People who stay mentally sharp in their 70s and beyond typically adopt these specific habits

There’s a striking difference between aging and aging well.

It all comes down to mental sharpness. Aging well isn’t just about maintaining physical health, but also keeping your mind agile and active.

And the secret to achieving that? Certain habits adopted by those in their 70s and beyond who continue to stay mentally acute.

In this piece, we’ll be exploring these specific habits. As someone who’s fascinated by the keys to healthy aging, I’m excited to share these insights with you.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll find a few new habits to incorporate into your own life.

1) Engaging the mind

There’s a common belief that as you age, your mental faculties inevitably decline.

But those who stay mentally sharp well into their 70s and beyond know this isn’t necessarily the case.

They understand the importance of continually engaging their minds.

Whether it’s through reading, puzzles, learning a new language or even just regular social interaction, they make a conscious effort to keep their minds active.

This constant mental stimulation helps to maintain cognitive function and can even slow down the aging process of the brain.

It’s not just about staying busy; it’s about choosing activities that really challenge and engage the brain.

If you’re looking to keep your mind sharp as you age, start adopting this habit now. Remember, it’s never too late to learn something new.

2) Regular physical exercise

You might be wondering what physical exercise has to do with staying mentally sharp. Quite a lot, actually.

I can tell you from personal experience. My grandmother, well into her 80s, was a prime example of this. She had a daily regimen of walking around our local park each morning, rain or shine.

She always said that her morning walks not only kept her body in shape but also her mind.

It was her time to reflect, plan her day and just enjoy the beauty of nature.

Research supports this too. Regular physical exercise is known to enhance brain function, improve memory and delay cognitive decline.

So, it’s not just about flexing your mental muscles. Keeping physically active is just as crucial when it comes to maintaining your mental sharpness as you age.

3) Embracing mindfulness

Another habit that those who maintain their mental sharpness hold dear is mindfulness.

It’s about truly living in the present moment, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings and the world around you.

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your mental health and cognitive abilities.

It helps to reduce stress, improve focus and boost memory.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I delve deeper into this topic.

I share practical tips on how to incorporate mindfulness into your everyday life, from mindful eating to mindful walking.

Mindfulness is not just a buzzword. It’s a practice that can truly make a difference in your mental sharpness as you age.

It’s never too late to start practicing mindfulness. So why not start today?

4) Maintaining a healthy diet

A balanced diet isn’t just good for your physical health; it’s also crucial for your mental well-being.

Eating the right foods can improve brain function, boost memory and concentration, and even reduce the risk of brain diseases.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins, like fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are particularly beneficial for the brain.

And it’s not just about what you eat but also when you eat. Regular meals and snacks can help maintain your blood sugar levels and prevent dips in your mental energy.

Your brain needs fuel to function properly. And the quality of that fuel can have a significant impact on your mental sharpness as you age.

5) Embracing solitude

In a society that often equates being alone with loneliness, this might seem counter-intuitive.

But solitude can actually be an essential tool for maintaining mental sharpness.

Those who age well understand the value of spending time alone.

It allows for self-reflection, boosts creativity, and can even improve concentration and memory.

It’s about finding a balance between social interaction – which is also crucial for mental health – and taking time for oneself.

This doesn’t necessarily mean living a hermit-like existence. It could be as simple as taking a solo walk, reading a book alone, or just spending some time in quiet contemplation.

Don’t be afraid of solitude. Embrace it. It might just be the key to keeping your mind sharp as you age.

6) Staying socially active

While solitude has its benefits, maintaining social connections is equally important for mental sharpness in later years.

Humans are inherently social creatures. We thrive on interaction and engagement with others.

In fact, social activities can stimulate our brains and keep us mentally alert.

Whether it’s joining a club, volunteering, or simply maintaining regular contact with family and friends, staying socially active can have a positive impact on cognitive health.

Make it a habit to connect with others. It’s not just good for your mental health; it also brings joy and fulfillment to life.

It’s never too late to start making new connections or rekindling old ones.

7) Lifelong learning

The key to staying mentally sharp, no matter your age, is lifelong learning.

Never stop being curious. Never stop asking questions. Never stop exploring new ideas and concepts.

Lifelong learning keeps the brain active and engaged. It encourages creative thinking, improves memory, and promotes overall cognitive health.

Enroll in that class you’ve always wanted to take. Pick up that instrument you’ve always wanted to learn.

Read that book you’ve always been curious about.

Embrace the joy of learning, and your mind will thank you for it.

The final takeaway: It’s all about habits

Ultimately, maintaining mental sharpness in your 70s and beyond comes down to the daily habits you choose to cultivate.

It’s about engaging your mind, staying physically active, embracing mindfulness, nourishing your body, balancing solitude and social connections, and never ceasing to learn.

And let’s not forget the underlying science that supports these habits.

Neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections – is a testament to our potential for lifelong learning and cognitive growth.

For a more in-depth exploration of these concepts, particularly mindfulness, consider checking out my book “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”.

It offers practical advice on how to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine, which can significantly enhance your cognitive health.

Remember, age is just a number. It’s never too late to start investing in your mental sharpness.

The power lies in your hands – or rather, in your habits.

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.

If you want to sharpen your mind as you get older, say goodbye to these subtle habits

7 ways to become more mentally sharp in your everyday life, according to psychology