If you want to make your 70s the best period of your life, say goodbye to these habits

I used to think that getting older meant slowing down and settling into a more laid-back life.

But as I’ve seen time and again, your 70s can actually be one of the most vibrant, fulfilling decades of your life—if you’re intentional about it.

The truth is, that holding onto certain habits can quietly chip away at your energy, focus, and overall happiness. They might seem harmless at first, but over time, they can leave you feeling stuck instead of thriving.

If you’re ready to make this chapter your best yet, it’s time to let go of the things that no longer serve you. Here’s where to start.

1) Holding onto grudges

Let’s face it—life’s too short to carry the weight of old resentment.

Yet, so many of us cling to grudges, replaying the same stories in our heads about who hurt us and why. It might feel justified in the moment, but over time, this habit does more harm than good.

By the time you hit your 70s, you’ve probably had your fair share of challenges and conflicts. But holding onto negativity only drains your energy and keeps you stuck in the past.

The people who thrive in their later years aren’t the ones who have perfect lives—they’re the ones who learn to let go.

Forgiveness isn’t about excusing bad behavior; it’s about freeing yourself from its grip. When you let go of grudges, you open up space for lighter, more meaningful connections—and that’s what makes life truly fulfilling.

2) Saying “yes” to everything

For most of my life, I was a “yes” person. Need help with something? Sure, I’ll do it. Want me to take on that extra project? Absolutely.

Even when I was exhausted or overwhelmed, I’d still find myself nodding along. I thought being agreeable and helpful was the right thing to do—it made me feel needed like I was contributing.

But by the time I hit my late 60s, I started feeling stretched thin. Saying “yes” to everything wasn’t just tiring—it was robbing me of time for the things that actually mattered to me.

Family dinners, hobbies I’d been putting off for decades, and even just sitting outside with a cup of coffee got pushed to the back burner because I was too busy doing things I didn’t really want to do.

When I finally started saying “no,” it felt uncomfortable at first—like I was letting people down. But what I learned is this: every “no” is really a “yes” to something else.

And when you reach your 70s, those “yeses” should be about what brings joy and meaning to your life, not just what keeps everyone else happy.

3) Neglecting your physical health

By the time you’re in your 70s, your body has carried you through decades of life—every milestone, every challenge, every success.

But here’s the thing: even small, daily habits can make a huge difference in how you feel as you age. Studies show that regular exercise, even something as simple as walking for 30 minutes a day, can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses and boost your mood significantly.

It’s not just about exercise, though. Prioritizing sleep, staying hydrated, and eating nutrient-rich foods all play a role in how much energy you’ll have for the things that matter most.

Skipping these basics might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, it can snowball into fatigue and health issues that hold you back from enjoying life to its fullest.

Taking care of your body isn’t about trying to turn back the clock—it’s about making sure you feel strong and capable for the years ahead. Because when you feel good physically, everything else just gets a little easier.

4) Resisting change

Change can be unsettling, especially as you get older. It’s easy to fall into the habit of sticking to what you know—your routines, your opinions, your way of doing things.

But the truth is, life continues to evolve, and clinging too tightly to the past can leave you feeling out of sync with the world around you.

Embracing change—whether by mastering new technology, exploring a new hobby, or staying open to different viewpoints—helps keep your mind sharp and your spirit flexible.

In fact, research has shown that people who stay curious and flexible as they age tend to report higher levels of happiness and mental well-being.

Your 70s are a time to explore and grow in ways you might not have had the chance to before. When you stop seeing change as something to fear and start viewing it as an opportunity, life becomes a lot more exciting—and a lot more fulfilling.

5) Isolating yourself

I’ll be honest—there have been times when pulling away from people felt easier than staying connected. Life gets busy, relationships get complicated, and sometimes it’s tempting to retreat into your own bubble.

But I’ve learned the hard way that isolation can sneak up on you, and it’s one of the quickest ways to feel lonely and disconnected.

Humans are wired for connection, no matter our age. Studies have shown that maintaining strong social ties can actually improve your health and even extend your lifespan.

I’ve seen this firsthand—on the days I make an effort to call a friend, meet someone for coffee, or even just chat with my neighbors, I feel lighter, more energized, and more like myself.

Your 70s are the perfect time to deepen relationships and build new ones. Don’t wait for others to reach out—take the first step.

Whether it’s joining a local group, reconnecting with old friends, or simply being open to meeting new people, staying socially active can make all the difference in how vibrant and joyful this chapter of life feels.

6) Over-focusing on saving money

For years, I believed that being careful with money was the key to security and peace of mind—and to some extent, it is.

But as I got older, I noticed something: the more I obsessed over pinching every penny, the less I actually enjoyed the life I’d worked so hard to build.

It’s important to be financially responsible, but there’s a fine line between planning wisely and holding back from experiences that bring you happiness.

Traveling to a place you’ve always dreamed of, treating yourself to a nice dinner with loved ones, or investing in a hobby that lights you up, spending thoughtfully on things that add meaning to your life isn’t wasteful—it’s essential.

By the time you reach your 70s, you’ve likely saved and sacrificed plenty. Don’t let an overly cautious mindset stop you from living fully now.

Money is a tool, not the goal—and using it to create memories or embrace opportunities is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

7) Living without purpose

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen people make as they age is assuming that purpose is something reserved for younger years—building a career, raising a family, chasing big goals.

But let me tell you, purpose doesn’t expire. In fact, your 70s can be the perfect time to rediscover it or even create it anew.

Purpose doesn’t have to mean something grand or world-changing. It can be as simple as volunteering in your community, mentoring someone who can learn from your experiences, or diving into a passion project you’ve always put off.

For me, I found purpose in writing letters to my grandchildren, sharing stories and lessons I didn’t want to lose time. It’s a small thing, but it gives me a sense of connection and legacy.

Without purpose, the days can start to blur together. But when you wake up each morning with something meaningful to look forward to—something that lights a spark in you—it transforms how you experience life.

No matter your age, having a reason to get out of bed keeps you engaged, energized, and excited for what’s ahead.

8) Thinking it’s too late

The most damaging habit you can hold onto is believing that your best days are behind you.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that certain opportunities, experiences, or changes are only meant for younger years. But the truth is, as long as you’re alive, it’s never too late to grow, to dream, or to start fresh.

I’ve met people in their 70s who learned new skills, started businesses, fell in love, or completely reinvented themselves.

The only thing holding most of us back is the belief that we can’t. Your 70s aren’t the end—they’re a new beginning, and what you do with them is entirely up to you.

Reflecting on what matters most

By the time you reach your 70s, life has already taught you countless lessons. But one of the most important is this: the habits you hold onto shape the way you experience the years ahead.

Letting go of what’s no longer serving you isn’t about loss—it’s about making room for things that truly matter. This stage of life is a gift, a chance to focus on joy, connection, and purpose.

As the saying goes, “It’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.” Every day is an opportunity to make choices that bring you closer to the life you want—one filled with meaning, energy, and fulfillment.

So, as you step into this chapter, ask yourself: What do I want my 70s to look like? Because the answer lies not in what you hold onto, but in what you’re willing to let go.

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Picture of Ethan Sterling

Ethan Sterling

Ethan Sterling has a background in entrepreneurship, having started and managed several small businesses. His journey through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship provides him with practical insights into personal resilience, strategic thinking, and the value of persistence. Ethan’s articles offer real-world advice for those looking to grow personally and professionally.

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