People who thrive mentally in their 70s often exhibit these 8 daily habits

Think of someone in their 70s who seems to be thriving—they’re full of energy, sharp wit, and a zest for life.

What’s their secret?

It’s often the result of consistent habits, like engaging their mind, staying socially connected, and keeping a sense of purpose.

This article highlights the daily routines that help people not just survive but truly thrive mentally in their later years.

Let’s dive in:

1. They keep their minds active

Staying mentally sharp in your 70s isn’t about any magic potions or secret rituals.

It’s about keeping your mind active and engaged.

Many individuals thriving mentally in their 70s are those who challenge their brains on a daily basis.

This could be anything from crosswords, puzzles, reading a book, or even learning a new language.

The key is to keep the neurons firing.

If your mind is constantly stimulated and challenged, it’s less likely to succumb to the cognitive decline that many fear comes with aging.

It’s not about doing everything under the sun, but rather finding what stimulates you intellectually and sticking to it.

In doing so, you’re not just keeping boredom at bay, but also paving the way for a mentally agile future.

2. They maintain a healthy lifestyle

Now, I’m not saying you need to become a marathon runner or a gym enthusiast.

But the connection between physical health and mental health is undeniable.

People who thrive mentally in their 70s are often those who prioritize their physical well-being.

This doesn’t mean they’re devoid of any health issues. Far from it.

But they make conscious choices towards a healthier lifestyle. Regular walks, balanced meals, adequate hydration, quality sleep – these are all part of their daily habits.

Let me share a little about my own journey.

A few years ago, I realized how much my sedentary lifestyle was impacting my cognitive abilities. My memory was foggy, and I was constantly feeling fatigued.

That’s when I decided to make a change.

I started with small steps – daily walks around the neighborhood, cutting back on processed foods, ensuring I drank enough water throughout the day.

The changes were gradual but noticeable. I felt more alert, more energetic. And it wasn’t just physical – my mind felt sharper too.

3. They cultivate positive relationships

Relationships are the fabric of our lives. And as social beings, we thrive on connection.

Remember this quote by John Lennon: “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”

People who stay mentally agile in their 70s often have a robust social network.

It’s not about the quantity of relationships, but the quality.

They surround themselves with positive, uplifting individuals who inspire them and spur them on.

Their relationships are strong, they’re supportive, and they’re meaningful.

Now, forging these connections is not always easy. It takes effort and the willingness to be vulnerable. But the rewards are worth it.

Positive relationships can provide a sense of purpose, reduce stress, and even boost cognitive function.

4. They embrace a learning mindset

Did you know that the brain is capable of creating new cells and pathways throughout your lifetime?

People who thrive mentally in their 70s often have a lifelong learning mindset.

They’re curious, they’re open-minded, and they’re always ready to learn something new.

This could be a new hobby, a new book, a new course, or even a new recipe.

By continuously learning and growing, they keep their mind active and engaged.

Learning not only increases knowledge but also enhances cognitive abilities like memory and problem-solving.

In this digital age where information is at our fingertips, embracing a learning mindset has never been easier.

The world is your classroom. Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new and keep your mind sharp.

5. They practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword, it’s a way of life.

People who are mentally agile in their 70s often incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine.

It’s about being present in the moment, focusing on the ‘here and now’ rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Practicing mindfulness can take many forms – meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or simply enjoying a cup of tea while watching the sunrise.

The benefits of mindfulness for mental health are well-documented. It can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance emotional well-being.

I’ve found that even just a few minutes of mindfulness each day can make a significant difference to my mental clarity and overall mood.

In our fast-paced world, taking time to slow down and be present can do wonders for our mental health.

So why not give it a try?

6. They have a consistent routine

Having a consistent daily routine can be a game changer for mental agility in your 70s.

People who thrive mentally into their 70s often have a routine that they stick to.

It’s not about being rigid or inflexible, but having a structure to your day can provide a sense of safety and predictability.

Your routine could include your morning cup of coffee, an afternoon walk, reading before bed, or anything else that brings you joy and comfort.

Routines can also help manage stress, improve sleep, and increase productivity.

While it’s good to be spontaneous and embrace new experiences, having a daily routine to fall back on can provide a sense of normalcy and control.

7. They set realistic goals

Goal setting is something that mentally agile 70-year-olds have in common.

But it’s not about striving for perfection or reaching for unachievable targets.

Instead, they set realistic, attainable goals that give them a sense of purpose and direction.

These goals could be as simple as reading a book a month, walking a certain distance each day, or learning to cook a new dish each week.

The act of setting these goals and working towards them can stimulate your mind and provide a sense of achievement.

Remember, it’s not the size of the goal that’s important, but the process of striving towards it that keeps your mind active and engaged.

So what are some goals you’d like to set for yourself?

No matter how small they may seem, they could make a big difference to your mental agility.

8. They maintain a positive attitude

Attitude is everything, especially when it comes to maintaining mental agility in your 70s.

Those who thrive mentally into their 70s often have one thing in common – a positive attitude.

This doesn’t mean they’re always happy or that they ignore the challenges of aging. Far from it.

But they choose to focus on the positives, to find the silver lining in every situation.

A positive attitude can reduce stress, increase resilience, and even improve cognitive function.

It’s about embracing the aging process with grace and optimism, rather than viewing it as a downhill journey.

Maintaining a positive attitude isn’t always easy, but it’s a habit worth cultivating if you want to thrive mentally in your 70s and beyond.

Final thoughts

These habits aren’t just for those already in their 70s. They’re for you and me, for everyone who desires to maintain their mental agility as they age.

Adopting these habits now can set us on a path of lifelong mental fitness. It’s not about ticking all the boxes at once, but rather, taking small incremental steps towards a healthier and mentally vibrant future.

Consider the habits we’ve discussed. Which ones resonate with you? Which ones could you start incorporating into your daily life?

Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start. Our minds are wonderfully adaptable. As long as we keep challenging them, they’ll keep growing.