Clifton Kopp
Once you reach a certain age, you should be able to rest and relax often without judgment or guilt.
After all, you’ve paid your dues and earned these privileges.
But this can be a slippery slope.
As humans, once we get too into routine and habits, we tend to let our guard down.
When you get too complacent and relaxed, you risk letting yourself go… which in your 70s (and frankly, at any age) could eventually negatively affect your mental and cognitive function.
Like anything in life, if you want to remain sharp as you age, you have to put the time and effort in.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the daily habits of people who don’t slow down mentally in their 70s (and beyond.)
So if you want to remain on top of things, it’s in your interest to start making these necessary adjustments.
Let’s get to it!
1) They get regular physical exercise
This one is a no-brainer.
Physical activity has a profound effect on your cognitive state and overall vitality.
So listen to your doctor and get moving.
Nobody is saying you have to train like an Olympic-level athlete, but incorporating some exercise into your daily routine will have boundless benefits.
Find a sport you enjoy.
Do yoga.
Hit the gym.
And if none of the latter sound appealing to you, a regular brisk walk through the neighborhood will alone do you wonders, improving cardiovascular health and increasing blood flow to the brain.
Well into his late 70s, my grandfather was an avid golfer.
He would play 18 holes multiple times a week.
Getting some sun outdoors, bonding with friends, and keeping his mind and body stimulated, all meant that he was incredibly mentally fit and sharp despite his age.
Unfortunately, in his early 80s, he fell, injuring his hip, which ultimately compromised his ability to play and enjoy golf as vigorously as he once did.
Instead, he mostly spent time at home, watching TV, rarely seeing friends or going outside.
He’d go on the occasional walk, sure, but that just didn’t fill the gaping void his golfing routine left.
From the quick-witted, good-humored man he once was, he gradually transformed into sullen and withdrawn, barely uttering a word during family functions.
His tragic decline was in my opinion directly connected to his inability to play golf.
As you age, finding an exercise routine you genuinely enjoy is a big deal.
2) They stay mentally stimulated
Remember, an idle mind is a devil’s playground–something that is particularly true later in life.
People who stay mentally sharp in their senior years almost always have some form of mental stimulation integrated into their days.
By mental stimulation, I don’t mean staring at a TV or iPad screen for hours at a time.
Mental stimulation can mean a lot of things.
My grandmother is as sharp as she’s ever been, despite being in her mid-80s.
And observing her routine, this is hardly a surprise.
She reads voraciously, both fiction and non-fiction.
She writes and attends a bi-weekly writing class with women half her age.
She takes Italian language lessons every Tuesday afternoon.
In short, she regularly puts the work in to challenge her brain and maintain her robust mental state.
The truth is that it’s never too late to learn a skill or pick up a new hobby.
For my grandmother, staying mentally stimulated and learning new things gives her a sense of purpose, and helps her mitigate stress.
Age is but a number. If she can do it, then so you can.
3) They maintain a healthy diet
You are what you eat… this is a philosophy that’s true at any age.
After all, it’s science, your diet has a direct correlation to cognitive function.
So as a general rule, stay away from processed foods and sugar.
Don’t binge and overeat. Maintain a healthy weight.
Make the extra effort and consume a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and fish are particularly beneficial for your cognitive state.
I’m not in my 70s quite yet, but whenever I eat junk food in copious amounts, I feel mentally and physically lethargic.
I get anxious, unmotivated, hyperacidic, and even depressed.
I’ve learned that these feelings are almost entirely preventable; I just have to pay attention to what I eat.
4) They prioritize social interaction
Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia in Italy are two of the most famous “blue zones” in the world.
A blue zone is a geographical area where its citizens live much longer and happier lives compared to the rest of the globe.
A major parallel observed among these blue zones is that there is always a powerful sense of community… a quality that is true for all age groups in these societies, especially older people.
Being alone for prolonged periods isn’t healthy.
Being alone and solitary does not promote mental stimulation.
Loneliness can be dangerous.
Maintaining strong social connections and interacting with friends and family will naturally foster emotional well-being and cognitive health.
So start meeting friends and family for regular lunches.
Do volunteer work and interact with the people you meet.
Join a club with like-minded folk.
Travel and mingle with other tourists.
When it comes to being social, the possibilities are quite endless.
5) They get adequate sleep
When you’re down with the flu, or any garden-variety illness, what does your doctor immediately tell you? To get rest.
Sleep is when our minds and bodies repair and rejuvenate themselves from daily wear and tear.
Getting adequate sleep is critical to your well-being.If you tend to have sleepless nights or erratic sleep patterns, this is worth actively addressing.
Get professional help if necessary.
Take power naps. Take healthy supplements. Meditate.
When you get into the habit of getting consistent, high-quality sleep, you’ll notice a palpable difference in your disposition and mental function.
Final words
If you’re in your 70s and reading this, you’ve come too far to regress and fall into bad habits.
You owe it to yourself to do better.
Start small. Celebrate your milestones, both big and small.
Don’t forget: Your 70s and beyond can be the most meaningful years of your life, if you want them to be.
