At 70, if you’re still doing these things you’re winning at life

Let’s be honest: aging can feel like a strange adventure. Suddenly, you catch yourself reminiscing about your 20s or 30s, and you might feel a bit startled by just how quickly time has flown by.

But here’s something I’ve learned after years of researching psychology, mindfulness, and self-improvement: life can get more meaningful as we get older.

These days, I often think of how I want my future to look when I hit my 70s (and beyond). And from talking to friends, colleagues, and reading a bunch of studies, I’ve realized that certain habits, attitudes, and behaviors truly stand out.

If you’re still doing these things by the time you’re 70, you’re definitely winning at life.

Let’s dive in.

1. Staying Curious and Open-Minded

Staying curious is like keeping a door open to endless possibilities. Even at 70, if you can still find yourself genuinely fascinated by new ideas, emerging technology, or the latest travel destination, you’re ahead of the game.

Psychologists often talk about the “growth mindset,” a concept made popular by Carol Dweck. When you approach life with a growth mindset, you believe that learning never stops.

It also helps your brain remain more flexible—what neuroscientists call “neuroplasticity.” Essentially, if you’re curious, your brain stays young.

I still remember the first time I discovered mindfulness practices. I was in my late 20s, and even though I approached it skeptically at first, I couldn’t ignore the impact it had on reducing my stress. It felt like opening a new door.

To this day, I like to stay open to trying new approaches, be it a different meditation style or some novel technology to improve my workflow.

2. Prioritizing Health and Physical Activity

We often hear that “health is wealth,” but it’s extra true the older we get. If you’re 70 and you’re still making it a point to walk daily, do yoga, or even go for a gentle swim, you’re stacking the odds in your favor.

In Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, our physiological needs come first. We need food, water, shelter—and I’d argue that regular exercise falls under the same umbrella if we want to thrive.

Not only does exercise help you physically, it also boosts mood and mental well-being through the release of endorphins.

Sometimes, being active isn’t about intense workouts. It can be a simple stretch in the morning or a relaxed stroll around the block. The key is consistency. 

3. Keeping a Sense of Humor

If you can still crack jokes or laugh at silly things when you’re 70, trust me, you’re winning big. Life’s tough, but humor is one of the best tools to handle challenges.

Viktor Frankl, the famous psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, once said, “Humor is another of the soul’s weapons in the fight for self-preservation.”

In other words, a sense of humor helps you cope with life’s unpredictability and keeps your spirit alive.

One of my favorite things is talking to older relatives who know how to laugh at themselves. It’s like they’ve discovered the secret to not taking everything too seriously.

My grandmother always had a quick wit, and even in her 80s, she’d crack me up with her one-liners. That’s a gift I hope to carry forward myself.

4. Connecting With People You Care About

Human beings are social creatures. If by 70, you still make time for coffee meetups with friends, long chats with your kids, or Zoom calls with the grandkids, you’ve got your priorities straight.

Famed psychologist Carl Rogers believed in the power of deep, genuine relationships. He talked about “unconditional positive regard” and how crucial it is for building trust and deep emotional connections.

If you nurture relationships where people can be themselves without judgment, you’re creating a strong support system.

It’s easy to think, “I’m too old to make new friends.” But it’s never too late. Whether it’s joining a local book club, volunteering, or even taking a cooking class, it’s always possible to find new friendships. The key is to remain open and approachable.

Related article: My father is the happiest retiree I know. He swears these 8 morning habits are the key to lasting contentment.

5. Continuing to Learn New Skills

Learning doesn’t stop when you put on the graduation cap. If you’re 70 and still taking on new challenges—like learning to paint, picking up a musical instrument, or figuring out smartphone apps—then you’re definitely winning.

According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, achieving a “flow state” (that feeling when you’re so engaged in an activity that time just flies by) contributes to happiness.

Learning something new can often help you reach that flow, keeping your mind active and your spirit refreshed.

I started learning guitar in my 30s, and it was a humbling experience. I’d be all fingers and thumbs at first, but the moment I learned a new chord progression, it felt like I’d climbed a mini-mountain.

My biggest wish is that when I’m older, I’ll still have that drive to learn something new, no matter how silly or intimidating it might initially feel.

6. Practicing Gratitude Daily

Gratitude is a simple yet powerful practice. If, at 70, you’re still able to wake up in the morning and find something—anything—to be grateful for, you’re doing life right.

Robert Emmons, a leading scientific expert on gratitude, has said, “Without gratitude, life can be lonely, depressing, and impoverished.” Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s lacking to the abundance of what we already have.

For some people, writing down three things you’re grateful for every day is enough. For others, it might be expressing thanks in prayer or sharing it verbally with a loved one. The form doesn’t matter as much as the practice.

7. Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Mental health is a game-changer. Whether it’s scheduling regular therapy sessions, practicing mindfulness, or confiding in a friend, if you’re 70 and still prioritizing mental well-being, you’re setting an amazing example.

There’s a concept called “active coping,” which means taking direct steps to handle stressors. This can involve talking things out, seeking professional help, or learning relaxation techniques. The result? Greater resilience and a balanced emotional life.

I once believed that therapy was only for people in crisis. But over the years, I’ve learned that having a professional perspective can provide much-needed clarity, even when life seems relatively stable. I hope that when I’m 70, I’ll still be open to reaching out for support when I need it.

8. Following Your Passions

Passions can be anything: gardening, reading mystery novels, bird watching, or even running a small business. If at 70 you still feel excited about something, that spark will keep you young at heart.

According to Abraham Maslow, we have a deep need for self-actualization—becoming the best version of ourselves. Pursuing passions or hobbies is a significant part of self-actualization because it gives us a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Maybe you once dreamed of writing a memoir or launching a local community group. Why not go for it now? Age doesn’t have to be a barrier. Often, you have more time and wisdom to devote to your passions at 70 than you did at 30!

9. Staying True to Your Values

By the time you hit 70, you’ve likely figured out what matters most—kindness, honesty, hard work, family, or faith. Sticking to these values is a huge sign you’re winning at life, because it means you’re living authentically.

Carl Jung once said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” Living by your values is a direct path to being your genuine self, regardless of what others think.

Over the years, I’ve been tempted to sway from my values, especially when it comes to business decisions. But I’ve found that every time I do, I end up feeling uneasy.

That’s why I always come back to my core beliefs—treat people fairly, be honest, and keep learning. If that’s your guiding principle at 70, you’re setting a wonderful example for younger generations.

10. Keeping a Sense of Purpose

Purpose isn’t something you lose once you retire—it can shift, transform, or expand. If you’re 70 and still volunteering, mentoring, or even spending time helping your family and community, you’re definitely on the winning team.

In Positive Psychology, having a sense of purpose is strongly linked to overall happiness.

Researchers have found that a clear sense of purpose can even help with cognitive function as we age. It gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

Purpose can be big or small. It could be as grand as starting a local charitable foundation or as personal as dedicating time each day to call a lonely neighbor. The key is finding something that gives you a reason to keep growing.