If you want your 70s to be some of the best years of your life, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

Entering your 70s can be a time of joy, discovery, and fulfillment. But to make the most of these golden years, there are certain behaviors that just have to go.

The thing is, as we age, our habits can either make us or break us.

And the truth is, some habits that were okay in our younger years won’t serve us well as we march into our seventh decade.

Living our best life in our 70s requires a bit of a lifestyle tweak. And yes, it means bidding farewell to certain behaviors.

Here are 7 such behaviors you’ll want to part ways with if you’re looking to make your 70s some of the best years of your life.

1) Neglecting physical health

The importance of taking care of our physical health cannot be overstated, especially as we age.

You see, our bodies change as we grow older. Metabolisms slow down, joints become less flexible, and our energy levels might not be what they used to be.

So, the eating and exercise habits that worked in our 30s and 40s might not cut it in our 70s.

It’s easy to let this slide, to ignore the aches and pains, or to indulge in one too many sweet treats. But trust me, neglecting our physical health in our 70s can lead to a host of problems down the line.

The key is to listen to your body.

Regular check-ups, a balanced diet and an age-appropriate exercise routine are crucial for keeping your body in tip-top shape.

2) Holding onto past regrets

One thing I’ve learned in my life’s journey is that dwelling on past regrets can rob you of your present happiness.

A few years back, I found myself stuck in a loop of regret over a business opportunity I had missed. This regret was like an unwelcome guest, popping up at the most inopportune times and casting a shadow over my present accomplishments.

It took me a while to realize that this regret was not just pointless but harmful. I was trapping myself in a past that I could not change, and it was preventing me from fully embracing the present and looking forward to the future.

Once I made the conscious decision to let go of that regret, it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt more present, more engaged, and more optimistic about what lay ahead.

So if you’re heading into your 70s, it’s time to let go of any past regrets. Remember, you can’t change the past, but you can shape your future.

And trust me, your 70s can be some of the best years of your life if you allow yourself to live fully in the present.

3) Resisting new technology

In this digital age, technology is a big part of our lives. And while it can sometimes feel overwhelming, embracing technology can greatly enhance our lives, even in our 70s.

Take smartphones for instance.

They aren’t just devices for making calls or sending messages anymore. They can monitor our health, connect us with loved ones, guide us to new locations, and even help us learn new skills.

Yet, according to a study by Pew Research Center, 34% of seniors in the U.S. don’t use the internet at all. This could mean they’re missing out on many benefits that technology offers.

By welcoming technology into our lives, we can stay updated with the world, keep our minds sharp, and maintain connections with our loved ones.

It’s time to bid goodbye to resisting new technology for a more connected and convenient life in your 70s.

4) Avoiding social interactions

As we age, it can sometimes become tempting to retreat into our own little worlds. But maintaining social interactions is incredibly important, especially in our 70s.

You see, human beings are social creatures. We thrive on interaction and connection with others. This doesn’t change just because we’re getting older.

In fact, numerous studies have shown that maintaining a strong social network can help improve our mental health, keep us emotionally balanced and even contribute to longer life.

So instead of avoiding that community event or saying no to a coffee date with a friend, say yes.

Embrace opportunities to connect with others. After all, it’s the relationships we maintain that often bring us the most joy in life.

5) Fear of trying new things

I’ve always been a creature of habit.

I like routine and the comfort it brings. But there was a time when this preference for the familiar started to limit my experiences and growth.

As I approached my 70s, I realized that my fear of trying new things was holding me back. I was so caught up in the rhythm of my routines that I was missing out on new experiences, new learnings, and new joys.

So I took up painting. And let me tell you, it was a revelation!

Not only did I discover a new passion, but it also opened up a whole new community for me. I met fellow art enthusiasts, participated in local exhibitions, and even sold a few paintings!

The lesson here is clear: don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. Embrace the unfamiliar.

Try that new hobby or take that trip you’ve always dreamed of. Say goodbye to the fear of trying new things and say hello to a more enriching life in your 70s.

6) Ignoring mental health

Just like physical health, mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being that shouldn’t be ignored as we age.

In our 70s, we might face numerous changes – retirement, loss of loved ones, or health issues. These changes can take a toll on our mental health if we’re not mindful. Stress, anxiety, and even depression can creep in if we don’t actively care for our mental well-being.

Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and maintaining a positive mindset can do wonders for our mental health. Also, talking about our feelings with a trusted friend or a professional can help us navigate life’s ups and downs with more resilience.

So it’s time to prioritize your mental health. Say goodbye to ignoring your emotional well-being because taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body in your 70s.

7) Living in the future

As we age, it’s easy to get caught up in what lies ahead. But the most important thing to remember is to live in the present.

When we’re constantly thinking about the future, we miss out on the joys of the here and now. The laughs with a loved one, the taste of a delicious meal, the beauty of a sunset – these are moments to be cherished.

So let go of constantly planning and anticipating what’s next. Instead, focus on living fully in each moment.

Because the present is all we truly have, and it’s in the present that we can find the joy and contentment that can make our 70s some of the best years of our lives.

Final thoughts: Embrace the journey

Every stage in our lives comes with its unique set of pleasures and challenges. And entering your 70s is no different.

Each behavior we’ve discussed is not just about saying goodbye to a habit or mindset. It’s about embracing a new way of living, one that enables us to fully appreciate and enjoy our 70s.

I’d l;ile to finish this article with the words of George Bernard Shaw: “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

So keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep playing.

Your 70s can indeed be some of the best years of your life. It’s a journey, one that’s worth every step. So take a moment, reflect on these behaviors, and ask yourself – are you ready to make the most of your 70s?