People who stay healthy and independent in their 80s and beyond usually practice these 7 habits, according to psychology

There’s a stark contrast between simply aging and aging well. The difference lies in habits and lifestyle choices.

Aging well means maintaining our health and independence long into our twilight years. For some, this is a daunting task.

Yet, there are individuals who make it look easy, staying active and independent well into their 80s and beyond.

According to psychology, these spry seniors have something in common: a set of habits that contribute to their longevity and quality of life.

In this article, we’ll explore these seven habits that can potentially transform your golden years into a time of vibrancy and vitality.

And who knows? These habits might just give your business – and personal life – a boost too.

So whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking longevity in business or in life, read on!

1) Consistency is key

Consistency is a common thread in the stories of those who have maintained their health and independence into their 80s and beyond.

In the realm of psychology, consistency is often linked to forming and maintaining healthy habits. It’s not about making a drastic change overnight, but about making small, sustainable changes that add up over time.

This idea aligns with the words of renowned psychologist, William James who once said, “All our life, so far as it has definite form, is but a mass of habits.”

In other words, our daily routines shape our overall life trajectory. And for those who age gracefully, this typically means consistent habits of healthy eating, regular exercise, and staying mentally active.

So here’s the first key habit to aging well: consistency. It’s not about making monumental changes overnight, but about faithfully sticking to a routine that promotes health and well-being.

Consistency might not be the most glamorous or exciting strategy, but it’s a proven one. And it’s something that anyone can incorporate into their lifestyle – regardless of age or occupation.

2) Positive attitude

A positive attitude is another common attribute among those who age with grace and independence. And, speaking from personal experience, I can attest to the power of positivity.

My grandmother lived to be 92 years old, and right up until her final days, she was one of the most positive people I knew. No matter what life threw her way, she always managed to find the silver lining.

Her favorite saying? “This too shall pass.” And she was right – tough times came and went, but her spirit remained unbroken.

Her outlook aligns with the words of famed psychologist Viktor Frankl, who said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”

Which brings us to our second habit: maintaining a positive attitude. It’s not always easy—especially when life tosses us curveballs—but it’s certainly possible.

When faced with trials and tribulations, remember my grandmother’s wise words: “This too shall pass.”

3) Embracing change

Are you comfortable with change, or does the mere thought of it send shivers down your spine?

The truth is, change is often uncomfortable. It disrupts our routines, thrusts us into the unknown and leaves us feeling vulnerable. However, those who age well understand that change is an integral part of life.

As I’ve observed, individuals who excel in their later years are those who not only accept change but embrace it. They recognize that life is a continuum of evolving phases, each with its unique challenges and rewards.

This perspective aligns with a famous quote from psychologist Carl Jung: “We cannot change anything unless we accept it.” Acceptance here does not mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there’s got to be a way through it.

So here’s the raw and honest truth: Life changes. Your body changes. Circumstances change.

But how you respond to these changes – that’s the third habit of people who stay vibrant well into their golden years.

Can you embrace change as an opportunity for growth and new experiences? That’s the real question.

4) Staying active

An active lifestyle is a common denominator among those who stay healthy and independent in their later years.

But what does ‘active’ really mean?

It’s not just about physical activity, although that’s undoubtedly important. It’s also about mental and social activity. Keeping your mind sharp, your body moving, and your social calendar filled.

Research supports this. A study published in The Journal of Aging Research found that seniors who participated in regular physical, mental, and social activities had less cognitive decline compared to those who did not.

The study concluded that an active lifestyle – encompassing physical, mental, and social engagement – has a protective effect on cognitive function as we age.

So, if you want to age well, stay active. Keep learning new things. Engage with friends and family. Walk, swim, dance—whatever gets you moving. It might just be the secret to a long and fulfilling life.

5) Mindful eating

Another habit of those who age well is mindful eating.

Growing up, meal times at my household were sacred. It wasn’t just about the food on our plates, but also about savoring each bite and being present in that moment.

This practice aligns with the concept of mindful eating in psychology, which encourages awareness of our eating habits, hunger cues, and physical sensations.

Famed psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.” This concept applies to all areas of life – including how we eat.

When we eat mindfully, we pay attention to our food and our bodies. We tune into the flavors, textures, and smells of what we’re eating. We notice when we’re full and stop eating accordingly.

6) Embracing solitude

Contrary to popular belief, solitude isn’t about being alone or lonely. It’s about finding peace and contentment in one’s own company.

Many of those who age well have mastered the art of enjoying their own company. They value the quiet moments of reflection and the freedom that solitude brings.

This may seem counterintuitive in our hyper-connected world where constant interaction is often the norm. But solitude can be incredibly beneficial for mental health and well-being.

As Swiss psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Loneliness does not come from having no people around, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself.”

Embracing solitude is not about isolating yourself from others. It’s about taking time to connect with yourself, to reflect on your experiences, and to recharge your mental batteries.

7) Lifelong learning

The final habit of those who age with grace and independence is lifelong learning. They understand that growth doesn’t stop at a certain age, but continues throughout life.

As psychologist B.F. Skinner said, “Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.”

So never stop learning. It keeps the mind sharp and life interesting. That’s the seventh, and final, habit of those who age well.

Final thoughts

The journey of aging is as unique and varied as the individuals who traverse it. Yet, through the lens of psychology, we’ve identified seven common habits of those who age with health and independence.

These habits are not quick fixes or miracle cures. They’re small, everyday choices that, when practiced consistently, can lead to significant improvements in our quality of life as we age.

Remember, it’s never too late to start these habits. Whether you’re in your 30s or 80s, you have the power to shape your aging journey.

As we close this discussion, take a moment to reflect on these habits. Which ones do you already practice? Which ones could you incorporate into your life?

Aging is inevitable, but how we age is largely within our control. So here’s to aging with grace, independence, and a zest for life – one habit at a time.