Ever wonder what separates those who thrive in their golden years from those who merely survive them?
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. At my age, I’m getting closer to that milestone myself, and I’ve had the privilege of watching friends and family navigate their seventies with varying degrees of success and contentment.
Some seem to bloom like late-season flowers—more vibrant and fulfilled than ever. Others struggle with loneliness, declining health, and a sense that their best days are behind them.
What makes the difference? Well, after years of observation and reading everything I can get my hands on about aging well, I’ve identified seven habits that seem to separate the happy septuagenarians from the rest.
The best part? You don’t have to wait until you’re seventy to start. In fact, the sooner you begin, the more profound the impact will be.
1. Connect with friends and make new ones
Let’s start with something that might surprise you: your social life matters more than you think.
I used to be one of those people who thought I could go it alone. Work hard, save money, retire comfortably—that was my plan. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how shortsighted that thinking was.
As noted by the World Health Organization, “For older adults, social connection is particularly important to reduce risk factors such as social isolation and loneliness. At this stage of life, meaningful social activities can significantly improve positive mental health, life satisfaction and quality of life; they can also reduce depressive symptoms”.
Think about it: when was the last time you made a genuine effort to deepen an existing friendship or forge a new one? If you’re like most people, it’s probably been a while.
The truth is, building and maintaining relationships is a skill that atrophies without practice. Start flexing that muscle now. Join a book club, take a cooking class, volunteer for a cause you care about. The connections you make today could be the lifeline that keeps you engaged and happy decades from now.
2. Keep on learning
I remember when I decided to take up writing after retirement. Friends thought I was crazy—why start something so challenging at my age? But diving into the craft of writing has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.
And dare I say, I was on the right track. The folks at Harvard Health have noted that research has consistently shown that gaining new knowledge brings benefits. In fact, one study found that speaking two or more languages—even if learned in adulthood—can slow cognitive decline with age.
This isn’t just about learning languages, though. It’s about keeping your mind active and engaged. Pick up that guitar you’ve always wanted to play. Learn to paint. Master a new technology. Take an online course in something that fascinates you.
The key is choosing something that genuinely interests you, not just something you think you should do. When learning feels like play, you’re more likely to stick with it.
3. Build an exercise habit
I’ll be honest with you: I wasn’t always the most active person. Like many office workers, I spent decades sitting at a desk, telling myself I’d get in shape “someday.”
That someday needs to be today.
Physical activity is essential for healthy aging. It helps prevent or manage chronic conditions, reduces the risk of falls, and improves mental health in older adults, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
But here’s the thing—you don’t need to become a marathon runner or spend hours at the gym. Start small. Take daily walks with your dog (if you have one) or around your neighborhood. Try gentle yoga or swimming. The goal is consistency, not intensity.
I’ve found that my daily walks with my dog Lottie have become some of my favorite parts of the day. Not only do they keep me physically active, but they also provide mental clarity and a chance to connect with my surroundings.
4. Keep your attitude in check
This one might be the most important of all, and it’s something I’ve had to work on myself.
As we age, it’s easy to fall into patterns of negativity. Complaining about “kids these days,” dwelling on physical limitations, or constantly reminiscing about how things used to be better. But this mindset is toxic to happiness.
Attitude matters. In fact, experts have noted that people who view aging positively tend to engage in healthier behaviors and even live longer.
What does this look like in practice? It means catching yourself when you start down the path of age-related complaints.
Instead of focusing on what you can’t do anymore, celebrate what you still can do. Instead of viewing each birthday as a step closer to decline, see it as another year of wisdom and experience.
This doesn’t mean being unrealistic or ignoring real challenges. It means approaching them with curiosity and determination rather than defeat.
5. Take care of your body
Let’s talk about something that’s not particularly glamorous but absolutely essential: basic body maintenance.
I’m not talking about chasing the fountain of youth or trying to look twenty again. I’m talking about the fundamentals that will keep you feeling good and functioning well.
Research from Blue Zones suggests the formula is simpler than you might think. Avoid smoking, eat a mostly plant-based diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress effectively.
Simple, right? Yet so many of us complicate it unnecessarily.
The smoking part is obvious. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
“Eat mostly plants” doesn’t mean you have to become a vegetarian overnight, but it does mean prioritizing vegetables, fruits, and whole grains over processed foods.
We’ve already covered exercise, but the stress management piece is crucial too. Find what works for you—whether it’s meditation, gardening, reading, or simply spending time in nature.
6. Cultivate meaningful activities
What gets you out of bed in the morning? If your answer is “nothing in particular,” it’s time to find something.
Purpose doesn’t have to be grandiose. It doesn’t have to change the world. It just has to matter to you.
Maybe it’s volunteering at a local school, mentoring young people in your former profession, or maintaining a garden that brings you joy. Perhaps it’s writing letters to distant family members, learning family history, or teaching a skill to your grandchildren.
The key is finding activities that feel meaningful rather than just ways to pass time. When you have something to look forward to, something that feels important, aging becomes less about decline and more about continued growth.
7. Nurture your sense of play
Here’s something we adults forget: play isn’t just for children.
As I mentioned before, I love my walks with Lottie and my grandchildren. There’s something magical about seeing the world through a child’s eyes again—the way they notice things I’d walk right past, how they find joy in simple discoveries.
But play doesn’t require grandchildren. It’s about maintaining curiosity, spontaneity, and the ability to find joy in simple pleasures.
Try something new just for the fun of it. Be silly. Laugh at yourself. Don’t take everything so seriously.
As the playwright George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”.
The path forward
Building these habits isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Start with one or two that resonate most with you. Maybe it’s reaching out to an old friend or signing up for that class you’ve been considering.
The beautiful thing about these habits is that they reinforce each other. As you become more social, you’ll discover new learning opportunities. As you exercise more, you’ll feel better and have a more positive attitude. As you cultivate meaningful activities, you’ll find more reasons to take care of your body.
Your seventies and beyond don’t have to be about decline and limitation. They can be about wisdom, connection, and a different kind of vitality.
What habit will you start with today?
