and resisting new technology can limit our opportunities, especially in this digital age.

Today’s technology is not just about gadgets and gizmos; it’s about staying connected, informed, and engaged. It’s about telemedicine appointments, video calls with family, online shopping, digital banking, and so much more.

Embracing technology can enhance our quality of life, keep us independent, and even stimulate our minds. It can open up a world of possibilities that we might otherwise miss out on.

6) Holding on to grudges

Life is too short to hold on to anger and resentment. These negative emotions can weigh heavy on our hearts, robbing us of peace and happiness.

In our 70s, we should be focusing on creating beautiful memories, not nursing old wounds. It’s the time for forgiveness, for letting go of grudges that have held us captive for far too long.

Forgiveness is not about forgetting or condoning wrong actions; it’s about freeing ourselves from the burden of bitterness. It’s a gift we give ourselves and a powerful tool for emotional healing.

7) Ignoring your mental health

There was a time when I thought mental health was something only young people needed to worry about. How wrong I was.

As I moved into my 70s, I found myself struggling with anxiety and bouts of low mood. It took me a while to accept that it was okay to seek help, even at my age.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, perhaps even more so. It affects how we think, feel, and behave. It impacts our relationships, our self-esteem, and our ability to enjoy life.

Ignoring signs of mental health issues won’t make them go away. But seeking help can make a world of difference.

8) Sticking to routine

While routines can provide a sense of security and predictability, they can also lead to monotony and boredom.

In our 70s, it’s important to keep our minds sharp and our lives interesting. And one way to do this is by breaking away from routine every now and then.

Try something new. It could be as simple as taking a different route on your morning walk, trying out a new recipe, or learning a fun hobby. The goal is to keep your brain active and your life vibrant.

9) Neglecting self-care

The most vital thing to remember as we age is to prioritize self-care.

Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself; it’s about caring for your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It means eating well, sleeping enough, staying active, maintaining social connections, and taking time to relax and rejuvenate.

It’s about treating yourself with kindness and compassion, just as you would treat a dear friend.