I often stroll through my neighborhood park with my grandkids—when I can keep up with them—and I’m always amazed at the older folks I see around me.

Some look weary and move at a snail’s pace.

Others, often in their eighties, walk upright with a twinkle in their eye, chatting amiably with friends, or tapping their toes to a tune only they can hear.

I’ve found myself wondering:

What’s the secret ingredient that separates those who merely survive in their later years from those who truly thrive?

Over time, I’ve come to believe it’s not just one secret ingredient—it’s a whole recipe of habits and mindsets.

If you reach 80 and naturally do these eight things without a second thought, you might be far more vibrant than you give yourself credit for.

1. You greet the day with curiosity

One thing I’ve noticed among some of the sprightliest folks in their eighties is a childlike curiosity.

They still get intrigued by a new bird song or an unfamiliar dish at their local café.

They ask questions, start conversations, and learn something new whenever the chance arises.

If you wake up eager to see what the day holds—whether it’s tackling a word puzzle, trying a new hobby, or simply discovering what’s happening on your street—you’re already exhibiting a key sign of thriving.

2. You move your body comfortably

You don’t have to run marathons or bench press your weight.

But if at 80 you can still take a decent walk around the block, get up from your chair with minimal effort, and handle daily tasks without feeling wrecked, it’s a sign your body is functioning well for your age.

A good friend of mine, who’s pushing 82, is no bodybuilder.

Yet he makes sure to stroll through his garden each morning, pruning roses and picking up stray branches.

It’s second nature to him; he never dwells on whether he’s “exercising.”

He just does it because it brings him joy.

That easy sense of movement—without stopping to question, “Am I too old for this?”—is priceless.

3. You keep your mind engaged

As I covered in a previous post on the Global English Editing blog, staying mentally engaged is vital to overall well-being, especially as we get older.

Whether you’re reading a newspaper cover to cover, working on crosswords, or listening to audiobooks, that mental agility can help keep you sharp.

Personally, I’ve noticed that my own parents, well into their eighties, love to discuss current events and occasionally debate me on the best way to cook a roast.

They’re nowhere near ready to slow down on the thinking front, and they seem livelier for it.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Aging and Health found that older adults who regularly challenged their minds—through activities like learning a second language, solving puzzles, or engaging in creative tasks—had a lower risk of cognitive decline.

4. You still make meaningful connections

Let’s face it: the older we get, the more we risk becoming isolated if we’re not careful.

Friends move away or pass on, family members get busy, and it can feel harder to keep up with ever-changing technology.

Yet I’ve noticed those who thrive in their eighties maintain solid relationships, even if it’s just a handful of people they deeply care about.

If you’re regularly calling a sibling, chatting with your neighbor over the fence, or even checking in with old colleagues, that social connectedness is a big green flag for robust emotional health.

A warm phone call, a casual lunch date, or a weekly card game can make all the difference in staying mentally and emotionally engaged.

I won’t pretend to have it all figured out, but from what I’ve observed, maintaining just a few close relationships—people who you can turn to and who can rely on you—brings a sense of purpose.

As a well-known saying goes, “Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.”

5. You adapt to life’s changes

The eighties can be a time of unpredictable change.

Health can fluctuate, loved ones might move into care homes, and new technologies keep popping up like daisies.

The ability to adapt to these changes, without feeling constantly overwhelmed or defeated, says a lot about your emotional resilience.

I remember my aunt, who had never laid a finger on a computer in her entire life, suddenly deciding at 79 that she wanted to learn video calling so she could see her grandkids. 

She stuck with it through the frustrations of remembering passwords and figuring out the camera.

Now she uses it all the time.

It’s not that she’s a tech whiz. It’s that she remains open-minded and willing to push through discomfort.

If you find yourself doing the same—adapting, learning, and shifting your habits—then you’re likely more resilient than you realize. 

6. You prioritize gratitude

I’ve learned over the years that gratitude can be the glue holding a person’s joy together.

It’s easy to focus on aches, pains, or what’s gone wrong in the day.

But if, by 80, your default mode is to notice the good—maybe it’s the sun peeking through your curtains in the morning or the sweet taste of fresh berries—then you’ve cultivated a mindset of abundance.

Back when I worked in a regular office job, I used to go for lunchtime walks with a colleague who was 20 years older than me.

He had a habit of pointing out random things he found beautiful, like a particularly bright patch of flowers or the intricate design on a bench.

It was a simple act, but it made those walks feel almost magical.

A sense of gratitude not only lifts your mood, but it also fosters resilience. 

That attitude can be a bigger asset than any investment portfolio.

7. You maintain healthy boundaries

Boundaries aren’t just about saying “no” to someone who wants to borrow your car again.

They’re also about protecting your energy and emotional well-being. I know a couple in their eighties who swear by their daily afternoon rest.

It’s not so much a nap as it is a “sacred quiet hour.”

They politely inform family and friends that between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., they’re not to be disturbed.

And you know what? It works like a charm for them.

If you can comfortably express your limits—whether that’s deciding you’d rather skip a social gathering if you’re feeling tired or refusing to be guilt-tripped by someone—you’re setting a powerful example for thriving, not just surviving.

Brené Brown, whose work I’ve found incredibly insightful, once said, “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.”

If that’s something you do instinctively now, it’s a sign you’ve grown into a strong sense of self-care.

8. You trust in self-care without feeling selfish

Finally, if at 80 you can treat yourself well—without a truckload of guilt—that’s huge.

Self-care could be as basic as a warm bath, a gentler style of exercise, regular check-ups, or time spent with a good book.

It might sound small, but being kind to yourself can help you stay physically and mentally resilient.

I’ve known folks who push themselves to exhaustion trying to do everything for everyone, even when they’ve earned the right to slow down.

If you’ve figured out how to keep balance—supporting loved ones while also caring for your own needs—that’s a real triumph.

There’s some research suggesting people who practice consistent self-care have lower stress levels and are better able to manage health challenges.

Whether you visit a local senior center for social activities or indulge in a weekly treat of your favorite dessert, doing these things effortlessly indicates you’ve reached a satisfying level of self-understanding.

Final thoughts 

Of course, not everyone’s path to 80 looks the same. Some folks face more significant health challenges.

Others might have certain constraints that make one or two of these actions tougher.

But even being willing to try says something powerful about your spirit.

In the end, aging is a universal experience, but how we navigate it can vary wildly.

My hope is that, whether you’re in your eighties or edging closer by the day, you’ll keep an open heart and mind.

Ask yourself: Which of these habits already comes easily, and which one might you work on?

The answer could be the key to making those golden years truly shine.

And if you happen to meet an older neighbor or relative who’s embodying these qualities, maybe take a moment to ask them how they do it.

You might just find a piece of wisdom you can pass on—whether to a friend, a grandchild, or even yourself a few years down the road.