Age Is More Than Just a Number
I have always believed that age is just a number. It may sound like a cliché, but the idea comes back to me whenever I walk through the park with my grandchildren and my dog, Otello. I see people of all ages enjoying the outdoors, laughing, and making the most of their days. Every so often, I notice someone in their seventies or eighties whose eyes still sparkle with enthusiasm. Those moments remind me of the kind of aging I hope to experience myself.
Over time, I have noticed eight habits that many active, engaged older adults seem to share.
If you are over 70 and still practice these habits, you are giving yourself valuable opportunities to maintain your independence, well-being, and enjoyment of life.
1. Make Physical Activity Part of Your Routine
It may seem obvious, but staying physically active can become more challenging as we grow older. Although our abilities may change over time, regular movement remains important. A brisk walk, a swim, or a few gentle exercises can make a meaningful difference.
I regularly take walks with Otello, my Cocker Spaniel. To be honest, he is usually the one insisting on going out! These walks help me stay active and maintain my flexibility.
Regular physical activity can support cardiovascular health, mobility, balance, and energy levels in older adults. Even a daily walk around the neighborhood can be beneficial when adapted to your abilities.
Exercise can also support emotional well-being. After a long walk, I often feel more refreshed and optimistic. Staying active is associated with better heart health, improved blood pressure, and a lower risk of certain cardiovascular problems.
If you still put on your walking shoes most mornings, give yourself credit. You are doing more than maintaining your fitness: you are supporting a lifestyle that can help you remain independent and enjoy everyday activities.
2. Continue Nurturing Your Friendships
One of life's greatest treasures is the friendships we build over the years. Some relationships last for decades, while others begin much later in life. Both can bring happiness, comfort, and a sense of belonging.
As we grow older, however, it can become easier to lose touch. Daily routines take over, and contacting friends may gradually feel like another task on an already busy list.
Maintaining social connections is an important part of healthy aging. As Winston Churchill once said:
“We earn our living by what we receive, but we build our lives by what we give.”
Giving your time and attention to others can strengthen relationships and provide a sense of purpose.
I have noticed that older adults who continue attending social gatherings, meeting friends for coffee, sharing meals, participating in cultural activities, or joining local associations often have more opportunities for meaningful interaction.
If you regularly spend time with loved ones, maintain friendships, or simply call someone to ask how they are doing, you are helping preserve a valuable part of your well-being.
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3. Never Stop Learning
I have discussed lifelong learning before, and I remain convinced that curiosity has no age limit. It is never too late to discover a new hobby, develop a skill, or explore a subject that has interested you for years.
Enroll in ClassesOne of my neighbors, who is 70, decided to learn English during lockdown. Today, he regularly chats online with native speakers. Seeing how proud and enthusiastic he is about his progress is genuinely inspiring.
Learning something new—whether painting, playing a musical instrument, studying a foreign language, or discovering how to use a smartphone application—can stimulate the mind and renew a person's sense of curiosity.
Albert Einstein is often quoted as saying:
“Intellectual growth should begin at birth and only stop at death.”
If you continue reading, taking courses, or exploring educational content online, you are keeping your mind engaged and giving yourself opportunities to discover new interests at any age.
Discover moreParticipating in mentally stimulating activities can support cognitive health, although no single activity can guarantee protection against dementia.
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I have discussed lifelong learning before, and I remain convinced that curiosity has no age limit. It is never too late to discover a new hobby, develop a skill, or explore a subject that has interested you for years.
One of my neighbors, who is 70, decided to learn English during lockdown. Today, he regularly chats online with native speakers. Seeing how proud and enthusiastic he is about his progress is genuinely inspiring.
Learning something new—whether painting, playing a musical instrument, studying a foreign language, or discovering how to use a smartphone application—can stimulate the mind and renew a person's sense of curiosity.
Albert Einstein is often quoted as saying:
“Intellectual growth should begin at birth and only stop at death.”
If you continue reading, taking courses, or exploring educational content online, you are keeping your mind engaged and giving yourself opportunities to discover new interests at any age.
Participating in mentally stimulating activities can support cognitive health, although no single activity can guarantee protection against dementia.
4. Hold On to Your Sense of Humor
Humor is a small but valuable part of life. A good laugh can make difficult moments feel more manageable and help us approach everyday challenges with a lighter heart.
I remember my grandfather joking about his “rusty joints” whenever he struggled to get out of his armchair. His jokes did not make his arthritis disappear, of course, but they helped him cope with the situation and brought smiles to everyone around him.
Laughter can improve mood and provide temporary relief from stress. If you are over 70 and still find reasons to laugh—whether at your grandchildren's jokes, your dog's funny behavior, or your own little mistakes—you are making room for moments of happiness.
Research suggests that laughter-based activities may also help reduce stress and improve aspects of psychological well-being.
Humor brings people together, too. Sharing a funny story or making a gentle joke can help bridge generational differences and make conversations warmer and more enjoyable.
Book Comedy ShowsPeople who continue to appreciate humor often find new opportunities to connect with others and enjoy the world around them.
Humor is a small but valuable part of life. A good laugh can make difficult moments feel more manageable and help us approach everyday challenges with a lighter heart.
I remember my grandfather joking about his “rusty joints” whenever he struggled to get out of his armchair. His jokes did not make his arthritis disappear, of course, but they helped him cope with the situation and brought smiles to everyone around him.
Laughter can improve mood and provide temporary relief from stress. If you are over 70 and still find reasons to laugh—whether at your grandchildren's jokes, your dog's funny behavior, or your own little mistakes—you are making room for moments of happiness.
Research suggests that laughter-based activities may also help reduce stress and improve aspects of psychological well-being.
Humor brings people together, too. Sharing a funny story or making a gentle joke can help bridge generational differences and make conversations warmer and more enjoyable.
People who continue to appreciate humor often find new opportunities to connect with others and enjoy the world around them.
5. Keep Challenging Yourself
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As we get older, staying in our comfort zones can become increasingly tempting. Familiar routines feel safe, while unfamiliar activities may seem unnecessary or intimidating.
However, continuing to take on new challenges can help keep everyday life interesting. You might volunteer for a local organization, organize a neighborhood gathering, or finally tackle a home improvement project you have been putting off.
Winston Churchill is often credited with the words:
“Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential.”
Even small challenges can be rewarding. Redesigning your garden, learning to use video calls to speak with your grandchildren, or experimenting with a new recipe can provide mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment.
Of course, trying something new does not always go smoothly. You may make mistakes, encounter frustration, or need several attempts before succeeding.
What matters is remaining willing to learn and adapt. Getting older does not mean you must stop developing new skills or discovering new possibilities.
6. Maintain a Balanced and Positive Outlook
Having a positive mindset does not mean pretending that pain, loss, or uncertainty do not exist. These experiences are real, and they can become especially significant during later stages of life.
Instead, a balanced outlook means recognizing difficulties while also paying attention to what remains meaningful and possible.
One idea associated with Stoic philosophy is to accept what lies beyond our control while directing our efforts toward the things we can influence. This perspective can help people respond to life's changes with greater calm and flexibility.
Some resilient older adults approach each morning by asking themselves, “What would I like to do today?” rather than focusing exclusively on obligations or limitations.
If you are over 70 and still look for things to appreciate, you are practicing a valuable habit: making room for gratitude without denying life's challenges.
A positive outlook cannot guarantee a longer life, but constructive coping strategies and meaningful relationships can contribute to emotional well-being and a better quality of life.
It can also influence the atmosphere around you, encouraging warmer interactions with family members, neighbors, and friends.
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