People who stay mentally sharp in their 70s and beyond usually adopt these 8 daily habits

mentally sharp in 70s

You’ve probably seen them, admired them, or even envied them a little. Those sprightly seniors who seem to defy the odds, staying mentally sharp as a tack well into their 70s and beyond, while others around them are slowing down.

I’ve always been fascinated by this phenomenon. I’ve pondered over it, studied it and even interviewed folks who seemed to have cracked the code.

And guess what? It’s not always about genetics or sheer luck. It isn’t necessarily about having an IQ off the charts either.

There’s more to it, something within our grasp, something we can all try and incorporate into our daily lives.

Intrigued yet? Well, get ready for a revelation. I’m going to share 8 daily habits that those mentally sharp seniors have in common.

This is not about promising miracles or offering a magic pill of eternal youth. But if you’re curious about how to stay mentally sharp in your golden years, you might want to keep reading. Let’s dive into these tried and tested habits that could serve as your roadmap to mental agility as the years roll by.

1. Daily physical activity

One would be hard-pressed to find a mentally sharp 70-year-old who doesn’t prioritize physical activity.

It’s no secret that regular exercise is beneficial for our bodies, but it’s also crucial for our brain health. Studies have shown a direct correlation between consistent physical activity and improved cognitive function.

This doesn’t mean they’re running marathons or lifting heavy weights. Often, it’s as simple as a daily walk, some gentle yoga, or even gardening.

The key is consistency and making it a part of their daily routine.

What’s even better, it’s never too late to start.

Starting an exercise routine can be beneficial at any age, so don’t let the calendar hold you back.

Just like the saying goes: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” The same applies to starting an exercise regimen for your brain health.

2. They prioritize mental fitness

Just as some people are religious about their morning run or gym session, the mentally agile seniors I’ve met are equally committed to their brain workouts.

Believe it or not, our brains are like muscles. If we don’t use them, they weaken over time.

But the good news is, with a bit of exercise, they can stay fit and sharp.

These seniors engage in activities that challenge their cognitive abilities. They participate in puzzles, crosswords, sudoku – you name it. Some of them even learn new languages or musical instruments.

They understand that the brain, much like the body, needs to be constantly stimulated and challenged to maintain its agility.

It’s not about becoming a grandmaster in chess or a virtuoso pianist overnight. It’s about consistently keeping the brain active and engaged.

And guess what?

This doesn’t have to be a chore. They make it fun, part of their everyday routine.

3. They foster a love for reading

This one hits home for me.

My grandmother, well into her 90s, was sharper than most people half her age. And you know what she loved doing?

Reading. As simple as that.

A voracious reader, she’d devour everything from novels to newspapers, and even the back of cereal boxes! She had an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for knowledge that seemed to keep her mentally agile.

And it’s not just about my grandmother. Many of the mentally sharp seniors I’ve come across share a similar habit. They read, and they read a lot.

Reading is like a gym workout for your brain. It improves memory, enhances concentration, and expands vocabulary. But more than that, it exposes you to new ideas, different perspectives, and a wealth of knowledge.

It doesn’t matter if it’s fiction or non-fiction, a newspaper article or a scientific journal – the act of reading itself helps keep the brain active and engaged.

I’ve taken a leaf out of my grandmother’s book (pun intended!) and incorporated reading into my daily routine. It has not only enriched my life but has also helped me stay mentally agile.

4. They prioritize social connections

Did you know that loneliness can be as damaging to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day?

It’s true.

Ironically, in this age of hyper-connectivity, more and more people are feeling isolated and alone. But the mentally sharp seniors I’ve met?

They’ve managed to sidestep this pitfall.

They understand the importance of maintaining strong social connections. They make an effort to stay in touch with family and friends, participate in community activities, and even strike up conversations with strangers.

But it’s not just about staving off loneliness. Social interaction is a two-way street. It provides an opportunity to share experiences, learn from others, and even gain new perspectives.

Engaging in regular social activities can stimulate different areas of the brain, help improve memory and cognitive skills, and even boost mood and overall well-being.

5. They embrace lifelong learning

Remember the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”?

Well, turns out it’s not entirely true.

Those mentally sharp seniors I’ve been talking about, they’ve flipped the script on this one. They’re not content with just resting on their laurels or dwelling in the past.

They’re always eager to learn something new.

Whether it’s mastering a new recipe, picking up a new hobby, or even going back to school – they’re not afraid to step out of their comfort zone.

And here’s the thing:

Learning isn’t just about acquiring new skills or knowledge. It’s about keeping the mind active, engaged, and flexible. That way, we can challenge the brain to adapt and grow.

There’s a certain thrill that comes with learning something new. It can boost our confidence, give us a sense of accomplishment, and even help keep our brains sharp.

So don’t shy away from new experiences or opportunities. Embrace lifelong learning. It could be one of your keys to staying mentally sharp in your later years.

6. Adequate sleep

I’ll admit, I used to underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. With a busy career and a family, sleep was often the first thing to go when life got hectic.

But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to understand just how vital sleep is for our overall health – particularly for our brain health.

Consistently getting a good night’s sleep is a common habit among those who remain mentally sharp well into their 70s and beyond.

Sleep isn’t just about resting our bodies; it’s also when our brains consolidate memories and process information from the day. Skimping on sleep can lead to problems with memory and cognitive function over time.

So now, no matter how busy my day gets, I make sure to prioritize sleep.

It’s not always easy, but I know it’s one of the best things I can do for my brain health in the long run.

7. They practice positivity

There’s something to be said about the power of a positive mindset.

The mentally sharp seniors I’ve met, they have this unwavering belief in the brighter side of things.

They don’t deny the existence of problems or challenges.

Life has its fair share of those for everyone. But they choose not to dwell on them. Instead, they focus on solutions, on growth, and on the goodness that surrounds them.

They understand that negativity can be draining, both emotionally and cognitively. So they’ve made it a habit to practice positivity.

How exactly?

Well, they consciously replace negative thoughts with positive ones, they express gratitude, and they choose to see the glass as half full rather than half empty.

Positivity isn’t just good for the soul. It’s good for the brain too. A positive mindset has been linked to better cognitive function, improved problem-solving skills, and even longer life expectancy.

8. They live with purpose

This may sound a bit philosophical, but stick with me.

The seniors I’ve met who are mentally sharp, they all have one thing in common: they live with purpose.

They’re not just passing time. They have goals, passions, things that excite them, and give them a reason to jump out of bed every morning.

Be it a hobby, a project, volunteer work or even a part-time job – they’ve found something that gives their life meaning and direction.

And it does wonders for their mental health.

Having a purpose in life has been linked to better brain function and lower rates of cognitive decline. It keeps the mind focused, active and engaged.

Living with purpose is about having a sense of significance, a feeling that our lives matter. It’s about contributing to something bigger than ourselves.

Embracing the journey

We’ve traveled through an intriguing path, haven’t we?

Unveiling the daily habits of those who retain their mental sharpness well into their 70s and beyond.

If you’ve found yourself nodding along or feeling intrigued by these habits, take heart. These aren’t exclusive traits of a select few. They are practices that anyone can adopt, at any age.

The beauty is in realizing that these habits aren’t just about preserving mental acuity. They’re about enriching our lives, growing as individuals, and truly savoring the journey of life.

It’s about understanding that our brains are dynamic, and capable of growth and change at any stage. 

So take a moment to reflect – which of these habits resonates with you? Could you see yourself adopting some of them into your daily routine? Remember, it’s never too late to start.

Here’s to a mentally vibrant and fulfilling life, well into our golden years and beyond!

What would Jesus say?

Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?

Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.

We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.

Check it out here.

 

Eliza Hartley

Eliza Hartley

Eliza Hartley, a London-based writer, is passionate about helping others discover the power of self-improvement. Her approach combines everyday wisdom with practical strategies, shaped by her own journey overcoming personal challenges. Eliza's articles resonate with those seeking to navigate life's complexities with grace and strength.

Trending around the web

10 rare qualities of people who don’t need money to feel happy

10 rare qualities of people who don’t need money to feel happy

Hack Spirit

People who grew up masking their true feelings usually exhibit these 7 behaviors as adults, according to psychology

People who grew up masking their true feelings usually exhibit these 7 behaviors as adults, according to psychology

Hack Spirit

My uncle is the happiest retiree I know. He swears these 8 morning habits are the key to lasting contentment.

My uncle is the happiest retiree I know. He swears these 8 morning habits are the key to lasting contentment.

Hack Spirit

8 subtle signs a woman is attracted to you (even if they try not to show it)

8 subtle signs a woman is attracted to you (even if they try not to show it)

Hack Spirit

10 things successful people always do on the weekend, according to psychology

10 things successful people always do on the weekend, according to psychology

Hack Spirit

People who had no one to consistently rely on as a child typically display these traits later in life

People who had no one to consistently rely on as a child typically display these traits later in life

Hack Spirit

Get our articles

The latest Move news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.