Age is just a number—and sometimes so much more.
I’ve always thought age was just a number. It might be cliché, but it resonates with me every time I walk through the park with my grandchildren and my dog, Ottelo. I pass people of all ages strolling, laughing, and living life to the fullest. But every now and then, I spot someone—in their seventies, even eighties—whose eyes sparkle with an undeniable radiance. It’s people like that who make me think, “This is exactly the kind of aging I want to achieve.”
Over the years, I have identified several common traits among these dynamic seniors – eight to be precise – that set them apart.
If you are over 70 and still follow these eight rules, you are aging better than most people ever will.
1. Be physically active
Photos from Freepik.
It may seem obvious, but as we age, physical activity often gets neglected. Of course, we all slow down at some point, but constant activity—even a brisk walk or a few laps in the pool—makes a huge difference.
Personally, I regularly walk Othello, my cocker spaniel (honestly, he insists), and these walks allow me to maintain some flexibility.
Studies have shown that regular exercise, even just a daily walk around the block, helps maintain cardiovascular health, flexibility and good energy levels in older adults.
Light exercise also has a positive effect on mood. After a long walk, I consistently feel more alert and optimistic. Another study found that regular physical activity in older adults is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality, improved heart function, and lower blood pressure.
If you still put on your sneakers almost every morning, congratulate yourself. You’re not just staying fit: you’re investing in a more fulfilling and independent life.
2. Continue to nurture your friendships
One of the greatest treasures of my life is the friendships I’ve formed over the years. Some have lasted decades, others are more recent.
But as we age, it’s easy to let these bonds fade. Routine takes over, and reaching out for help can start to feel like a chore.
Maintaining social relationships is essential for aging well. Winston Churchill said:
“We make our living by what we receive, but we build our lives by what we give.”
Giving time and attention to friends is one of the best ways to cultivate a sense of purpose and belonging.
I have observed that older people who continue to participate in social gatherings – in cafes, for meals, at cultural outings, at association meetings – are often happier and less stressed.
If you maintain relationships, spend time with loved ones, or even just call a friend to check on them, you will already have a valuable advantage.
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3. Commit to lifelong learning.
I mentioned this in a previous article, but I still believe in the power of lifelong learning. It’s never too late to start a new hobby or delve deeper into a topic you’ve always been interested in.
One of my 70-year-old neighbors decided to learn English during lockdown. Today, he regularly chats online with native speakers, and you can see the twinkle in his eyes when he talks about his progress.
Embarking on an adventure in a new field – whether it be painting, playing a musical instrument, learning a foreign language, or simply using a mobile app – stimulates the mind, igniting enthusiasm and curiosity.
Albert Einstein said: “Intellectual development should begin at birth and end only at death.”
If you continue reading, taking courses, or exploring topics through Dailymotion or other sources, it means you have a young, sharp, and fully alive mind – far beyond the numbers typical for your age.
Research shows that participating in educational activities in adulthood is associated with better cognitive health and a lower risk of dementia.
4. Maintain a sense of humor.
Humor is one of those subtle treasures that can brighten even the most difficult moments.
I remember my grandfather joking about his “rusty joints” every time he tried to get up from his chair. Of course, it didn’t cure the arthritis, but it made it more bearable and, most importantly, made everyone laugh.
A good laugh can lower stress hormones, improve your mood, and even boost your immune system. If you’re over 70 and still find reasons to laugh—whether at your grandchildren’s jokes, your dog’s antics, or your own blunders—you’re cultivating a valuable form of well-being.
Furthermore, according to this study, laughter has a positive impact on mental health, helping to reduce anxiety, depression and stress.
Humor also creates bonds. A shared anecdote or lighthearted joke can bring generations closer together and give interactions a more human and warm feel. Those who can still laugh remain open, approachable, and curious about the world around them.
5. Take on new challenges
Let’s be honest: the older we get, the more tempting it becomes to just sit on the couch. Habits become ingrained, and novelty can sometimes seem unnecessary, even intimidating.
But if you continue to take on new challenges—whether it’s volunteering in an unfamiliar field, organizing a local event, or starting a home renovation project—you’ll cultivate a mindset that fosters youthfulness at heart.
Winston Churchill wrote, “The key to realizing our potential is sustained effort, not strength or intelligence.” And I can only agree.
Even small challenges—redesigning your garden, learning how to use a videoconferencing app to talk to your grandchildren, or trying a new recipe—keep your brain active and your mood high.
Yes, new challenges sometimes bring a certain amount of frustration. You might fail or stumble. But if you keep trying, learning, and adapting, you’ll send a clear message to the world: you can be over 70 and still be thriving.
6. Have a positive attitude
Being positive doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to the pain, loss, and uncertainty that often accompany aging. It means focusing on what’s going well, on what’s still possible.
This Stoic-inspired principle encourages us to accept what we can’t control while focusing our energy on what we can. Over time, I’ve noticed how this approach can transform the way we experience the passing of time.
The most resilient older people I have met are those who wake up in the morning and ask themselves, “What am I going to do today?” rather than, “What else do I have to do?”
If you’re over 70 and still see the bright side of life, you’re practicing a subtle art: maintaining inner peace. It’s a powerful mental exercise that reduces stress and improves vitality.
And this positivity is contagious. It spreads to loved ones, neighbors, children, and everyone you meet every day. It makes your relationships richer and more authentic. A positive attitude may not prolong life, but it undoubtedly improves its quality.
7. Stay connected with technology
I won’t lie: technology can be a real headache sometimes. I still remember trying to set up my first smartphone… Let’s just say my grandchildren were incredibly patient.
But the point is, in an increasingly digital world, staying connected can truly transform daily life. Video calls allow us to see familiar faces hundreds of miles away, online tutorials open the door to new skills, and social media groups recreate a sense of community, even from a distance.
Furthermore, research shows that the use of technology by older adults improves quality of life, reduces social isolation and promotes emotional well-being.
By adapting to technology, older people are not only “moving with the times” but also discovering new ways to nurture relationships, passions, and sometimes even independence – ordering groceries online becomes a real comfort when getting around the city is difficult.
If you’re over 70 and still learning how to send a message, post a photo, or search for a new recipe on Dailymotion, you demonstrate admirable mental agility. Curiosity in an ever-evolving digital world is a strong sign of vitality.
8. Taking care of your emotional well-being
As we age, it’s tempting to focus solely on the physical aspects of aging: doctor visits, medications, aches and pains. However, emotional health is equally important to a fulfilling old age.
The older people I admire most are often those who maintain their inner balance. Some do this through spirituality or prayer, others through meditation, writing, music, or even gardening. These soothing rituals offer a form of refuge and a way to refocus.
Investing in your emotional well-being also means accepting your weaknesses. Saying, “I feel lonely today” or “I need to talk” isn’t a sign of weakness, but of wisdom. It’s a step toward greater resilience, connection, and peace.
As Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability is the cradle of innovation, creativity, and change.”
The courage to be true, even when it involves discomfort, is perhaps one of the most beautiful signs of emotional maturity.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that aging is associated with an increase in positive emotions and better emotion regulation.
One last thought
Here are eight habits I’ve observed time and again in people who seem to age with exceptional grace. These aren’t just activities; they’re the true foundations for a rich, balanced, and inspiring later life.
If you already practice some of these habits—or even most of them—my sincerest congratulations. You’re showing us that aging can be a powerful and bright chapter in life.
And if you’re still a long way from seventy, consider this a guide. A direction. Seeds worth sowing today to reap the harvest of a more peaceful and happier future tomorrow.
So why not ask yourself a simple question: which of these 8 habits could you strengthen now to make the coming year your best?
I am convinced of one thing: as long as we continue to grow, love, learn, and laugh—no matter our age—we will never truly stop living life to the fullest.
