Being in your 70s can be a game-changer in life.
I’ve realized that it’s not only about accepting what comes with age, but also about letting go of certain behaviors that tend to hold us back.
It’s about creating a life that allows us to live more fully and joyfully.
So, if you’re looking to make your 70s some of the best years of your life, I’ve got a list of behaviors to say goodbye to.
Here are eight behaviors that, if ditched, might just make your 70s a decade to remember.
1) Saying no to new experiences
You know, the concept of age is pretty much complex.
Being in your 70s isn’t essentially about slowing down or sticking to the routine that you always had. Here’s a harsh reality; it might actually be a hindrance to embrace the joy and excitement of this stage in life.
Yes, with age comes certain limitations, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that we should stop trying new things. Being open to new experiences enriches our life, no matter how old we are.
So, one of the important behaviors to ditch as you step into your 70s is becoming resistant to new experiences. Trust me, it’s never too late to start a new hobby, learn a new language or adopt a new technology.
Ageing successfully is about fostering courage and excitement for everything life has to offer, and that includes new experiences. So, let’s all say goodbye to resistance and a big hello to novelty. A more invigorating seventies awaits us!
2) Neglecting physical fitness
Experience has taught me that good health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity – especially so in our 70s.
I remember when I first hit the big 7-0. There was a period when I took my physical fitness for granted, figuring my days of exercise were behind me. I was convinced that my worn-out joints and slightly slower pace meant I had a free pass to a sedentary lifestyle.
Boy, was I wrong!
I soon found myself feeling sluggish, my health was declining and even the simplest daily activities were becoming a Herculean task. That was my wake-up call. I realized that it wasn’t about pushing my body to its limits or trying to replicate the workout routines from my younger days.
No, it was about discovering the right kind of exercise for my body and age – the kind that would help me stay active, flexible and, more importantly, happy.
So, I let go of the behavior of neglecting my physical fitness and embraced yoga, walks in the park, and even regular swimming sessions.
I can’t emphasize this enough – keep moving. Goodbye neglect, hello fitness! Now in my 70s, I feel more energetic and much healthier than I’ve ever felt before!
When stepping into your 70s, relationships become more significant than ever. What’s fascinating is that according to a Harvard study, strong social connections are associated with a happier and healthier life.
In these golden years, sustaining our friendships and family relationships offers benefits beyond simple companionship. It boosts our mental health, makes us feel valued, and even promotes a sense of belonging.
So, one important behavior to kick out is isolating ourselves or ignoring our social connections. Engaging with friends and making an effort to foster relationships is crucial.
Even if it just means a simple phone call to your old friend, a family dinner once a week, or maybe joining a neighborhood club.
It’s time to say Goodbye to isolation and a big hello to maintaining social connections to relish the warmth and love of loved ones in our spectacular 70s!
4) Staying stuck in the past
It’s natural to look back at the past and cherish memories. But dwelling on past mistakes, regrets, or ‘what ifs’ does nothing but breed negativity and can rob the joy from our present.
In our 70s, it becomes even more important to focus on the present moment and the future. What’s done is done and cannot be changed. But the present moment offers a world of possibilities.
Adopting a forward-thinking approach and focusing on what can still be achieved is a valuable mindset at any age, but especially so in our 70s.
So, the next behavior to say goodbye to is getting hung up on the past.
Instead, let’s invite positivity and optimism into our lives, making our 70s everything we want them to be.
5) Giving up on dreams
Perhaps, one of the most heartfelt truths about entering one’s 70s is that life still contains untold chapters full of dreams waiting to be lived.
Many might think that with retirement comes a stage where dreams are a thing of the past. But why should dreams have an age limit? Your 70s can be an invigorating life phase to realize those dreams you’ve kept on the back burner.
Remember, your dreams do not dissipate simply because you’ve blown out more candles on your birthday cake. Believe me, it’s never too late to write that book you’ve always wanted to, or paint a masterpiece, or subscribe to that dance class.
So, don’t consign your dreams to nostalgia.
It’s time to say goodbye to the presumption that dreams are only for the young.
Embrace the privilege of breathing life into your dreams even in your 70s. Your dreams, your passion, they define who you are and can turn your 70s into a grand adventure.
6) Holding on to grudges
Often, life has a way of teaching us important lessons when we least expect it. During the course of my journey, one thing I’ve learned is that grudges are a heavy baggage that isn’t worth carrying into our golden years.
There was a time when an old friend and I had a falling out that left a lasting sour note in our relationship. I carried that grudge like a badge of honor, thinking it was a symbol of my self-respect. But, over time, I realized it was only causing me pain and robbing my peace of mind.
Coming into my 70s, I decided it was time to let go of these grudges. Instead of consuming that anger and disappointment, I chose forgiveness. It didn’t occur overnight and it certainly wasn’t easy, but it was undoubtedly liberating.
So, the next behavior we need to bid adieu to is holding on to grudges. Forgiveness is a gift to ourselves more than it is a favor to others. It sets us free and allows us to move forward with our lives, making room for more love, kindness, and understanding, things that truly enrich our 70s.
7) Neglecting mental health
In our 70s, caring for our mental health becomes as critical as managing our physical health.
Often, people equate health with physical wellbeing, leaving mental health in the shadows. It’s a common mistake and one that can cost us our happiness in later years. Stress, anxiety, or feelings of loneliness can hit us at any age and can definitely cast a cloud over our 70s, if not addressed.
The silver lining is that it’s never too late to start focusing on mental wellness. Practicing mindfulness, doing things we love, staying cognitively challenged, and seeking help when needed are all steps towards better mental health.
So, it’s time to bid goodbye to neglecting our mental health and say hello to a balanced approach to wellness. After all, good mental health can definitely add to the magic of our 70s.
8) Fear of ageing
If there’s one thing we all need to say goodbye to, it’s the fear of ageing.
Ageing is a natural part of life and carries its own beauty and wisdom. We often forget that growing older is not an affliction but a victory. It’s a culmination of experiences, lessons, wins, losses, love and so much more.
So, let’s let go of the fear and embrace the privilege of ageing. After all, each wrinkle is but a line from the captivating story of life. Letting go of fear opens up a world of serenity, acceptance and adds more life to our years.
In the 70s, be more invested in ageing gracefully, not fearfully. With this shift, come life’s true riches – tranquility, a deeper sense of connection, and the fulfillment of really enjoying the journey, not just the destination. Embrace, don’t fear the glorious 70s!
The final chapter: Embracing change
At the heart of it all, our 70s and beyond are a testament to the beauty of individual evolution.
It might be intriguing to learn that Charles Darwin, the father of the theory of evolution himself, said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”.
This quote holds a profound meaning when related to aging. Our 70s are about adapting, growing, and evolving with time. It is about acknowledging our strengths, combating our weaknesses, and finding tranquility amidst it all.
Whether it’s about letting go of past grudges, embracing our dreams, or taking care of our mental and physical health – it all boils down to fostering a positive relationship with change.
So as you stand at this beautiful juncture of life, reflect upon the behaviors you choose to carry forward. Remember, our 70s are not just about living, they are about living well.
So, here’s to the audacious 70s – a time to let go, a time to hold on, and above all, a time to cherish every moment our wonderful journey of life has to offer. Embrace change, embrace life.
Your 70s are not just a decade; they are a tribute to you, and every choice you’ve made to arrive at this golden era. So let it be the best tribute there can be.
