I’ve always found it fascinating when I meet someone in their sixties who could easily pass for a spunky forty-something. You know, the type that shows up at events with more energy than everyone else in the room, or who still feels confident starting a new business venture or picking up surfing lessons.
Let’s face it: aging is inevitable. But there’s a stark difference between aging physically and feeling old. The former is a natural process. The latter is a mindset. Over the years, I’ve come to see that people who defy the usual expectations of what 60 (or 70, or 80) looks and feels like tend to share similar habits.
These aren’t high-maintenance or extravagant lifestyles that require fortune and fame. In fact, most of these practices are surprisingly simple. They do require consistency and commitment, though. And that’s where many of us slip up.
1. They keep moving every day
If I were forced to pick just one habit that sets these “forever young” folks apart, I’d go with daily physical activity. But let me clarify: I’m not talking about marathon training—unless that’s your thing. I’m talking about consistent movement, whether it’s walking, swimming, yoga, cycling, or even dancing with friends on a Friday night.
The reason is straightforward. Moving your body keeps your joints supple and your muscles strong. And there’s plenty of science to back this up.
The National Institute on Aging has pointed out that even moderate exercise can help improve balance, posture, and overall vitality. You can’t put a price on that when you’re older—or at any age, really.
I have a friend, Sarah, who turned 62 this year. She takes hour-long walks every morning, rain or shine. She’s convinced that this simple ritual is what keeps her fit and more importantly, mentally sharp. Every time I see her, she’s bursting with energy and positivity. It’s almost contagious.
2. They fuel their minds with lifelong learning
I used to think that once you hit 60, you’d pretty much learned what you needed for life. Then I met an 68-year-old who decided to learn coding just because “it sounded interesting.” That blew my mind.
Staying curious is a big part of looking—and feeling—young. It keeps your brain engaged and helps ward off mental decline. As Cal Newport, author of Deep Work, once noted, “A deep life is a good life.” In other words, challenging your brain with new skills or interests keeps you sharp and invigorated.
I’ve mentioned this in a previous post, but there’s also research suggesting that engaging in novel pursuits—like learning a language, picking up a musical instrument, or delving into new technology—can support better cognitive health.
The best part? You don’t have to sign up for a four-year degree. Even something as simple as taking an online course or attending local community classes can do wonders for your mental agility.
3. They find purpose beyond retirement
One of the biggest traps of getting older is losing a sense of purpose. Many people associate their identity and value with a job title or a role in the family. When those change, it can feel like the ground beneath your feet has shifted.
People over 60 who somehow exude a youthful vitality often have a strong sense of “why.” It might be a volunteer role in the community, a part-time consultancy in their former industry, or a brand-new passion project. It could even be babysitting the grandkids twice a week.
As Viktor Frankl wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.’” I’ve met retirees who embrace part-time work simply because it fulfills them.
In a conversation with one gentleman who runs a weekend stall selling homemade jam, he told me, “It’s not about the money. It’s about having something to look forward to every morning.”
4. They pay attention to what they eat
I’m no stranger to convenience foods. In my early corporate days, I relied heavily on whatever was quickest to throw into the microwave.
But then I noticed something: people who seem younger than their age usually have a thoughtful approach to eating. It’s not about obsessively cutting calories. It’s more about fueling the body properly.
We’ve all heard the expression “You are what you eat.” There’s truth in that, especially as we get older.
According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains can significantly lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes—two major culprits in accelerated aging.
What’s interesting is that many of these youthful older folks still enjoy the occasional indulgence. They’ll have a slice of cake at a birthday party or a glass of wine with friends. But their baseline eating habits remain consistent and healthy, which helps keep their metabolism, skin, and energy levels on track.
5. They look after their sleep
You’d think that as we get older, we’d automatically turn in early and rise early. But from what I’ve observed, good sleep doesn’t just happen because you’ve hit a certain birthday. You have to be intentional about it.
People who seem 15 years younger at 60 usually practice good sleep hygiene. They wind down properly—maybe with some light reading or calming music, and they avoid too much screen time before bed.
Research from the NIH has repeatedly shown that quality sleep helps regulate mood, memory, and immune function. It’s also when the body does much of its cellular repair, crucial for staying spry in those later decades.
Warren Buffett once quipped, “I have enjoyed every dime I’ve ever made. But I do know, if you don’t get good sleep, it doesn’t matter how much money you have.” If even Buffett recognizes the importance of rest, maybe it’s worth prioritizing, right?
6. They cultivate strong social connections
As you might know, here at Small Biz Technology, we keep a close eye on trends that help entrepreneurs stay ahead—both mentally and socially. But the power of community doesn’t just drive business success; it also plays a significant role in healthy aging.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which spanned over 80 years, found a strong link between close relationships and overall health, particularly as we get older. Those who maintained solid friendships and family bonds had lower levels of stress and lived longer.
People over 60 who still glow with youthful energy prioritize their social lives. They make time for coffee with friends, attend local meetups, stay active in religious or community groups, and keep in touch with family. Loneliness, on the other hand, can accelerate aging more than almost anything else.
One of my mentors in Singapore frequently meets up with his old college buddies to swap stories, talk about the latest tech developments, and generally just have a good laugh. At 65, he’s sharper and more vibrant than some folks I know in their 40s. Clearly, strong social ties are no joke.
7. They manage stress like pros
Chronic stress is one of the stealthiest agers out there, wreaking havoc on sleep, skin, and overall health. So, what do these youthful older folks do differently? They’ve developed strategies to handle stress.
Some of them practice meditation or yoga. Others simply take regular nature walks. A few devote time to prayer. Whatever the method, it’s done consistently and not just when life hits the fan.
Brené Brown once said, “We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” That resonates with how many of these people handle pressure—by talking to friends, seeking professional help when needed, or leaning on family.
They see stress not as a personal failure but as part of the human experience. Then they do something about it.
For me, journaling every morning has been a game-changer. If I let stress build up, it affects my mood, my work, and even my relationships. Having some sort of outlet—whether it’s a pen, a paintbrush, or a punching bag—is key to turning the inevitable chaos of life into something more manageable.
8. They stay open-minded
People who seem ageless tend to have one final trait in common: they remain open to new experiences and perspectives. They don’t let the number of birthdays they’ve had box them into a rigid way of thinking.
This openness might show up as a willingness to try the latest smartphone, join a new social media platform, or listen to music that their grandkids recommend. They adapt to cultural, social, and technological shifts with curiosity rather than judgment.
As Winston Churchill once joked, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Obviously, none of us are perfect, but there’s something inspiring about the older folks who keep reinventing themselves.
Maybe it’s experimenting with a different style of cooking or traveling to destinations they’ve never been. They understand that stagnation can make you old before your time.
Final words
Age, as they say, is just a number. But sometimes, that number can be misleading. I’ve met individuals in their 60s who are more vibrant, adventurous, and innovative than some millennials I know.
It’s not that they stumbled upon the fountain of youth. They simply developed habits that keep them energized, engaged, and deeply fulfilled.
If you’re looking to emulate their spirit, take a close look at the eight daily habits they rely on. Infuse them into your life in whatever way feels most natural. A 20-minute morning walk, reading a new book every month, or reaching out to friends you haven’t seen in a while—these small, consistent actions build up.
And let’s face it: how we choose to spend our days is ultimately how we spend our lives. I’m determined to keep learning from these age-defying individuals. After all, isn’t it far better to continue growing than to settle for “just getting older”?
Here’s to staying young at heart—at 60, 70, and well beyond.
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