7 morning habits of people who stay looking youthful into their 60s and beyond

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | January 16, 2025, 5:17 pm

Aging is inevitable, but looking your age? That’s a choice.

Many people believe that the secret to a youthful appearance lies in expensive skincare products or cosmetic procedures. But what if I told you that the real secret is in how you start your day?

The most vibrant and youthful-looking people in their 60s and beyond often have simple, yet powerful morning routines. These habits, done consistently, can make a world of difference in how you look and feel.

Ready to discover their secrets? Let’s dive into the “7 morning habits of people who stay looking youthful into their 60s and beyond”.

1) Rise and shine

It’s no secret that the early bird catches the worm. And when it comes to maintaining that youthful glow, it seems the early bird also catches the years.

People who look younger than their age swear by an early morning start. There’s something about greeting the sunrise that keeps your body clock in sync and your skin glowing.

And that’s not just talk. Studies have shown that aligning your sleep schedule with the sun’s can regulate your body’s internal clock, leading to improved sleep, mood, and yes, even appearance.

So set your alarm and start your day right. Embrace the morning light and let it illuminate not just your day, but also your skin’s youthful radiance. It might take some adjustment, especially if you’re a night owl, but trust me – your skin will thank you.

But remember, it’s not about waking up at an ungodly hour. It’s about having a consistent sleep schedule that works for you and sticking to it. Consistency is key in this game of youthfulness.

So rise with the sun and shine throughout the day.

2) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

I can’t stress this one enough. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning has made a world of difference in my life, and especially to my skin.

It all started when I read about the benefits of hydrating immediately after waking up. I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a go.

Now, every morning before I do anything else, I reach for a glass of water. I started noticing changes pretty quickly – my skin seemed brighter, my energy levels were up, and even my digestion seemed to improve.

But the most significant change I noticed was in my skin’s elasticity and smoothness. It wasn’t something I was expecting, but it made sense. Our skin is made up of cells that need water to function correctly.

By drinking water first thing in the morning, we’re giving our skin cells the hydration they need after a night of rest.

3) Cultivating mindfulness

Mindfulness. It’s a word we hear often, but how many of us truly understand what it means and how beneficial it can be?

Mindfulness is the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment. It’s about appreciating the now, and not worrying about the past or the future. And believe it or not, it can have a profound impact on our appearance.

Stress and anxiety can take a toll on our skin, causing premature aging. By practicing mindfulness, we can reduce that stress and promote a more youthful appearance.

But how do you cultivate mindfulness? It’s not as complicated as you might think.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I delve deeper into simple and practical techniques that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine.

Starting your day with a few minutes of mindfulness can not only set a positive tone for the rest of your day but also contribute to a more youthful look.

By reducing stress and promoting inner peace, you’re creating an environment for your body to thrive and maintain its youthful radiance.

4) Embrace a nutrient-packed breakfast

Breakfast is dubbed the most important meal of the day, and it’s for a good reason. It kick-starts your metabolism, fuels your brain, and sets the tone for your eating habits throughout the day.

But here’s the thing, not just any breakfast will do if you’re aiming for that youthful glow. The trick is in choosing meals that are rich in nutrients.

Years ago, my breakfast was more about convenience than nutrition. Grabbing a pastry on the go, or skipping it altogether was my norm. But over time, I noticed my energy levels were dropping, my skin looked dull, and I just didn’t feel as vibrant as I knew I could be.

Switching to a nutrient-dense breakfast changed everything. Foods rich in antioxidants like berries, packed with omega-3 fatty acids like chia seeds, or high in fiber like oats became my go-to.

And boy, did it make a difference! My energy shot up, my concentration improved, and my skin started to regain its glow.

5) Skip the hot shower

Now, this might sound strange, especially if you’re someone who loves a steaming hot shower to start your day. But hear me out.

Hot showers, as relaxing as they may be, strip your skin of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and can accelerate the aging process of your skin.

Instead, consider taking lukewarm or even cold showers. Cold showers especially have numerous benefits. They can help improve circulation, tighten your skin, and even boost your mood!

It might take some getting used to, and yes, the first few seconds might be a bit of a shock. But once you make the switch, you’ll notice improvements in your skin’s health and appearance.

So tomorrow morning, instead of turning up the heat, try turning it down. Your skin will thank you for it.

6) Incorporate exercise into your morning routine

We all know the numerous benefits of regular exercise, from boosting energy levels to improving cardiovascular health. But did you know it also plays a significant role in maintaining a youthful appearance?

Exercising in the morning gets your blood pumping and increases oxygen flow, which aids in the natural detoxification of your skin. It also helps release stress, which can contribute to aging.

Now, I’m not suggesting you need to hit the gym for an intense workout session every morning (although if that’s your thing, go for it!). Even light exercises like yoga, stretching, or a brisk walk can do wonders for your skin and overall well-being.

The key is consistency.

Making exercise a part of your daily routine will help you reap the benefits and keep you looking youthful well into your 60s and beyond. So pull out your yoga mat, lace up your walking shoes, or whatever gets you moving and start your day on an active note.

7) Protect your skin from the sun

If there’s one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: Sun protection is non-negotiable.

No matter the weather, applying a good sunscreen should be a part of your morning routine. The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.

Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and make sure it’s broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. And remember to reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.

Sun damage is cumulative and often irreversible. But with consistent sun protection, you can keep your skin looking youthful for years to come.

The secret is consistency

At the heart of it all, the secret to maintaining a youthful appearance well into your 60s and beyond lies in consistency.

Your body, and specifically your skin, responds to the care and attention it receives over time. The habits we’ve discussed are not quick fixes but rather, lifestyle changes that require commitment and patience.

Think about it. Drinking water, embracing mindfulness, nourishing your body with healthy food, protecting your skin from the sun – these are simple actions. Yet when practiced consistently over time, they have the power to bring about profound changes.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I delve into the power of consistency and how it can transform not just our physical appearance but our overall well-being.

Every moment we live is an opportunity to make a choice that benefits our health and vitality. Each day is a new chapter in the story of our life where we can choose habits that take us closer to our goal of looking and feeling youthful.

It’s not about drastic measures or overnight transformations. It’s about making small changes each day that add up over time.

And with this, you’re equipped to embrace your morning routine with a newfound perspective – one that holds the promise of youthfulness, vitality, and longevity.