At 73, my grandma doesn’t just keep up with life—she outsmarts it.
She’s the kind of woman who can solve a Sudoku faster than I can make a cup of coffee and remembers every single birthday in our family—without a calendar.
I’ve always wondered what her secret is, and as I’ve spent more time with her, I’ve realized her sharp mind isn’t a coincidence.
It’s a combination of habits she’s nurtured for decades—small things she does every day that keep her mind vibrant and alert.
Curious, I dove into what psychology says about staying mentally sharp as we age and was fascinated to discover how much science agrees with her approach to life.
Here are eight daily habits that keep mentally sharp 70-year-olds, like my grandma, thriving well into their golden years.
1) Brain training games
Ever wondered why some 70-year-olds seem to have the memory of an elephant?
Well, one of their secrets might just be brain training games.
Psychology suggests that keeping your brain active is key to maintaining mental sharpness.
And yes, that includes in your 70s and beyond.
Brain training games are like a gym for your mind, especially as you age. They:
- Challenge your cognitive abilities
- Improve memory
- Keep your mind sharp
Mentally sharp 70-year-olds often incorporate these games into their daily routine.
Think crosswords, Sudoku, chess, puzzles – these aren’t just pastimes, they’re tools for mental fitness.
So take a leaf out of their book and swap that TV remote for a puzzle next time you’re looking to unwind.
2) Regular physical exercise
I bet you didn’t see this one coming. I mean, what does physical exercise have to do with mental sharpness, right?
Well, a whole lot, according to psychology.
Studies show that regular physical exercise can significantly improve cognitive function and slow down the mental aging process.
And trust me, I’ve experienced this firsthand.
My grandmother starts every morning with a brisk walk in the park. Rain or shine, she never misses a day.
It wasn’t until I started studying psychology that I fully grasped the impact of her habit.
Physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain and encourages the growth of new brain cells.
It’s like giving your mind a fresh start every day.
So whether it’s a walk in the park, yoga, or even dancing around your living room – find an exercise routine you love, and stick with it.
3) A healthy and balanced diet
You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat.”
As cliché as it sounds, it holds a lot of truth, especially when it comes to brain health.
Certain foods, like those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins, are known to support brain health.
They help protect the brain from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of brain-related diseases.
Mentally sharp 70-year-olds often have a nutrient-rich diet that includes fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Here’s something you might find intriguing: Blueberries are often referred to as “brainberries” because they are so high in antioxidants that help protect the brain.
So next time you’re planning your meals, remember to feed not just your body, but your mind too.
It could make all the difference in keeping you mentally sharp into your golden years.
4) Continuous learning
Lifelong learning isn’t just a fancy phrase, it’s a way of life for many mentally sharp 70-year-olds.
They understand that the mind, much like a muscle, needs to be continuously worked to stay in shape.
Learning new things stimulates the brain and can even create new neural pathways.
This can range from:
These activities keep the brain active and engaged, challenging it to think, reason, and remember.
This helps to maintain cognitive function and delay cognitive decline.
One thing that I’ve noticed about mentally sharp 70-year-olds is their knack for staying socially active.
They understand the value of human connection and make it a point to engage with others regularly.
Interacting with others isn’t just good for the soul, it’s beneficial for the brain too. It:
- Stimulates our thinking
- Keeps us aware of our surroundings
- Helps to boost our mood
Having regular conversations, participating in group activities or simply spending time with loved ones can greatly enhance mental agility.
In a world increasingly defined by digital connections, let’s not forget the importance of real human interaction.
It’s a heartwarming and effective way to keep your mind sharp and vibrant.
6) Getting good quality sleep
Sleep, oh how I underestimated you in my younger years.
I used to think that burning the midnight oil was a sign of hard work and dedication. How wrong I was.
Sleep isn’t just about resting our bodies, it’s about giving our brains the chance to restore and repair themselves. Studies show that sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation and removing brain waste products.
Mentally sharp 70-year-olds understand the importance of a good night’s sleep.
They make it a priority to have regular sleep patterns and to create an environment conducive for rest.
So if you’re skimping on sleep, think again. It’s not just your body that needs rest, but your mind too!
7) Regular medical check-ups
Keeping the mind sharp isn’t just about mental exercises and healthy habits, it’s also about overall health management.
Regular medical check-ups play a crucial role in this.
Mentally sharp 70-year-olds understand that early detection and prevention are key in managing health issues that could potentially impact cognitive function.
Regular visits to the doctor help ensure that any health issues are detected early and managed effectively.
It’s not just about treating illnesses, but about maintaining a healthy body which, in turn, contributes to a healthy mind.
So don’t overlook those regular check-ups – they’re essential for keeping you mentally sharp into your golden years.
8) Positive thinking
At the end of the day, your mindset can make all the difference.
Mentally sharp 70-year-olds often possess an unwavering positive outlook on life.
They choose to see the glass as half full, no matter the circumstances.
Positive thinking does wonders for your mental health.
It reduces stress, increases resilience, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
The power of a positive mind goes beyond just feeling good—it strengthens neural pathways that support problem-solving, creativity, and emotional regulation.
Moreover, studies have shown that optimism can slow the progression of age-related cognitive decline, giving further weight to the idea that how you perceive life directly impacts how well you live it.
Final thoughts
As I look at my grandma thriving in her 70s, it’s clear that mental sharpness isn’t about luck or genetics—it’s about the daily choices we make.
The habits she’s cultivated over the years have given her a mind that’s not just sharp but resilient, curious, and full of life.
Whether it’s staying active, socializing, or constantly challenging her brain, she’s proof that we can all age with grace and clarity.
If you start incorporating even a few of these habits into your routine today, imagine how vibrant your mind could be decades down the road.
