There are times when you look at those vivacious, sprightly folks in their 70s or even 80s and wonder, “How on earth do they do it?”
You see them taking long walks, traveling the world, or even running marathons, while you’re panting just thinking about it.
And no, it’s not all about having an extremely lucky gene pool.
There are certain behaviors that we’ve all embraced and justified to ourselves over the years. We say things like “I’m too young to worry about that now” or “I’ll start taking care of myself tomorrow”.
But the truth is, if we want to be that energetic person in our 70s, we’ve got to start saying goodbye to some of these behaviors today.
Get ready for a reality check – here are some signs that it’s time to kick these habits to the curb if you want to embrace a more active and vibrant later life.
1) Neglecting your sleep
Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.
Sure, you’ve pulled all-nighters, survived on minimal shut-eye, and even bragged about it. But trust me, sleep deprivation isn’t a badge of honor.
Your body needs that time to repair and rejuvenate itself. Lack of sleep can lead to a host of health problems including weakened immunity, chronic fatigue, and even heart disease.
And it’s not just about the quantity but also the quality of sleep.
Those late-night Netflix binges? You might want to rethink them.
If you want to be that lively 70-year-old dancing at parties and not the one dozing off in the corner, start prioritizing your sleep now. It’s never too late to develop good sleeping habits.
2) Overlooking the power of a balanced diet
That second slice of pizza at midnight sure sounds tempting, doesn’t it? I know, I’ve been there.
In my 20s and 30s, I lived for food. I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.
Late-night fast food runs were my thing. My mantra was, “Life’s too short to say no to good food”.
But my body started paying the price as I got older.
My energy levels plummeted and I started gaining weight. Soon, simple things like climbing up a flight of stairs left me breathless.
That’s when I realized – the fuel we give our body matters more than we think.
It’s not about giving up your favorite foods.
It’s about finding balance – making sure you’re getting enough of the good stuff like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats along with your occasional indulgences.
So, start paying attention to what you eat now.
It’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling good too.
3) Ignoring the benefits of regular physical activity
As the great Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
I’ve always found this quote to be a potent reminder – especially when it comes to maintaining our physical health.
Many of us tend to think of exercise as a chore, a punishment for indulging in that extra slice of cake.
But the reality is, regular physical activity is one of the best things we can do for our health – both now and as we age.
It’s not about hitting the gym six times a week or running marathons. It’s about finding an activity you love and making it a part of your daily routine.
Maybe it’s a dance class, or hiking with friends, or simply a walk in the park. The point is to keep moving, keep active.
It’s time to say goodbye to sedentary habits and embrace an active lifestyle.
4) Underestimating the impact of stress
We all deal with stress in our lives, whether it’s a tough day at work or a personal crisis. But did you know chronic stress can actually accelerate the aging process?
Chronic stress contributes to inflammation in the body, which is linked to nearly every major disease.
It can also lead to poor sleep, weight gain, and even cognitive decline.
Not exactly a recipe for an active, vibrant life in your 70s, is it?
Now, obviously, we can’t always control the stressors in our lives. But we can control how we respond to them.
Mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga, or even just a few deep breaths, can do wonders in managing stress.
It’s also helpful to have a hobby or activity that you enjoy and that takes your mind off things.
Life’s too short to be stressed all the time!
5) Skimping on water intake
You’ve probably heard it a million times – drink more water! But how many of us take this advice seriously?
Just like a car can’t run without fuel, our bodies can’t function properly without water. And no, coffee and soda don’t count.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even cognitive impairment.
On the other hand, staying hydrated helps maintain energy levels, improves brain function, and keeps our skin looking youthful.
So if you’re dreaming of being that 70-year-old who’s sharp as a tack and still turning heads, it’s time to start sipping that H2O.
Swap out that extra cup of coffee for a glass of water. Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go.
Find ways to make drinking water more appealing – add some fruit for flavor, or try sparkling water.
Remember, it’s the small changes that make a big difference in the long run. So here’s to a healthier, more hydrated you!
6) Neglecting mental fitness
It’s easy to get caught up in taking care of our physical health, but mental health is just as crucial.
We all know the importance of keeping our bodies fit, but how about our minds? Just like muscles, if you don’t use your brain, you lose it.
Keeping your mind sharp and active isn’t just about doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku, although those can certainly help. It’s about being curious and engaged in the world around you.
Take up a new hobby. Learn a new language. Travel to new places.
Engage in stimulating conversations. These activities help keep your mind agile and active.
Imagine being that 70-year-old who’s not just physically fit, but also mentally sharp, full of fascinating stories, and always ready for the next adventure.
To have that kind of future, it’s time to say your goodbyes to mental laziness and hello to lifelong learning. Because a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.
We are social creatures by nature, craving connections and interactions with others.
But in our busy lives, it’s easy to deprioritize socializing, especially when it feels like there are a million other things to do.
Having a strong social network doesn’t just mean having a large number of friends or followers on social media.
It’s about having meaningful relationships – people you can turn to for support, share laughter and tears with, and make memories.
If you want to be surrounded by loved ones and leading an active, fulfilling life, it’s time to prioritize your relationships.
Bid farewell to isolation and hello to connection. Make time for friends and family, join clubs or groups that interest you, volunteer in your community.
It’s the quality of your relationships that truly enriches your life.
8) Dismissing regular health check-ups
I get it. Doctor’s appointments can be a hassle. But they’re vital.
You see, many health issues, when detected early, can be managed or even reversed. But if ignored, they can lead to serious complications as we age.
Regular check-ups, screenings, and tests can catch potential health problems before they become severe.
Think of it as routine maintenance for your body, just like you’d do for your car.
You wouldn’t ignore a strange noise in your engine, would you? Then why ignore your body’s signals?
Don’t wait until something goes wrong to pay attention to your health.
Say hello to preventive care. Make those appointments. Get those screenings.
Because in the end, your health is your wealth. It’s what will enable you to live fully and vibrantly in your 70s and beyond.
The takeaway
If any of these behaviors struck a chord, it’s likely you’re not alone. The good news? It’s never too late to make changes.
With reflection and conscious effort, we can transform our daily habits. The key is consistency and commitment.
Start identifying which behaviors you need to say goodbye to.
Pay attention when you’re neglecting sleep or skimping on water intake.
Notice if you’re overlooking the importance of social connections or regular health check-ups.
It might not be easy at first. Change rarely is. But with time and persistence, new habits can form.
Ask yourself – am I taking the best care of myself? Am I prioritizing my health both physically and mentally? What steps can I take today to ensure a more vibrant future?
It’s never too late to start taking care of ourselves.
Give it a try. Each small step forward counts.
And who knows, you may just find yourself being that active, energetic 70-year-old you aspire to be.
In the end, it’s not just about living longer, but living better and fuller. After all, age is just a number when you feel good inside and out.
