People who stay active and youthful in their 70s and beyond usually have said goodbye to these 9 habits

Avatar by Lachlan Brown | January 20, 2025, 8:06 am

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

The difference lies in our habits. Aging is inevitable but growing old is often a result of certain practices that we just can’t seem to shake off.

Those who remain vibrant and energetic into their 70s and beyond have usually bid adieu to certain daily rituals.

Staying youthful isn’t about finding the fountain of youth, it’s about making the right choices. And believe it or not, there are nine habits that those who age gracefully have generally let go.

In this piece, let’s delve into what those nine habits are.

1) Letting go of sedentary lifestyle

Movement is life, and nowhere is this more evident than in the lives of those who stay active well into their 70s and beyond.

The idea of ‘use it or lose it’ rings true for these individuals.

A common thread among them? They’ve said goodbye to a sedentary lifestyle.

Consider it. The act of sitting for long hours has been linked to numerous health issues, from heart disease to obesity.

When confronted with the choice between taking the stairs or the elevator, they usually opt for the former. It’s not about massive workout routines, but about incorporating movement into their daily lives.

But remember, this doesn’t mean you have to run marathons or do intense workouts every day. It’s about making the active choice most of the time.

So if you aspire to stay youthful and vibrant, consider saying goodbye to a sedentary lifestyle. Like countless others before you have done, making this choice can pave the way to a healthier and more active life.

2) Waving off processed foods

Let me tell you a little story about my grandmother.

At 80 years old, she’s still as lively and spry as she was in her 50s. And one thing she attributes her youthful vitality to is her lifelong habit of avoiding processed foods.

I remember, as a child, visiting her kitchen, filled with the fresh aroma of home-cooked meals. She always prioritized whole, natural ingredients over canned or packaged ones.

Processed foods, laden with excessive salt, sugars, and preservatives, were a big no in her book. She’d often say, “If it comes from a plant, eat it; if it’s made in a plant, don’t.”

Following her example has made me realize how much our diet influences our health and vitality. The shift towards whole foods not only improves physical health but also contributes to mental clarity and emotional well-being.

If you seek to remain youthful beyond your 70s, consider following my grandmother’s advice and say goodbye to processed foods. Trust me; your body will thank you for it in the long run.

3) Bidding farewell to chronic stress

Chronic stress is a silent killer. It’s linked to a myriad of health issues, from heart disease to mental health disorders.

For those who remain youthful into their 70s and beyond, managing stress is an integral part of their lifestyle. They understand that it’s not about eliminating stress completely, but about effectively managing it.

Did you know that the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest studies on human happiness, found that good relationships are more influential in decreasing stress and increasing happiness than wealth or fame?

Building strong social connections, practicing mindfulness, and dedicating time to hobbies are common ways these individuals cope with stress. By bidding farewell to chronic stress, they open the doors to a healthier and more youthful life.

So if you’re seeking a more vibrant life as you age, consider adopting effective stress management strategies. It’s not just about adding years to your life but about adding life to your years.

4) Cutting down on excessive alcohol

A glass of wine here, a couple of beers there – it might seem harmless at first. But excessive alcohol consumption can quickly catch up with us, leading to both short-term and long-term health issues.

Those who maintain their vitality well into their later years typically understand the importance of moderation when it comes to alcohol.

They’ve either reduced their intake significantly or have opted to say goodbye to it altogether.

Remember, moderation is key. It’s not about complete abstinence but about understanding and respecting your body’s limits.

If you’re looking to hold onto your youthfulness in your 70s and beyond, consider cutting back on the booze. Your liver, skin, and overall health will surely thank you.

5) Ditching negative thinking

The mind is a powerful tool, and the thoughts we entertain can significantly impact our overall well-being.

Those who remain youthful well into their golden years understand the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. They have said goodbye to habits of negative thinking and self-doubt.

Instead, they fill their minds with positive affirmations, optimism, and gratitude. They focus on their blessings rather than their shortcomings, and this positive outlook spills over into their physical health.

If you’re aiming for a vibrant life in your 70s and beyond, consider saying goodbye to negativity. Cultivate a positive mindset, and watch how it transforms not only your mental health but also your physical vitality. Remember, where the mind goes, the body follows.

6) Abandoning isolation

Humans are social beings by nature. We thrive on connection, on shared experiences, on love and companionship.

Those who remain youthful and active well into their 70s and beyond understand this fundamental truth of life. They’ve waved goodbye to the habit of isolation.

Instead, they cherish their relationships, nurture their friendships, and make an effort to stay connected with their loved ones. They understand that the heart stays young when it beats for others.

So if you aspire to stay vibrant as you age, consider opening your heart to the world around you. Embrace companionship, foster relationships, and remember that it’s never too late to make new connections. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about living longer – it’s about living fuller.

7) Letting go of lack of sleep

There was a time when I used to believe that sleep was for the weak. Burning the midnight oil, working through the night – it all seemed like a badge of honor. But over time, I realized how wrong I was.

The individuals who stay youthful and active into their 70s and beyond usually understand the power of good sleep. They’ve said goodbye to late-night TV binges and hello to a good night’s rest.

Quality sleep is not just about feeling rested the next day. It plays a crucial role in our body’s repair processes, cognitive functions, and even our mood.

So if you’re aiming to stay youthful as you age, consider prioritizing your sleep. It’s not just about quantity but quality. Remember, your body and mind deserve that revitalizing rest.

8) Saying no to an inactive mind

Keeping the body active is crucial, but what about the mind? Those who stay youthful into their 70s and beyond know the importance of keeping their mind sharp and engaged.

They’ve said goodbye to mental inactivity. Instead, they challenge their minds with puzzles, books, learning new skills, or even engaging in thoughtful conversations.

It’s all about keeping the brain stimulated and challenged. This not only enhances cognitive function but also contributes to a feeling of youthfulness and vitality.

So if you’re looking to stay young at heart and mind, consider bidding farewell to mental inactivity. Remember, a mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions.

9) Letting go of the fear of change

Change is the only constant in life. Those who remain youthful and vibrant into their 70s and beyond have embraced this reality.

They’ve said goodbye to the fear of change. Instead, they welcome new experiences, adapt to changes, and see every surprise as an opportunity for growth.

So if you’re aiming for a youthful and vibrant life as you age, consider embracing change. It’s not just about adjusting to new circumstances, but about thriving amidst them. Remember, age is just a number, but living is an art.

Final thought: It’s a lifestyle choice

The essence of vitality and youthfulness as we age isn’t confined to a secret formula or an elusive elixir. It’s more about the choices we make daily, the habits we form, and the ones we decide to let go.

These nine habits aren’t just isolated practices. They’re part of a lifestyle embraced by those who remain active and youthful into their 70s and beyond.

Interestingly, research from the University College London indicates that it takes an average of 66 days to form a habit. So the journey to a healthier, more vibrant life might just be two months away.

Whether it’s deciding to move more, saying no to processed foods, waving off excessive alcohol, or welcoming change, each step counts. Each choice matters.

As you reflect on these habits, remember the beautiful words of George Bernard Shaw: “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” The choice to embrace a youthful and active life is truly in your hands.

Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.