Eliza Hartley
There’s a clear distinction between simply growing older and truly thriving in your 70s.
The difference hinges on routine.
Those who flourish in their seventies aren’t just lucky, they often have certain habits they practice every day, right from the get-go.
According to psychology, there are seven key things these individuals typically do each morning.
And the beauty of it? Anybody can incorporate these into their routine, regardless of age.
Stay tuned for an enlightening exploration of getting older with grace, vitality, and a spring in your step.
1) Early risers
The distinction between individuals who simply grow older and those who flourish in their 70s often begins with the alarm clock.
It’s no secret that many successful people are early risers. But according to psychology, this habit is especially beneficial for those in their 70s.
Starting the day early gives you a head start, a quiet moment for reflection, and a sense of accomplishment before the day fully kicks in.
This ties back to the famous saying by renowned psychologist Carl Rogers, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”
Rogers believed that an individual’s goal should not be to attain a static state of happiness but to continually strive for self-improvement.
What better way to kick start this process than by rising early?
If you’re aiming to thrive in your 70s and beyond, consider setting your alarm a little earlier tomorrow.
But remember, it’s not just about getting up early, but what you do with that extra time that truly matters.
Stay tuned as we delve into more habits for thriving in your 70s.
2) Mindful moments
Here’s something I’ve personally experienced: mindfulness isn’t just a trend, it’s a lifestyle, especially for those thriving in their 70s.
Every morning, before the rush of the day sets in, I set aside some time for mindful meditation.
Just 10 minutes of focusing on my breath, acknowledging my thoughts and feelings without judgment, sets the tone for my entire day.
And I’m not alone. Many of those flourishing in their 70s have embraced the habit of starting their day with a moment of mindfulness.
It’s an opportunity to center oneself, cultivate positive thinking and lay the groundwork for a productive day.
Famous psychologist Viktor Frankl once said, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Practicing mindfulness helps us find that space, allowing us to make conscious choices that lead to personal growth.
Tomorrow morning, before you reach for your phone or start preparing breakfast, consider giving yourself the gift of a few mindful moments.
It could be the key to truly thriving in your 70s and beyond.
3) Physical activity
Have you ever noticed how some individuals in their 70s seem to have more energy than those half their age?
The secret often lies in staying active. It’s raw, honest, and not always easy, but the benefits are too significant to ignore.
Every morning, come rain or shine, I make it a point to move my body. It could be a brisk walk, a few stretches, or even a short yoga session.
The idea is to get the blood flowing and the heart pumping.
William James, a famous psychologist once said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
Physical activity has been proven to reduce stress levels and improve mental health. It helps us deal with negative thoughts and replace them with a positive mindset.
If you’re looking to thrive in your 70s, don’t neglect your physical health.
It’s not about intense workouts or achieving fitness goals.
It’s about consistent movement and enjoying the process. Your 70-year-old self will thank you for it.
4) Healthy breakfast
Another crucial habit of those who thrive in their 70s is starting the day with a nutritious breakfast.
While it’s often hailed as the most important meal of the day, a healthy breakfast does more than just fuel your body.
It sets the tone for your eating habits throughout the rest of the day.
People who start their day with a healthy breakfast are more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day.
It’s a simple act that can significantly impact your physical and mental health.
Whether it’s a bowl of oatmeal with fruit or a protein-packed smoothie, make sure you’re giving your body the nutrients it needs first thing in the morning.
It’s not about dieting or weight loss; it’s about nourishing your body and mind to thrive in your 70s and beyond.
5) Expressing gratitude
Having an attitude of gratitude is something I practice every day, and it’s a common trait among those thriving in their 70s.
Each morning, I take a moment to express gratitude for the simple things in life.
It could be the warmth of the sun, a good night’s sleep, or even the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
It’s a small act that can significantly change your outlook on life.
Famous psychologist Abraham Maslow said, “The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.”
Gratitude brings us back to the present and allows us to appreciate what we have, contributing to our overall mental wellness.
Tomorrow morning, before you start your day, try expressing gratitude for one small thing.
It’s a small step that can have a big impact on your journey to thriving in your 70s and beyond.
6) Embracing solitude
Here’s something that may surprise you: Embracing solitude is a common morning routine among those who thrive in their 70s.
In a society that often equates being alone with loneliness, it may seem counterintuitive.
However, spending some quiet time can actually lead to greater self-awareness and inner peace.
Each morning, I make it a point to spend some time by myself, free from distractions.
It might be while sipping my morning coffee or during my mindful moments. It’s a practice that has significantly enhanced my mental clarity and emotional balance.
Renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Loneliness does not come from having no people around you, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you.”
Solitude provides the space and silence necessary for us to reflect on what truly matters to us.
Consider dedicating a portion of your morning to solitude.
You might find it’s the missing piece in your journey to thriving in your 70s.
7) Lifelong learning
Finally, people who thrive in their 70s never stop learning.
Whether it’s reading the newspaper, listening to a podcast, or learning a new skill, they engage their minds every morning.
This continuous learning fuels their curiosity and keeps them mentally agile.
As psychologist B.F. Skinner once said, “A failure is not always a mistake, it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.”
Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep growing. Your 70s is just another chapter in your lifelong journey of self-improvement.
Final thoughts
Thriving in your 70s isn’t about chasing some elusive fountain of youth. It’s about embracing the beauty of aging with grace, wisdom, and vitality.
The routines we’ve discussed – rising early, practicing mindfulness, staying active, eating a healthy breakfast, expressing gratitude, embracing solitude, and engaging in lifelong learning – are simple but profound.
These habits may seem ordinary but their cumulative impact on our physical and mental well-being is extraordinary.
They shape our attitudes towards life, keep us grounded, and foster a sense of purpose.
It’s never too late to start these habits.
Each day presents a new opportunity to make small changes that can significantly enhance your journey through your 70s and beyond.
As you step into tomorrow, think about which of these habits you can incorporate into your morning routine.
It might just be the first step towards truly thriving in your 70s.
