People who stay vibrant and youthful in their 70s and beyond usually adopt these 10 daily habits

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | December 10, 2024, 5:08 pm

Getting older might be inevitable, but feeling old? That’s totally up to you.

You’ve probably seen some people in their 70s and beyond who just seem to have cracked the code—they’re active, lively, and full of youthfulness that defies their age.

Their secret? Daily habits.

These energetic seniors often have routines that keep them feeling young and vibrant. And the best part? These habits are totally doable.

So, if you’re curious about what keeps these folks ticking, stick with us as we spill the beans on the 10 daily habits that typically keep people feeling vibrant and youthful well into their 70s and beyond.

Trust me, it’s simpler than you think!

1) They prioritize movement

You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase, “Move it or lose it”.

Well, those who stay vibrant and youthful well into their 70s and beyond seem to have taken this saying to heart.

Physical activity isn’t just about maintaining a slimmer waistline or building muscle mass. It’s about keeping your heart healthy, your mind sharp, and your spirit high.

Remember, we’re not necessarily talking about intense gym sessions or running marathons. For many of these folks, it’s about integrating movement into their everyday lives.

That could mean a morning walk, gardening, dancing, or even just a daily stretching routine. The point is to keep moving and keep the blood flowing.

2) They maintain a positive mindset

Now, this one’s close to my heart.

I’ve got an aunt who’s in her late 70s, and let me tell you, she’s probably the most energetic and youthful person I know.

Her secret? A relentlessly positive mindset.

She’s had her share of ups and downs, just like all of us.

But instead of dwelling on the negatives, she chooses to focus on the positives. It’s not that she ignores the tough stuff; she just doesn’t let it define her.

Every morning, she wakes up and lists three things she’s grateful for. It could be something as simple as a good cup of coffee or as grand as a visit from her grandkids. This gratitude practice sets the tone for her day.

And you know what? It really works for her. She radiates positivity and youthfulness, and I’m convinced that her sunny outlook plays a big part in that.

3) They eat a balanced diet

The saying “You are what you eat” holds a lot of truth, especially as we age.

Those who maintain their youthful vitality often prioritize a balanced and nutritious diet. They load up on colorful fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.

But it’s not just about managing weight. A diet packed with antioxidants can actually help shield cells from damage that ages us.

Take the Mediterranean Diet, for example. It’s all about fresh produce, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil and fish. It’s not a coincidence that this diet is popular in areas where people live long, healthy lives.

So, if you’re aiming to stay radiant as you age, pay attention to what’s on your plate. Good nutrition is one of the best tools we have against the march of time.

4) They stay mentally active

Staying physically active is important, but don’t forget about keeping your brain in shape too.

Those who stay vibrant as they age often make a point to keep their minds busy. That could mean reading, solving puzzles, picking up a new skill, or just having interesting chats.

Challenging your brain like this keeps your mental skills sharp and helps you stay quick-witted. It’s like a workout for your noggin!

Whether you’re learning a new language, diving into a hobby, or just enjoying a good read, keeping your brain active can really help keep that youthful energy alive well into your golden years.

5) They foster social connections

Those who stay forever 21 usually have a bustling social life. They cherish relationships with family, friends, and their community.

These connections offer emotional support, a sense of belonging, and can even get you moving more with shared activities.

But it’s not just about the number of friends—it’s about the quality too. Meaningful relationships bring joy, comfort, and a feeling of belonging that can really lift your spirits.

So whether you’re hanging out with loved ones, joining in on community fun, or making new pals, nurturing those social ties is a top habit for staying vibrant as you age.

6) They embrace change

Change can be intimidating, no doubt about it.

But those who seem to defy the aging process have a different take on it. They see change as a chance, not a challenge.

These individuals get that life is a journey with all sorts of twists and turns. Rather than fighting against the tide, they embrace it. They’re always up for learning, growing, and shifting gears.

Take retirement, for instance. Instead of seeing it as the end of the road, they view it as a fresh start—a chance to dive into new hobbies, spend time with loved ones, or simply kick back and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

This attitude of rolling with the punches not only keeps their minds sharp but also opens up new paths to happiness and fulfillment, which definitely helps keep that youthful spark alive.

7) They make time for self-care

Those who always stay full of life swear by the importance of self-care. It’s not just about physical health—it’s about looking after your emotional and mental state too.

For some, that might mean a daily meditation or yoga session. For others, it could be as simple as winding down with a nice bath or diving into a good book.

What I’ve come to understand is that it doesn’t matter what form self-care takes for you. What matters is that you’re carving out time to nurture your body and mind in a way that leaves you feeling refreshed and recharged.

So, don’t beat yourself up or put your needs on the back burner.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. And it’s a habit that can really help keep that youthful spirit alive and kicking.

8) They aren’t afraid to act their age

Guess what? Those who stay young at heart aren’t necessarily trying to recapture their 20s or 30s.

Sure, they’re active, involved, and full of energy.

But they also embrace their age with a sense of dignity. They get that growing older isn’t about trying to turn back time, but about cherishing the wisdom, experiences, and yes, even the tough stuff that comes with each passing year.

They wear their age proudly, seeing it as a mark of all they’ve lived through and learned.

This acceptance and celebration of their age lets them live authentically and fully, which keeps that youthful spark alive.

9) They get plenty of rest

In a world that often glorifies being constantly busy, it’s easy to forget how essential good old-fashioned rest is.

But those who stay lively into their 70s and beyond get it—they understand the vital role that rest plays in their overall well-being.

Getting solid, quality sleep isn’t just about feeling refreshed—it’s about letting your body heal, keeping your mind sharp, and even regulating your mood. It’s a cornerstone of good health, just as crucial as eating well and staying active.

But rest isn’t only about sleep. It’s also about carving out time during the day to unwind and recharge. That might mean taking a leisurely stroll in nature, sneaking in a quick nap in the afternoon, or simply enjoying some peaceful alone time.

Bottom line? Never skimp on rest. It’s not a luxury—it’s an absolute necessity for keeping your body and mind in tip-top shape.

10) They keep a sense of purpose

Your sense of purpose doesn’t clock out when you retire.

Those who seem to defy the aging process often have a clear sense of purpose driving them forward.

Whether it’s volunteering, diving into a passion project, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, they have something that lights them up each day.

Having a reason to jump out of bed in the morning, something that sparks excitement and gives your life meaning, can have a huge impact on your overall happiness.

Here’s your daily reminder: Find what sets your soul on fire and hold onto it. Because having that sense of purpose might just be the key to staying vibrant and youthful as the years go by.

Your mindset is your fountain of youth!

In essence, you don’t have to find the fountain of youth to stay vibrant and youthful well into your 70s and beyond. 

The habits we’ve talked about—staying active physically and mentally, nurturing relationships, embracing change, and finding purpose—they’re not just tasks to tick off a list. They’re the core ingredients of a truly fulfilling life.

As you think about these habits, remember—they’re more than just strategies for fighting off old age. They’re guides for living fully, no matter your age.

Because in the end, it’s not about adding years to your life, but about adding life to your years.