People who maintain a youthful spirit into old age typically engage in these 9 activities

There’s a vast difference between being merely old and being old with a youthful spirit.

This difference boils down to lifestyle. Some people just let age happen to them, while others remain vibrant and lively, no matter the number of candles on their birthday cake.

Having a youthful spirit in your golden years is about more than just feeling young. It’s about embracing activities that keep you engaged, active, and happy.

Those who master this art follow certain patterns in their life. And those who are wise enough to observe can learn from these patterns and incorporate them into their own lives.

Here are nine activities that people with a youthful spirit often engage in as they age. Let’s dive in so you too can infuse a dash of youth into your life, regardless of your age.

1) Staying active physically

In the quest for eternal youth, physical activity is a non-negotiable.

Those who manage to keep a youthful spirit into their golden years know that staying active is not just about maintaining physical health, but mental wellbeing too.

From jogging to yoga, swimming to dancing, they understand that regular exercise is one of the secrets to feeling young. It boosts energy levels, improves mood and keeps the body in shape.

But it’s not just about structured exercise. They incorporate activity into their daily routine – whether it’s gardening, walking the dog, or simply choosing stairs over elevators.

Remember, it’s about moving your body in ways that feel good to you. So find an activity you love and make it a part of your life.

Keeping active physically isn’t necessarily an attempt to defy age. Rather, it’s about embracing life fully and wholeheartedly at every stage. And that’s an attitude that never gets old.

2) Lifelong learning

Another activity that youthful spirits never shy away from is learning, no matter their age.

I remember my Grandmother, who, well into her 80s, still had a book by her side. She would read everything from biographies to fantasy novels. Her thirst for knowledge was insatiable.

She once told me, “The day you stop learning is the day you start growing old.” And she lived by that mantra. She even learnt to use a smartphone at 82, much to our amusement and her delight.

People who maintain a youthful spirit understand that learning doesn’t stop when formal education does. They constantly seek to broaden their horizons, gain new skills, and stay abreast of changes in the world.

So whether it’s taking up a painting class, learning a new language, or even just reading a book on a topic that intrigues you, lifelong learning is a key to keeping your spirit young.

Just like my Grandmother proved, age is no barrier to gaining new knowledge.

3) Keeping a positive outlook

Maintaining a youthful spirit isn’t just about physical activities or broadening your knowledge. It’s also about cultivating the right mindset.

People with youthful spirits often share one common trait – a positive outlook on life. They choose to see the glass as half full, even when the going gets tough.

Positive thinking has been linked to a host of health benefits, from boosting your immune system to increasing your lifespan. In fact, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that those who have positive self-perceptions of ageing live 7.5 years longer than those with negative self-perceptions.

So it’s not just about feeling young, but potentially extending your life too.

So, next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, remember to look for the silver lining. Your youthful spirit will thank you for it.

4) Staying socially connected

Human beings are social creatures. We thrive on connections, relationships, and interactions with others. And this doesn’t change as we get older.

People who maintain a youthful spirit understand the importance of staying socially connected. They cultivate relationships with family, friends, and their community.

They might be regulars at a local book club, volunteer at a nearby shelter, or host weekly family dinners. Whatever the activity, they understand that these social interactions add richness to their lives.

Staying socially connected not only adds joy to life but also helps keep mental faculties sharp. It challenges us to communicate, empathize, and engage with the world around us.

So, call up an old friend, join a local club or start a new tradition with your family. These connections can breathe life into your spirit and keep you feeling young at heart.

5) Embracing change

Change is the only constant in life, and those who maintain a youthful spirit understand this better than most.

Instead of resisting the inevitable, they embrace change. They adapt to new situations, whether it’s moving homes, changing careers, or adjusting to a new family dynamic.

They understand that change brings growth. It pushes us out of our comfort zones and prompts us to learn new things about ourselves and the world around us.

This flexible and adaptable mindset helps them to stay relevant and keep up with the changing times, keeping their spirit youthful and vibrant.

So remember, don’t fear change. Embrace it. It’s just another opportunity for growth and learning.

6) Living with gratitude

One of the most beautiful traits of those with a youthful spirit is their ability to appreciate life in all its forms. They live with a deep sense of gratitude.

Instead of focusing on what they don’t have or what they’ve lost over the years, they choose to be thankful for what they do have. They appreciate the simple pleasures – the warmth of the sun, a good cup of coffee, a heartfelt conversation with a friend.

This sense of gratitude allows them to see the beauty in everyday life and keeps their spirit young and vibrant.

Living with gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s problems. It simply means acknowledging the good amidst the challenges.

So take a moment each day to appreciate something in your life. It might be small, but it could make a big difference to your spirit.

7) Pursuing passions

One thing that keeps a spirit youthful is the pursuit of passions. Those who maintain their inner youth are often deeply engaged in something they love.

I remember when I took up photography. It was later in life, and I was initially hesitant, thinking it was a young person’s game. But once I started, I realized how much joy it brought me.

I would lose track of time while editing photos, trying to capture the beauty of what I saw through my lens. It reignited a sense of curiosity and wonder that I hadn’t felt in years.

Just like this, people with a youthful spirit often have a hobby or interest that they pursue with zeal. It could be anything from painting to hiking, cooking to writing.

These passions add a sense of purpose and joy to their lives, keeping their spirit young and alive.

So, don’t let age be a barrier to pursuing your passions. It’s never too late to discover something you love.

8) Practicing mindfulness

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But those with a youthful spirit often practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment. It’s about focusing on the here and now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or simply taking a quiet moment to breathe, practicing mindfulness allows them to stay connected with their inner self.

This sense of presence helps them appreciate life as it unfolds, keeping their spirit youthful and alive.

So, take a moment each day to be still, to breathe, to be present. It might just be the key to maintaining your youthful spirit.

9) Laughing often

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, people who maintain a youthful spirit know the importance of laughter.

Laughing is not just a momentary pleasure. It’s a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. It relaxes the body, boosts the immune system, and triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

Whether it’s through a funny movie, a joke with friends or even just finding humor in everyday situations, they make sure to include laughter in their daily lives.

So remember to laugh often. It’s one of the simplest ways to keep your spirit young and vibrant.

Embracing the journey

The beauty of aging lies in its inevitability and universality. We all age. Yet, how we age – that’s a matter of personal choice and perspective.

The nine activities highlighted here are not just about maintaining a youthful spirit. They are about embracing life at every stage, keeping curiosity alive, and finding joy in the ordinary.

People who maintain a youthful spirit into old age understand that life is not merely about surviving, but about thriving. They embrace the journey of life with all its ups and downs, and in doing so, they inspire us to do the same.

So, as you navigate your own journey of life, remember to keep learning, keep laughing, keep moving, and most importantly, keep living.

Because youth is not a time of life; it’s a state of mind. And the spirit that defines it can be nurtured at any age.

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Tina Fey

I'm Tina Fey, the founder of the blog Love Connection. I've extremely passionate about sharing relationship advice. I've studied psychology and have my Masters in marital, family, and relationship counseling. I hope with all my heart to help you improve your relationships, and I hope that even if one thing I write helps you, it means more to me than just about anything else in the world. Check out my blog Love Connection, and if you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Twitter

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