If you want to make your 70s a time of growth not decline, say goodbye to these 8 habits

If you’re like me, you believe that age is just a number. That hitting the big 7-0 doesn’t mean slowing down but rather, gearing up for exciting new chapters.

But here’s the thing – to really thrive in our 70s and beyond, we’ve got to let go of certain habits.

We’re not talking about the obvious ones like eating junk food or staying up till dawn. It’s the more subtle ones that often slip under the radar.

That’s where I come in. I’ve put together a list of 8 habits you may not even realize are holding you back.

And don’t worry, this isn’t about becoming a different person – it’s about refining ourselves, embracing growth over decline.

So if you’re ready to make the most of your 70s (and even beyond), keep reading. The good news? It’s never too late to start.

1) Letting fear hold you back

Fear is a funny thing.

It keeps us safe, sure, but it also holds us back from truly living. And as we get older, fear tends to get in the driver’s seat more and more. Fear of change, fear of taking risks, fear of the unknown.

But here’s the thing – growth happens outside of our comfort zones. If we want our 70s to be a time of growth and not decline, we need to challenge these fears head-on.

I’m not saying you should go skydiving or start a new business (unless you want to, of course). It’s about taking calculated risks that push your boundaries in a healthy way.

Maybe it’s learning a new skill, traveling to a new place, or even just trying out a new restaurant.

The point is – don’t let fear dictate your life. Embrace the unknown and see where it takes you.

2) Neglecting physical health

I’ll be the first to admit, I wasn’t always the best at prioritizing my health.

In my 60s, I used to dismiss those little aches and pains, chalk them up to getting old. I’d skip out on my morning walks if it was too cold or too hot. And don’t even get me started on my diet – let’s just say, it was far from ideal.

But when I hit 70, I realized something needed to change.

I started small – swapped my morning coffee for a green smoothie, took short walks everyday regardless of the weather. And you know what? It made a world of difference. I felt more energetic, more alive.

Maintaining physical health is crucial if we want to make our 70s a time of growth. It’s not about trying to turn back time or striving for unrealistic standards. It’s about taking care of our bodies so we can live our best lives.

So if you’ve been neglecting your health, it’s time to make a change. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

3) Holding onto grudges

Grudges are heavy to carry. They weigh you down, keep you stuck in the past, and can even have a negative impact on your health.

Did you know that holding onto anger and resentment can lead to increased stress and higher blood pressure?

If we want to make our 70s a time of growth, we need to let go of these grudges. It’s about making peace with the past and opening ourselves up to new experiences and relationships.

Now, this isn’t about forgetting what happened or letting people off the hook. It’s about choosing not to let past hurts control your present or future.

Forgiveness is powerful – it can bring healing, peace of mind, and even make room for more happiness in our lives. So if there’s a grudge you’ve been holding onto, maybe it’s time to let it go.

4) Sticking to old routines

Routines are comfortable. They give our days structure and predictability. But they can also keep us from experiencing new things and inhibit our growth.

When we stick to the same old routines, we risk becoming stagnant. We stop learning, stop exploring, stop growing.

If you want your 70s to be a time of growth, it’s time to shake up your routines. Try something different for breakfast, take a different route on your morning walk, or read a book outside of your usual genre.

Small changes can have a big impact and open up a world of new experiences. So don’t be afraid to shake things up – you might be surprised at what you discover.

5) Ignoring the power of technology

I’ll admit, I was a late adopter of technology. I used to think it was all too complicated and unnecessary. But boy, was I wrong.

Embracing technology has opened up a whole new world for me. I’ve been able to connect with old friends, learn new skills, and even start my own small business.

I’ve realized that if I want to continue growing in my 70s, I can’t afford to ignore the power of technology.

It’s not just about keeping up with the times, but about accessing the vast amount of information and opportunities that technology provides.

So if you’ve been avoiding technology, I urge you to give it a chance. Start small, learn at your own pace, and you’ll be amazed at how it can enrich your life.

6) Chasing after happiness

It seems strange, right? Shouldn’t we all be striving for happiness?

Here’s the thing – when we make happiness our ultimate goal, we often end up feeling unfulfilled. That’s because happiness is a fleeting emotion, coming and going like the tide.

Instead, focus on finding meaning and purpose in your life.

Whether that’s through volunteering, pursuing a passion, or spending time with loved ones, meaningful activities will enrich your life in ways that chasing after fleeting happiness can’t.

In your 70s, it’s not about the pursuit of happiness, but the happiness of pursuit. Find what gives your life purpose and you’ll find true contentment.

7) Overvaluing material possessions

As we age, it’s easy to attach sentimental value to our belongings. But when we place too much importance on material possessions, they can start to clutter our lives, physically and mentally.

In our 70s, it’s time to start prioritizing experiences over things. Instead of buying another gadget or piece of furniture, invest in experiences that will create memories and contribute to your personal growth.

Take that trip you’ve always wanted to go on, enroll in a painting class, go see a live show. These experiences will enrich your life in a way that material possessions can’t.

Remember, at the end of the day, it’s not about what we have, but who we are and the experiences we’ve lived through.

8) Not making time for self-reflection

Self-reflection is the cornerstone of personal growth. It allows us to understand ourselves better, learn from our mistakes, and make more informed decisions about our future.

In our 70s, taking time out for self-reflection is more important than ever. It’s a chance to look back on our lives, celebrate our achievements, and learn from our experiences.

So find a quiet space, grab a journal, and start reflecting. You might be surprised at the insights you uncover. This is your time – make it count.

Embrace your 70s and beyond

If you’ve made it this far, hopefully, you’ve realized that growing older doesn’t have to mean declining. It can be a time of immense personal growth and exploration.

These habits we’ve discussed aren’t about changing who you are. Rather, they’re about shedding the layers that might be holding you back from truly embracing this stage of life.

Growing older is a gift. It’s an opportunity to reflect, to learn, and to continue growing. Age isn’t just a number – it’s a testament to your journey, your experiences, and your growth.

So as you move into your 70s, remember this – it’s not about adding years to your life, but about adding life to your years.

This is your time. Make it count.