Age is just a number, right? Well, when you hit the big seven-zero, you might start questioning that. But being 70 or beyond doesn’t mean you’re not still deeply alive, vibrant and full of life.
According to psychology, there are certain signs that indicate you’re still profoundly living your life to the fullest, regardless of the number on your birthday cake.
Let’s face it, age shouldn’t define your vitality or your ability to embrace life’s adventures with gusto.
Gear up for some insights that will make you rethink what it means to be ‘alive’ at 70 and beyond.
No manipulations here, just some solid psychological facts to help you understand and appreciate your journey.
1) Embracing change and new technology
It’s easy to stick to what we know, especially as we age.
However, being deeply alive at 70 and beyond often involves an openness to change, particularly in our rapidly evolving digital world.
Those who are thriving in their later years don’t shy away from new technology. Instead, they embrace it and use it as a tool to stay connected, informed, and engaged.
Whether it’s video calling with the grandkids or managing a small business on cloud-based software, tech-savvy seniors are a testament to the fact that you’re never too old to learn.
This aligns with what famed psychologist Carl Rogers said: “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”
The willingness to adapt and keep up with advancements, even if they seem daunting at first, is a surefire sign that you’re not just existing but truly living life at 70 and beyond.
2) Finding joy in everyday life
I recall my grandmother, well into her 90s, sitting in the porch and marveling at the sight of a hummingbird hovering over her garden.
She would say, “The secret to feeling alive is finding joy in little things.”
And she was right. Age might slow us down physically, but it doesn’t have to dull our senses or our enthusiasm for life.
It’s about recognizing and appreciating the simple joys that each day brings.
This reminds me of what psychologist Abraham Maslow once said: “The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.”
My grandmother embodied this by finding joy in the everyday, and it made her feel alive and vibrant well into her 90s.
And if she could do it, so can we.
Whether it’s a beautiful sunrise, a good book or a hearty laugh with a friend, these moments of joy are signs that we’re not just going through the motions but are indeed deeply alive.
3) Staying connected with loved ones
How often do you reach out to your loved ones?
As we age, it’s easy to let our social connections slip away. But those who are deeply alive at 70 and beyond understand the importance of maintaining close relationships.
They make an effort to stay connected with friends and family, and aren’t afraid to express their feelings openly and honestly.
Famed psychologist John Bowlby once said, “Human beings are happiest and able to deploy their talents to best advantage when they are confident that, standing behind them, there are one or more trusted persons who will come to their aid should difficulties arise.”
This quote holds true in our later years. Having a strong support system not only provides emotional security but also fosters a sense of belongingness.
It’s this feeling of love and support that keeps us deeply alive, regardless of our age.
Being honest about our feelings and needs, reaching out for support when necessary – these are signs that we’re still fully engaged with life.
4) Keeping an active mind
Keeping your mind active and engaged is a clear sign of being deeply alive at 70 and beyond.
This could be through reading, writing, puzzles, or even learning a new skill or language.
Cognitive activities such as reading, playing board games, and playing musical instruments significantly lowered the risk of dementia in older adults.
Regularly challenging your brain helps maintain its health, similar to how physical exercise keeps the body fit. And as we age, this mental workout becomes even more crucial.
Whether you’re solving a crossword puzzle, learning to play the piano, or engaging in lively debates with friends, keeping your mind sharp and active is a vibrant sign that you’re not just aging, but truly living.
5) Maintaining a sense of humor
Back when I was a child, I always wondered why my grandfather was so cheerful.
Even in his 70s, he would crack jokes and lighten the mood, no matter the situation. It’s only as I grew older that I understood the power of a good laugh.
Having a sense of humor is a sign of being deeply alive at any age, but especially when you’re 70 and beyond.
It helps us cope with life’s ups and downs and brings joy not just to us but to those around us.
As the renowned psychologist William James once said, “We don’t laugh because we’re happy – we’re happy because we laugh.”
This quote rings true for many seniors who keep their spirits high through laughter.
If you find yourself chuckling at the little ironies of life or sharing a hearty laugh with friends, it’s a clear sign that you’re not just passively aging but actively living.
6) Embracing solitude
This might seem counterintuitive, but embracing solitude is a sign of being deeply alive at 70 and beyond.
It’s not about being lonely, but about finding comfort and peace in one’s own company.
It’s during these moments of solitude that we often reflect on our lives, our choices, and our dreams. It gives us the opportunity to know ourselves better, to appreciate our journey, and to plan ahead.
The esteemed psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Loneliness does not come from having no people around you, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you.”
If you find joy in your own company, take it as a positive sign. It means you’re comfortable with who you are and where you are in life.
And this self-acceptance and peace is a clear indication of being deeply alive, no matter your age.
7) Living with purpose
Lastly, living with a sense of purpose is a strong sign of being deeply alive at 70 and beyond.
This purpose can come in many forms, such as volunteering, mentoring, or pursuing a passion project.
As the famed psychologist Viktor Frankl said, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”
If you’re actively engaged in something that brings meaning to your life, you’re not just surviving your golden years, you’re truly living them.
Final reflections
Ageing gracefully is an art. And being deeply alive at 70 and beyond is the masterpiece that each of us has the potential to create.
As we’ve journeyed through these signs, we’ve discovered that it’s not about merely adding years to life, but life to years.
Each sign serves as a reminder that there’s more to life than just surviving – there’s living, thriving, and growing.
Whether you’re at the threshold of 70 or have crossed it years ago, take a moment to reflect on these signs. Are they familiar? Do they resonate with you?
Age is just a number. And it never defines how deeply alive you are or can be.
With every sunrise, we have a new opportunity to embrace change, find joy in everyday life, keep an active mind, maintain a sense of humor, embrace solitude, and live with purpose.
Because at the end of the day, being deeply alive isn’t about ticking off boxes on a checklist.
It’s about living each moment fully – with passion, curiosity, and contentment.
Here’s to being deeply alive – at 70 and beyond.
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