I’ve spent a fair amount of time with folks in their 70s. Some are neighbors, others I’ve met through volunteer groups, and a few are long-time friends who just happen to be a decade (or so) older than me.
One thing I’ve noticed is that they love to reflect on life—especially what they might have done differently if they could hop in a time machine and give their younger selves a nudge in a better direction.
It’s easy to brush off these reflections when you’re younger, thinking you’ll “get to it eventually.”
But time has a way of sneaking up on us, and before we know it, we’re wishing we’d started certain habits or passions years earlier.
Personally, I find these conversations both inspiring and humbling. They remind me that it’s never too late to start, but also that the best time to begin is often right now.
Below are seven themes that come up again and again when I chat with people in their 70s. Each one carries a bit of wisdom that might just save the rest of us a world of regret.
1. Prioritizing health and fitness
You might guess this one would top the list. I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve heard say, “If only I’d stuck to that exercise program in my 30s” or “I should’ve cut back on the junk food ages ago.”
Health, as many have discovered too late, isn’t just about fitting into a smaller pair of jeans—it’s the foundation for feeling good, staying active, and enjoying the freedom to pursue what matters most.
The surprising thing is that it doesn’t take a massive overhaul to see benefits. A 20-minute walk each day, a light workout routine, or a simple home-cooked meal can go a long way.
Research backs this up: according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, even moderate exercise helps maintain mobility and independence in older adults.
Makes sense, right? And if you can establish those habits earlier in life, you’ll thank yourself later.
2. Investing in meaningful relationships
Have you ever heard someone say on their deathbed, “I wish I’d spent more time at the office”? Probably not.
More often, people regret not nurturing friendships or spending quality moments with loved ones. It’s the long talks, the shared laughs, and the shoulders to lean on that bring real fulfillment.
A friend in his mid-70s once told me, “I thought chasing success was everything, but now I realize it’s the people in my life who make it all worthwhile.”
And there’s science to back that sentiment. A famous Harvard study on adult development found that strong relationships—not wealth or fame—are the key ingredient to happiness and longevity.
So call up that old friend, plan a weekend getaway with your siblings, or just have a simple dinner with your kids. You might be saving yourself from future heartache.
3. Handling finances wisely
This one’s a biggie. So many retirees mention they wish they’d started saving or investing earlier. When we’re young, it’s easy to live for the moment—splurge on that vacation or fancy gadget.
But compound interest is a magical thing that rewards patience, and a small amount set aside regularly can multiply over decades.
I remember a conversation with a lovely couple who confessed they’d taken far too many spur-of-the-moment trips in their 40s without budgeting.
Now in their 70s, they’re scraping by on a pension that doesn’t quite cover the life they envisioned. There’s no shame in enjoying your money, of course—but having a plan and a cushion can free you from future anxiety.
As Warren Buffett famously said, “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” It’s a simple principle, yet many of us only learn it the hard way.
4. Pursuing lifelong learning
I’m a big fan of reading, especially nonfiction. In fact, if you’re a regular here at Global English Editing, you may recall I once mentioned how a classic book by Dale Carnegie changed my entire approach to communication.
Learning is exciting—no matter your age. But folks in their 70s who never made time for continued learning sometimes say they feel out of touch with the world or wish they’d picked up new skills along the way.
Whether it’s learning a musical instrument, mastering a foreign language, or even taking an online course, your brain thrives on novelty. It’s like keeping your mind’s muscle in shape.
Studies have shown that people who engage in regular learning activities have sharper cognitive function later in life.
And it doesn’t have to be purely academic—you could pick up woodworking, photography, or gardening. The key is to stay curious.
5. Taking (calculated) risks
Now, I’m not talking about jumping out of a plane without a parachute. But many people in their 70s mention that they played it too safe.
They passed on opportunities—personal or professional—because they were comfortable. Then they look back and wonder: “What could have happened if I had just taken that leap?”
One gentleman I know regrets never traveling abroad for a job offer in his 40s. He was afraid of uprooting his family at the time.
He doesn’t regret being cautious about his family’s well-being, but he does wonder how that international experience might have opened doors for him and enriched his kids’ perspectives.
As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Taking thoughtful risks often leads to growth, whether or not things go exactly as planned. Sure, you might fail, but you learn a ton in the process. And that beats not trying at all.
6. Embracing self-care and mental health
This is an area many older folks say they simply overlooked. Decades ago, topics like mental health and emotional well-being weren’t as openly discussed as they are now.
Some in their 70s admit they wish they’d gone to therapy or practiced stress management earlier. Instead, they spent years bottling up emotions or letting anxiety fester.
I can relate on a smaller scale. I’ve had my own share of stressful days, especially back when I was juggling a full-time office job, kids, and all the rest.
Looking back, a quick walk in the park with my dog Lottie or a mindful breathing exercise could have kept the tension at bay.
I’m no know-it-all, but I’ve learned that caring for your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.
As Brené Brown has noted: “We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” Sometimes, simply asking for help—or learning to say “no”—is a radical act of self-preservation.
7. Cultivating a sense of purpose outside of work
Retirement might sound like a dream—until you arrive and realize you have no clue what to do next. I’ve talked to plenty of retirees who suddenly felt unmoored once they left their careers.
Work, after all, can become a primary source of identity and purpose. So what happens when it’s gone?
That’s where hobbies, volunteering, and passion projects come in. People in their 70s often say, “I wish I’d started volunteering years ago” or “I should have pursued that creative outlet a long time ago.”
When you retire, you want to slide into a life that still feels purposeful.
Whether it’s mentoring younger folks, painting, singing in a choir, or something else entirely, having a reason to get out of bed in the morning matters—no matter how old you are.
Parting thoughts
Now, I don’t want this to sound like a dreary list of regrets. Far from it. These lessons can be empowering. After all, it’s not too late to adopt healthier habits, deepen relationships, or pick up that guitar you’ve been eyeing for years.
The key takeaway from my chats with these wise 70-somethings? Don’t wait for tomorrow to do the things that truly enrich your life. Tomorrow tends to sneak up on you.
Make the most of your time, your health, and your precious relationships right now—because those are the things you’ll value most when you look back.
And here’s a question to leave you with: What’s one change you can make today that your future self will thank you for?
