Whether we like to admit it or not, getting older can be intimidating.
There’s all this talk about slowing down, “taking it easy,” and generally being told to watch out for creaky joints.
But I firmly believe there’s a world of difference between simply aging and actually living.
If you can still do these seven things in your 70s, you’re not just alive—you’re crushing it.
And by the way, many of these habits apply no matter your age, so if you’re younger, it’s never too early to start building the foundation for an epic future.
1. Keep your body moving
It’s common sense: physical activity is a major key to staying fit, happy, and independent.
But “physical activity” doesn’t have to mean marathon runs or two-hour spin classes.
It could be daily walks around the neighborhood, dancing in your living room to your favorite songs, or a light yoga routine to keep those muscles flexible.
Research from the National Institute on Aging suggests that even moderate exercise can significantly boost mobility and reduce the risk of chronic ailments.
That’s a big deal if you want to keep enjoying life on your terms.
I once met a 72-year-old gentleman at a local gym who lifted light weights three times a week and did a gentle treadmill walk afterward.
He wasn’t chasing six-pack abs; he just wanted enough strength to handle everyday tasks and occasionally embarrass his grandkids in friendly competitions—like outrunning them in a short sprint.
Now that’s winning.
2. Stay mentally curious
There’s a quote from Mark Twain that I love: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
Sure, you might get a few more wrinkles and grays, but when your mind remains curious, you never really feel old.
As the team at Harvard Health puts it, “Challenging your brain with mental exercise is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them.”
With that in mind, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of lifelong learning.
Mental sharpness in your 70s can stem from doing puzzles, learning new skills, or simply keeping up with the changing world around you.
It’s never too late to pick up a guitar, dabble in painting, or even try your hand at coding. The goal isn’t mastery—it’s to keep your mind lit up like a Christmas tree.
3. Maintain strong connections
No one wants to hit 70 only to realize they’re feeling lonely.
Relationships keep us thriving—whether it’s family, close friends, or the wider community.
When you have people to laugh with, share stories, and lean on, life feels a lot richer.
This doesn’t mean you have to be a social butterfly at every turn; it’s more about depth than breadth.
Interestingly, the world’s longest running study on human happiness – the Harvard Study of Adult Development – found that quality social ties is the most important thing that can help us live longer and happier.
As we get older, these bonds become even more crucial for warding off stress, depression, and that creeping sense of isolation.
If you can still gather with friends for coffee, FaceTime your grandkids, or bond with a local group that shares your interests, you’re beating the odds.
4. Embrace technology
Yes, technology can be daunting—new apps, constant updates, those random pop-up alerts that make you question your life choices.
But if you’re in your 70s and still willing to learn the ropes of modern tech, you’re setting an example for everyone else.
From video chats with family across the globe to accessing medical resources online, tech can enhance life in ways previous generations never imagined.
Don’t get me wrong: I totally get the frustration that comes from “Tech Overload.”
We all experience those moments when the interface changes and your muscle memory goes out the window.
Yet the benefits outweigh the hassles if you keep a curious mindset.
Whether it’s joining a local class that teaches smartphone basics, downloading an e-reader app to keep a library in your pocket, or using social media to stay in touch with old friends, you’ll find the world is a whole lot bigger and more accessible when you’re open to a bit of digital exploration.
5. Find purpose in every day
Purpose isn’t just for the young and ambitious. In fact, having a sense of purpose can be even more fulfilling as the years go by.
It could be volunteering at a local charity, babysitting your grandkids (while teaching them a thing or two about life), or cultivating a hobby you love.
Purpose gives our days meaning, and it’s often what gets us out of bed in the morning with a renewed sense of excitement.
This concept resonates with what I learned from Greg McKeown’s ideas on essentialism, which emphasize focusing on what truly matters.
When you’re in your 70s, you might have more free time and fewer career obligations, making it the perfect season to dive into the core passions you’ve always dreamed of exploring.
6. Adapt to life’s curveballs
If there’s one thing older folks understand, it’s that life rarely goes exactly how you plan.
Plans change, accidents happen, people move away. But being able to pivot, to find a fresh start, or to tweak your routine when necessary is a huge sign you’ve got it together.
I’ve seen this firsthand in a family friend who lost her spouse in her late 60s.
Instead of shutting down, she found comfort in cooking classes, discovered a new passion for painting, and even built a new circle of friends.
She once told me, “At my age, I realize that standing still is okay for a breather, but if I stop moving forward, I’ll start moving backward.”
Resilience is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. If you’re still rolling with the punches in your 70s, you’re definitely winning at life.
7. Keep your sense of humor
There’s nothing quite like meeting someone in their 70s who can still laugh at themselves and the world around them.
Maintaining a sense of humor keeps you light on your feet, emotionally speaking.
When you can share a good joke or chuckle at life’s ironies, you pass on a contagious vibe that lifts everyone else’s spirits too.
Research cited by the Mayo Clinic supports that laughter relieves stress and promotes an overall sense of well-being.
Plus, if you can still dish out a witty comeback or share a funny story from your younger days, chances are you’ve managed to keep cynicism at bay.
Who wouldn’t want to be the person known for a hearty laugh rather than a grumpy disposition?
Wrapping up
Reaching your 70s with energy, curiosity, a circle of supportive relationships, and a willingness to adapt is a serious achievement.
It shows you’ve cultivated the resilience, perspective, and humor that younger generations can only hope to develop over time.
For those of you still on your way there (myself included), consider this a checklist of the mental, emotional, and physical habits that will set you up for success decades from now.
And if you’re already in your 70s, hopefully you see just how impressive it is that you’re keeping these flames alive.
Until next time, friends.
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