Women who still look 15 years younger in their 60s may seem like mythical creatures who’ve discovered the fountain of youth.
But in my experience, it’s not about magic potions or elusive secrets. It’s about consistent daily habits that keep them vibrant, energized, and glowing inside and out.
I’ve come across a handful of such women in my own life—women who had me doing a double-take when I found out their real age. And although each of them had their own unique lifestyle, they also shared key traits and practices that kept them looking and feeling their best.
Here at Small Business Bonfire, we’re all about igniting positive transformations, so I’m excited to share these eight daily habits that often set these youthful 60-somethings apart. Let’s dive in.
1) They prioritize rest and stress management
One thing I’ve noticed is that these women take their downtime seriously.
It’s not just about getting eight hours of sleep every night (though they usually do) but also about managing stress throughout the day. They tend to practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or journaling.
I used to think stress management sounded like a luxury—something for yoga gurus who spend hours meditating on a mountaintop. But the women I’m talking about are busy with family, jobs, hobbies, and community projects.
The difference? They consciously carve out moments to unwind. Even a few minutes of peaceful reflection can help reduce cortisol levels, which, as many studies show, accelerate aging when they remain chronically high.
They also have routines that help them wind down at night, like turning off screens an hour before bedtime or reading a chapter from a calming book.
The result? They wake up refreshed, with brighter eyes and fewer wrinkles caused by stress.
2) They keep their bodies moving
From what I’ve seen, these youthful-looking women aren’t necessarily marathon runners or CrossFit champs.
Some of them go for long walks, others do gentle stretching, and a few might have a consistent gym routine. The point is they don’t let their days go by without some movement.
Personally, I remember seeing a 65-year-old woman at my local fitness center who looked at least a decade younger. She told me she just liked doing group classes three times a week, and on off days, she’d walk her dog around the neighborhood. Nothing extreme, just consistency.
I’ve mentioned this before, but physical activity is about more than just burning calories. It boosts circulation, keeps muscles toned, and supports mental well-being.
As I’ve read in various health and psychology books, even low-impact exercise can release endorphins that improve our mood. Good mood equals less stress. Less stress equals a happier body—and a happier body tends to look younger.
3) They nourish their skin (inside and out)
These women are all about skincare, but not just the fancy cream-of-the-month type.
Yes, many do have a reliable skincare routine—cleanser, moisturizer, SPF—but they also pay attention to nutrition. They understand that glowing skin is a product of both what you put on it and what you feed it.
I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring daily hydration and a balanced diet can wreak havoc on your complexion. On the flipside, the women who seem to defy aging consistently hydrate, eat nutrient-rich foods, and protect their skin from harsh elements.
A friend’s mother, who’s 62 going on 45, always sips on green tea, loads her plate with colorful veggies, and rarely forgets to wear sunscreen. Not surprisingly, her skin looks healthy and fresh.
As Oprah has said, “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” In this context, I interpret that as investing in the small actions—like good skincare—that allow you to present the best version of yourself every day.
4) They practice a growth mindset
Youthful 60-somethings are often the lifelong learners. They don’t see age as a barrier to exploring new skills, technologies, or hobbies.
They might pick up a guitar at 65, start painting watercolors at 67, or volunteer to teach a language class at 68.
As Amy Morin—best known for her work on mental strength—has noted, “When you have a firm sense of self, you embrace who you truly are.”
And in my observation, these women who look younger seem comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones. They view age not as a deadline but as a number that doesn’t define who they can be next.
I’ve met a woman in her 60s who took up digital art during the pandemic. She’s now selling her designs online and thoroughly enjoys tackling the complexities of graphic software. She told me it’s the joy and excitement of learning something new that keeps her energized and, in her words, “young at heart.”
Speaking of being young at heart, these women also stay connected with others in meaningful ways. They host dinner parties, engage in community events, or simply schedule weekly calls with loved ones.
They don’t allow themselves to become isolated or withdrawn, which is something that can happen if you’re not intentional about preserving relationships as you get older.
Research has repeatedly shown that a sense of community and belonging can positively influence mental and physical health. One study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine noted that people with strong social networks tend to have lower stress levels and better overall health markers.
Less stress often means fewer signs of aging—both physically and mentally.
My grandmother used to say, “Your friends are your mirrors,” and I think there’s truth in that. The women who look decades younger usually have a supportive circle that encourages them to stay active, stay curious, and stay open to new adventures.
6) They value self-care over self-indulgence
I once assumed self-care was just about spa days and bubble baths.
But the more I talk to these women, the more I realize self-care is really about respecting your body, mind, and spirit. It involves setting boundaries, saying no when something doesn’t align with your well-being, and seeking balance in daily life.
Self-indulgence might lead to fleeting pleasures that don’t necessarily support long-term health, like a second slice of cake every night or binge-watching TV until 3 a.m.
Self-care, by contrast, could be choosing nutrient-dense foods most of the time, carving out time for a calming walk, or reading a book that expands your perspective instead of mindlessly scrolling on your phone.
As Greg McKeown has said, “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.”
These youthfully aging women take charge of their schedules. They carve out pockets of time just for themselves to recharge, whether that’s through meditation, writing in a journal, or simply indulging in a comforting cup of tea without distractions.
7) They cultivate optimism and gratitude
It might sound cliché, but I’ve noticed that optimism can be a powerful antidote to aging.
That’s not to say these women never experience hardship. They’ve gone through heartbreak, career challenges, losses, and everything in between. Yet they remain hopeful and grateful.
I remember speaking with a mentor of mine who’s in her 60s but looks like she’s in her late 40s. She told me that years ago, she started a gratitude journal to help her cope with a difficult period in her life. Fast forward, and she’s still writing in it. She said it helps her center her mind on the positives rather than the negatives.
Expert Kendra Cherry has noted that practicing daily gratitude can rewire our brains for resilience. When we look for reasons to be thankful, we often reduce stress and bolster our emotional well-being. And let’s be honest: Nothing ages us faster than chronic worry or bitterness.
8) They stay true to their passions (and keep exploring new ones)
Last but not least, these women never lose sight of what lights them up inside.
Some have big passions like volunteering overseas, while others find joy in gardening, writing, or even trying new recipes. They carve out time every day—yes, every day—to engage with or think about their passions.
I knew one woman who discovered a passion for pottery at 60. She started taking classes at a local art center and was soon knee-deep in clay three mornings a week, crafting bowls and vases that looked store-bought. She said it gave her a sense of purpose that had been missing since she retired.
It’s easy to think that after a certain age, your “big dreams” are behind you. But these youthful-looking 60-somethings prove otherwise.
They see their passions as a lifelong journey, fueling them with joy and purpose. That mindset translates into a youthful glow that no expensive face cream can replicate.
To sum up
The women I’ve met who effortlessly appear younger in their 60s (and beyond) aren’t relying on fads or shortcuts.
They embody a holistic approach to well-being that involves balanced rest, movement, mindful eating, strong social ties, self-care, a thirst for learning, optimism, and passion.
While all these habits might sound obvious, the magic happens in the consistency. It’s easy to do each of these things once in a while, but the real impact appears after years of showing up day in and day out.
And the best part? It’s never too late to start incorporating these habits into your own life—no matter your age.
Keep on the up and up
