If you’re still doing these 9 things at 70, you’re living life extraordinarily well

Graeme Richards by Graeme Richards | March 8, 2025, 5:27 am

Turning 70 is a big deal, but it doesn’t mean life slows down. In fact, for some people, it’s just the beginning of their best years.

Living well at 70 isn’t about luck—it’s about the choices you make every day. It’s about staying active, keeping your mind engaged, and continuing to do the things that bring you joy.

Some habits make all the difference. And if you’re still doing these nine things at 70, you’re not just aging—you’re thriving.

1) You keep moving

Staying active is one of the biggest keys to aging well. And no, that doesn’t mean you have to run marathons or lift heavy weights—unless you want to!

Movement keeps your body strong, your joints flexible, and your mind sharp. Whether it’s daily walks, yoga, swimming, or even dancing in your kitchen, staying active helps you maintain independence and energy.

If you’re still making movement a priority at 70, you’re doing something right. Keep it up!

2) You stay curious

I’ve always believed that learning doesn’t stop when school ends. And at 70, I’m more curious than ever.

A few years ago, I decided to take up painting—something I’d never tried before. At first, I was terrible. But instead of giving up, I kept at it, watching tutorials and practicing every day. Now, I have a small collection of paintings that I’m actually proud of.

Staying curious keeps life exciting. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, reading about a topic you’ve never explored, or asking more questions about the world around you, the desire to learn keeps your mind young.

If you’re still learning and growing at 70, you’re not just aging—you’re thriving.

3) You nurture your relationships

Staying socially connected is one of the biggest predictors of long-term happiness and health. Strong relationships can lower stress, boost your immune system, and even help you live longer.

At 70, having deep connections with family, friends, or even a close-knit community makes all the difference. It’s not about having a huge social circle—it’s about quality over quantity. The people who truly know and support you are the ones who keep life meaningful.

If you’re still making time for the people who matter most, you’re setting yourself up for a longer, happier life.

4) You embrace change

Life never stops changing, no matter how old you are. The people who age well are the ones who learn to adapt instead of resisting the inevitable shifts that come with time.

Technology evolves, the world moves fast, and even our own bodies go through changes. But instead of feeling stuck in the past, embracing change keeps you engaged and open to new experiences.

If you’re still willing to try new things, adjust to life’s twists, and see change as an opportunity rather than a setback, you’re living with a mindset that keeps you young.

5) You prioritize your health

Good health isn’t just about luck—it’s about the daily choices you make. Eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress all play a huge role in how you feel at 70 and beyond.

Your body changes as you age, but taking care of it ensures you can keep doing the things you love. Regular check-ups, listening to what your body needs, and making smart lifestyle choices can add years to your life—and life to your years.

If you’re still making your health a priority, you’re giving yourself the best chance to keep living fully and independently.

6) You practice gratitude

At 70, you’ve seen life’s highs and lows. You’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and learned lessons along the way. And through it all, choosing to focus on gratitude makes every moment richer.

Gratitude isn’t just about appreciating the big things—it’s about finding joy in the small ones. A warm cup of coffee in the morning, a conversation with a dear friend, the beauty of a sunset. These little moments add up to a life well-lived.

If you’re still taking time to appreciate what you have, rather than dwelling on what you don’t, you’re living with a heart full of richness that no amount of money or success can replace.

7) You forgive and let go

Holding onto resentment only weighs you down. There was a time when I carried the burden of an old grudge for years, convinced that holding onto the hurt would somehow make things right. But all it did was keep me stuck in the past.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing what happened—it means choosing to free yourself from the pain of it. Life is too short to dwell on what can’t be changed.

If you’ve learned to let go of past hurts and move forward with peace, you’ve given yourself one of the greatest gifts of all.

8) You find joy in the present

It’s easy to get caught up in memories of the past or worries about the future, but true happiness comes from embracing the present moment.

Whether it’s enjoying a quiet morning, laughing with loved ones, or simply feeling the sun on your face, finding joy in the here and now makes life more meaningful.

If you’re still able to slow down, appreciate what’s in front of you, and truly live in the moment, you’ve discovered a secret that many people spend their whole lives chasing.

9) You live with purpose

Having a reason to get up in the morning changes everything. Whether it’s a passion, a hobby, helping others, or simply being there for the people you love, purpose gives life meaning.

It’s not about chasing big achievements—it’s about feeling connected to something that matters. The happiest people at 70 aren’t just passing time; they’re still engaged, still contributing, still growing.

If you wake up each day with a sense of purpose, you’re not just living long—you’re living well.