People who remain curious and open-minded in their 60s and beyond often adopt these 7 daily habits

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to stay intellectually sharp and open-minded well into their golden years, while others seem to lose that spark? I sure have.

You see, some folks in their 60s, 70s, and beyond, continue to amaze us with their zest for life, their insatiable curiosity, and their willingness to embrace new ideas.

They’re the ones who keep learning, keep growing, and keep surprising us with their mental agility.

And here’s the kicker.

These individuals often share a set of daily habits that fuel their ongoing curiosity and openness. Habits that can be cultivated by anyone, at any age.

So if you’re thinking, “I want to be one of those people who stay mentally agile and open-minded in my later years,” then you’re in the right place.

Ahead, we’ll explore seven daily habits often seen in those who keep their curiosity and open-mindedness alive well into their 60s and beyond.

Remember, it’s never too late to start down a path of lifelong learning and personal growth. And who knows?

These habits could also improve your entrepreneurial skills—because isn’t business all about staying curious and open to new possibilities?

1) They indulge in lifelong learning

Let’s start with a big one. Lifelong learning.

Those who stay curious and open-minded in their later years have a love for learning that never quits. It’s not just about formal education, but about a constant, self-motivated pursuit of knowledge.

They read regularly, take up new hobbies, attend lectures, or learn a new language.

They understand that the world is a vast place, full of things to discover.

And here’s the secret sauce.

Lifelong learning is not just about accumulating knowledge—it’s about staying mentally active, which studies show can help maintain cognitive abilities as we age.

The lesson here? Never stop learning. Whether it’s through books, online courses, or simply asking questions—embracing lifelong learning could be your secret weapon to staying curious and open-minded no matter your age.

2) They practice active listening

Okay, this one hits home for me.

I once met a gentleman named Walter at a tech conference. Despite being in his late 70s, he was the most engaging person in the room. And you know what made him so interesting? His incredible ability to listen.

Walter would ask thoughtful questions and then truly listen to your responses. He wasn’t just waiting for his turn to speak—he was genuinely interested in understanding your perspective.

Active listening like Walter’s is a common trait among those who remain curious and open-minded. They don’t just hear—they listen with the intent to understand and learn from others.

By practicing active listening, they not only deepen their own knowledge but also cultivate meaningful relationships along the way. It’s a habit I’ve tried to adopt myself, and I can tell you, it’s a game-changer.

Remember, everyone you meet knows something you don’t. So, next time you’re in a conversation, try being like Walter—listen actively and be open to learning something new.

3) They’re not afraid of being wrong

Let’s get real for a moment. Fear of being wrong, of making mistakes, can be a formidable roadblock in our journey of learning and growth. But those who remain curious and open-minded? They’ve mastered the art of embracing their errors.

I’ve seen it firsthand. My Aunt Milly, well into her 80s, took up painting for the first time. Her early works? Not exactly museum quality. But she didn’t care.

She reveled in the process, learned from her mistakes, and gradually improved.

What’s more, she wasn’t shy about showing off those early ‘masterpieces’. She knew they weren’t perfect, but she was proud of her progress and eager to learn more.

Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities can be liberating. It frees us from the shackles of perfectionism and opens up a world of possibilities for growth and discovery.

So go ahead, make mistakes, be wrong sometimes. It might just make you a better learner, a better friend, a better entrepreneur—heck, a better person overall.

4) They stay open to new experiences

As we get older, it’s easy to stick to what we know. We’ve established our routines, our comfort zones. But those who remain curious and open-minded? They actively seek out new experiences.

Whether it’s trying a cuisine they’ve never tasted before, visiting a city they’ve never been to, or even starting a new business venture, they embrace the unknown with open arms.

These new experiences offer opportunities for learning and growth. They broaden our perspectives and challenge our preconceived notions.

Staying open to new experiences isn’t always comfortable—it can be downright scary at times.

But it’s in stepping out of our comfort zones that we truly learn, grow, and keep that spark of curiosity alive.

So, don’t shy away from new experiences. Embrace them. You never know what you might learn or who you might become in the process.

5) They cultivate a growth mindset

Here’s something you might not know. Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck coined the term “growth mindset” to describe the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence.

Those who remain curious and open-minded in their 60s and beyond often embody this mindset. They believe that they can get better, smarter, and more skilled with time and effort.

This belief propels them to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as a path to mastery, learn from criticism, and find lessons in the success of others.

A growth mindset doesn’t just keep them mentally agile—it also fosters resilience, perseverance, and a passion for learning.

So remember, your mind is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Cultivating a growth mindset can lead to lifelong learning and open-mindedness. And who wouldn’t want that?

6) They practice empathy

Meet Clara, my neighbor. She’s 72 and probably the most open-minded person I know. What makes her stand out? Her empathy.

Clara has this incredible ability to put herself in other people’s shoes. She listens without judgment and understands that everyone has a unique story.

Clara’s empathy enables her to connect deeply with people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.

Practicing empathy like Clara opens up a world of understanding and connection. It allows us to see things from different perspectives, enriching our worldview and keeping our minds open.

And here’s something beautiful about empathy—it not only makes us better learners but also kinder, more compassionate individuals.

So, let’s try to be a little more like Clara. Let’s strive to understand others better, to listen with an open heart and mind. It could make all the difference.

7) They embrace change

Change is inevitable. It’s a fundamental part of life. Yet, many of us resist it because it’s uncomfortable and uncertain.

But those who remain curious and open-minded in their 60s and beyond? They don’t resist change—they embrace it.

They see change as an opportunity, not a threat. They understand that with every change comes the potential for learning, growth, and new experiences.

So, if there’s one thing you take away from this, let it be this—embrace change.

It’s not just about adapting to new circumstances—it’s about seeing the opportunities that lie within those changes and seizing them.

Embrace change, and watch your curiosity and open-mindedness flourish.

Final thoughts

Let’s face it—staying curious and open-minded as we age isn’t always easy. It takes conscious effort, a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, and a healthy tolerance for mistakes.

But here’s the silver lining—these habits are not exclusive to certain individuals. They can be nurtured and cultivated by anyone, at any age.

Start by adopting a learner’s mindset. Embrace opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Listen actively. Be open to different perspectives and new experiences.

Practice empathy, embrace change, and most importantly, remember that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes.

Each step you take towards cultivating these habits brings you closer to becoming a lifelong learner with an open mind.

This journey may not be easy, but it promises rich rewards—a mind that remains agile, a life filled with continued growth, and perhaps even a stronger sense of self.

So go forth and cultivate these habits. Nurture your curiosity and keep your mind open. The world is full of things to learn and discover—and you’re never too old to start exploring.