People who stay energetic and active in their 70s usually adopt these 9 behaviors, says psychology

Avatar by Justin Brown | December 17, 2024, 4:38 am

Have you ever met someone in their 70s who seems to have boundless energy and a zest for life?

Psychology suggests that these individuals tend to embrace behaviors like staying curious, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining routines that support their mental and physical well-being.

These practices promote their sustained vitality and joie de vivre.

The key lies not in a magic potion but in our daily actions and attitudes.

Let’s explore the behaviors that can help us maintain an energetic and active lifestyle even as we age.

1) Embrace a healthy lifestyle

There’s no denying that our physical health has a significant impact on our energy levels and overall vitality.

People who tend to remain energetic and active into their 70s don’t just stumble upon this state of well-being.

They consciously choose behaviors that promote their health, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate rest.

Just like the concept of social proof in sales, these individuals rely on proven strategies for optimal health.

Short-lived trends or fads do not guide them, but sustainable practices that have stood the test of time.

It’s not about being perfect or rigidly adhering to a specific regimen.

It’s about making small, consistent choices every day that contribute to long-term wellness.

This means choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator, opting for fresh fruits over processed snacks, or prioritizing sleep over late-night TV.

The beauty of this approach is that it empowers each individual to take control of their health.

It’s not about comparing oneself to others or striving for an unattainable ideal.

It’s about honoring one’s unique body and needs, and making decisions that support growth and vitality.

2) Cultivate a positive mindset

Our minds are powerful tools in shaping our reality.

Those who stay energetic and active into their 70s understand this deeply.

They consciously cultivate a positive mindset, choosing to focus on the good and the possible, rather than getting bogged down by negativity or limitations.

This isn’t about ignoring the challenges or difficulties of life.

Instead, it’s about dealing with them from a place of optimism and resilience.

It’s about seeing obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than insurmountable roadblocks.

I’ve personally witnessed how powerful this shift in perspective can be.

It’s helped me navigate difficult situations with grace and bounce back from setbacks with renewed vigor.

As Dr. Martin Seligman, a renowned psychologist and proponent of Positive Psychology, once said, “Optimism is not about providing a recipe for self-deception. The world can be a tough place, and true optimism is the resiliency to acknowledge reality, seek out the positive, and make informed decisions to better your present and future.”

3) Foster meaningful relationships

Human beings are inherently social creatures.

We thrive on connection, interaction, and shared experiences.

Many of those who stay energetic and active well into their 70s attribute a significant part of their vitality to the quality of their relationships.

These people understand the value of deep, authentic connections over numerous shallow ones.

They prioritize spending time with people who enrich their lives, challenge their perspectives, and support their growth.

In my experience, one of the most life-affirming acts is to foster relationships that are grounded in mutual respect, empathy, and genuine care.

These are the ties that nourish us, inspire us, and ultimately help us navigate the ups and downs of life.

In one of my videos, I delve into the importance of these connections and how they can significantly impact our overall well-being.

If you’re interested in exploring this topic further, I invite you to watch it:

YouTube video

4) Prioritize personal growth

Personal growth is not a destination, but a continuous journey.

Those who remain energetic and robust into their 70s often prioritize self-improvement and lifelong learning.

They are not afraid to confront their fears, challenge their limiting beliefs, and step out of their comfort zones.

They understand that growth can be uncomfortable and even painful at times.

But they also know that it’s through these experiences that we become more resilient, more self-aware, and ultimately more capable of leading fulfilling lives.

As someone who believes in the transformative power of personal development, I’ve found that embracing this path is not always easy.

It requires honesty and courage to confront aspects of ourselves we’d rather ignore or deny.

But it’s precisely in these raw and honest moments of self-confrontation that we have the opportunity to grow and evolve.

This is how we learn to live with authenticity, embracing our strengths, acknowledging our weaknesses, and striving each day to become better versions of ourselves.

5) Embrace the inevitable challenges

Life is not a smooth, linear journey. It is filled with ups and downs, detours and roadblocks.

Those who maintain their energy and zest into their 70s have learned to embrace these challenges, viewing them not as setbacks but opportunities for growth and learning.

They understand that failure is not a dead end but a detour on the path to success.

It’s an invitation to adapt, evolve, and find creative solutions.

Through these experiences, we learn to be resilient, to pick ourselves up after a fall, and to keep moving forward.

This perspective aligns with one of my core beliefs – that obstacles are not roadblocks but stepping stones on the path of personal growth.

It’s a belief I’ve shared in one of my videos where I discuss the importance of embracing life’s challenges as opportunities for growth:

YouTube video

By adopting this mindset, we can transform our relationship with failure and adversity, ultimately leading to greater personal freedom and resilience.

6) Let go of constant control

In our quest for success and fulfillment, we often attempt to maintain constant control over our lives.

Yet, those who stay active and energetic into their 70s have realized the value of letting go.

Rather than trying to dictate every detail of their lives, these individuals understand the importance of going with the flow.

They accept that life is unpredictable and that not everything can be planned or controlled.

This acceptance allows them to adapt to the unexpected, reducing stress and promoting a more peaceful state of mind.

7) Invest in self-care

In a society that often glorifies hustle and overwork, prioritizing self-care may seem indulgent or unproductive.

Yet, those who maintain their vibrancy into their 70s understand that taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being is fundamental.

These individuals recognize that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

They invest time in activities that rejuvenate them, be it a leisurely walk in nature, reading a book, or practicing mindfulness.

They ensure they get adequate sleep, eat healthily, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

8) Nurture a sense of purpose

Those who stay active and energetic into their later years often have a strong sense of purpose guiding their actions.

They are not merely passing time but living life with intentionality.

This sense of purpose does not need to be tied to grandiose goals; it can be as simple as contributing to their community or pursuing a lifelong passion.

Living with purpose keeps them motivated, fuels their creativity, and provides a sense of direction.

It helps them stay focused on what truly matters to them and contributes to their overall sense of fulfillment.

9) Practice gratitude

Finally, one common trait among those who maintain their energy into their 70s is the practice of gratitude.

Rather than focusing on what they lack or what could be better, they choose to appreciate what they have.

Gratitude is not about ignoring life’s challenges or difficulties. It’s about acknowledging the good amidst the bad.

This practice helps them maintain a positive outlook on life, boosts their mental well-being, and fosters a sense of contentment.

Practicing gratitude aligns with my belief in the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth.

By appreciating what we have, we cultivate a more positive mindset, which ultimately contributes to our overall happiness and resilience.

Unraveling the secret of lifelong vitality

As we delve into the behaviors of those who remain energetic and active into their 70s, one undeniable pattern emerges – it’s less about the physical age and more about the mindset.

Whether it’s maintaining a healthy lifestyle, nurturing meaningful relationships, prioritizing personal growth, or practicing gratitude, these habits all point towards a proactive approach to life.

Perhaps the secret of lifelong vitality isn’t hidden in a mystical fountain of youth but in our everyday choices.

It’s in our willingness to take responsibility for our well-being, embrace life’s challenges, and live authentically.

These behaviors are not exclusive to any age group.

They can be adopted at any stage of life, providing a roadmap towards not just longevity but a fulfilling and vibrant existence.

So as we stride forward in our unique journeys, let us remember that age is just a number.

It’s our actions, attitudes, and beliefs that truly define our vitality and zest for life.