As someone who’s dedicated her life to helping others reset their life compass, I’ve observed a fascinating pattern. People who thrive well into their 70s and beyond often share certain daily habits.

Now, age might be just a number, but let’s be real, reaching your 70s and still feeling vibrant and full of life is something we all aspire to. So, what’s the secret?

I’ve found that it’s not some miracle drug or a magic potion that keeps these individuals going. Rather, it’s the small, everyday habits they adopt that make all the difference.

In this article, I’ll share these habits with you. Not as a prescription for eternal youth, but as a guide to living a healthy and fulfilling life well into your golden years. Trust me, it’s easier than you might think.

1) Embrace the internal journey

You know, life indeed brings many challenges to us all. And beneath our external circumstances, it’s our inner world that really counts. The way we navigate our thoughts and feelings shapes everything that matters in our lives.

People who thrive in their 70s and beyond understand this well. They have a deep awareness of their internal landscape and practice mindfulness to stay connected with themselves.

One practical tip I’ve seen work wonders is setting aside time each day for self-reflection. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or simply sitting quietly with your thoughts, this daily habit helps you stay centered amidst the ups and downs of life.

For instance, I have a friend in her late 70s who’s one of the most energetic and positive people I know. She told me that every morning, she spends at least 20 minutes savoring her cup of tea and reflecting on her thoughts and emotions. This simple habit has helped her stay grounded, resilient, and ready to embrace whatever life throws her way.

Remember, we can’t always control what life throws at us, but we can control how we respond. Embracing the internal journey is the first step towards thriving in our golden years.

If you’re looking for inspiration and practical strategies to help guide you on your internal journey, I invite you to watch my video below.

2) Steer your own life

Let’s get real here. We all have untapped potential within us. And the truth is, true empowerment comes from taking full responsibility for our lives.

People thriving in their 70s and beyond have an understanding of this. They don’t wait for life to happen to them; they steer it in the direction they want. They’re active participants in their own lives, making conscious decisions about their health, relationships, and personal growth.

A practical habit that reflects this mindset is goal-setting. Whether it’s a health goal, a relationship goal, or a personal development goal, having something to strive for keeps you engaged and motivated.

A word of caution though: being in control doesn’t mean trying to control everything. Life will still throw curveballs at you. The difference lies in how you respond to these challenges. Do you see them as setbacks, or as opportunities to grow and learn?

Remember, it’s never too late to take the wheel and start steering your life in the direction you desire. After all, true thriving isn’t just about longevity; it’s about living a meaningful and fulfilling life on your terms.

3) Become your own coach

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Life is filled with changes and transitions, especially as we age. But here’s the raw truth: we all have the potential to develop the skills to navigate these changes effectively.

Thriving individuals in their 70s and beyond often act as their own coaches. They’re able to step back, assess situations objectively, and guide themselves towards the best outcomes.

This doesn’t mean they have all the answers. But it does mean that they’ve cultivated a strong sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, enabling them to handle life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.

A practical way to develop this skill is by practising mindfulness. Regularly taking time to tune into your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors can give you valuable insights into your patterns and triggers.

Another key habit is self-reflection. By regularly reviewing your actions and decisions, you can identify what’s working for you and what isn’t. This allows you to make adjustments as needed, leading to a happier, more fulfilling life.

Remember, being your own coach doesn’t mean going it alone. It’s about taking charge of your own growth and wellbeing while seeking support when needed. It’s about learning to navigate life’s changes in a way that aligns with your goals and values.

4) Practise self-compassion

Life is a journey, and it’s not always smooth sailing. As we age, we face new challenges and experiences. But as Kristen Neff, a renowned psychologist, once said, “With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we’d give to a good friend.”

People thriving in their 70s and beyond have mastered the art of self-compassion. They treat themselves with kindness and understanding during tough times, rather than being harsh or overly critical.

This mindset allows them to face life’s challenges with resilience and optimism. Instead of getting bogged down by setbacks, they see them as opportunities for growth and learning.

To cultivate this habit, start by treating yourself as you would a dear friend. When you stumble, offer yourself words of encouragement rather than criticism. Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to be imperfect.

Practising self-compassion is not about ignoring your flaws or failures. It’s about acknowledging them with kindness and understanding, giving you the courage to make positive changes.

Remember, as we journey through life and face new challenges, being kind to ourselves can make all the difference. It helps us stay resilient and optimistic, enabling us to thrive no matter what comes our way.

5) Embrace a growth mindset

In an ever-changing world where disruption is the norm, the ability to adapt and grow is more crucial than ever. And people who thrive in their 70s and beyond get this.

They cultivate a growth mindset, seeing failures not as dead ends but as invaluable teachers. They understand that stepping out of their comfort zone is where real growth happens.

This mindset reframes challenges as opportunities for learning and development. It encourages curiosity, resilience, and a constant pursuit of improvement, which are vital for living a fulfilled life in our golden years.

To foster this habit, start by viewing failure differently. When things don’t go as planned, instead of feeling defeated, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Embrace the lessons that come with setbacks.

Also, try to step out of your comfort zone regularly. Whether it’s trying a new exercise routine or learning a new skill, these experiences can stimulate mental growth and keep life exciting.

Remember, adopting a growth mindset is about more than just personal development. It’s about embracing change and disruption as natural parts of life, and using them as catalysts for growth and fulfillment.

6) Prioritize physical activity

I can’t emphasize this enough – staying physically active is a game-changer. Those sailing smoothly into their 70s and beyond understand the importance of keeping their bodies moving.

It’s not about running marathons or lifting heavy weights, but incorporating regular, moderate physical activity into your daily routine. A brisk walk, a dance class, or even gardening can do wonders for your health and mood.

7) Maintain social connections

Research has shown that maintaining social connections can significantly improve life quality and longevity. The thriving septuagenarians I know are proof of this.

Whether it’s through family, friends, community activities or volunteer work, they actively foster their relationships. These social connections provide emotional support, enrich their lives and keep them engaged.

8) Nurture a positive outlook

People thriving in their golden years possess an unwavering positive outlook on life. This doesn’t mean they ignore life’s problems. Instead, they focus on what’s good in their lives and cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

A simple yet effective habit is keeping a gratitude journal. Every day, jot down three things you’re grateful for. Over time, this practice can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in your life.

9) Keep learning

Age is no barrier to learning. People thriving in their 70s and beyond are often lifelong learners. They constantly seek new knowledge and experiences, keeping their minds sharp and engaged.

Try picking up a new hobby, learning a new language or even taking an online course. The key is to keep your mind active and curious.

10) Prioritize sleep

Good quality sleep is crucial for our physical and mental health. Those thriving in their 70s and beyond understand this and prioritize getting a good night’s sleep.

Developing good sleep habits, like maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, can significantly improve your sleep quality.

Remember, adopting these daily habits isn’t about overnight transformations. It’s about making small but consistent changes that add up over time, helping you thrive into your 70s and beyond.

There you have it – the daily habits of those who thrive in their 70s and beyond. It’s not about magic formulas or quick fixes, but small, consistent actions that add up over time. It’s about navigating life with resilience, curiosity, and self-compassion.

We all have the potential to lead fulfilling lives, no matter our age. All it takes is a willingness to learn, grow and adapt.

Remember, age is just a number. What truly matters is how we live our lives. So why not seize the day and start adopting these habits? You’ve got a vibrant life ahead of you – make the most of it!