7 daily habits of people who stay happy and optimistic in their 70s, according to psychology

Ever heard the saying, “Life begins at 70?”

I know, I know. It may sound like a stretch. Especially when society often associates aging with slowing down, getting weaker, or even becoming less happy.

But here’s the kicker.

Psychology tells us a different story. It whispers secrets of those in their 70s who wake up each day with a spring in their step and an infectious sparkle in their eyes. These individuals have cracked the code to maintaining happiness and optimism in their golden years.

Are you curious about how they do it?

Well, I was too. And that curiosity led me to uncover seven daily habits that seem to be the key.

These habits aren’t rocket science, nor do they require a radical lifestyle change. They are simple, practical routines that anyone can adopt to bring more positivity and joy into their lives.

Stay tuned as we explore these habits together, and remember – it’s never too late (or too early) to start living your best life!

1) They invest in relationships

First things first.

Let’s talk about relationships. You see, happy and optimistic people in their 70s place a high value on their relationships. I’m talking about connections with family, friends, neighbors, and even the friendly barista who knows just how they like their coffee.

Why does this matter?

Well, think about it. Relationships offer emotional support, provide a sense of belonging and can even add years to our lives. Yes, you heard it right – strong social connections can actually increase longevity!

People in their 70s who maintain positive relationships often feel more satisfied with life. They have people to share their joys and successes with, shoulder their burdens, and simply enjoy life’s everyday moments.

So if you’re looking to stay happy and optimistic as you age, investing time and energy into building and maintaining meaningful relationships could be a great starting point.

2) They stay active

Now, let me share something personal.

My grandfather is in his mid-70s and trust me, he could give any 20-year-old a run for their money when it comes to being active. He’s up with the sun, tending to his garden, going for long walks and even dabbling in yoga.

What’s his secret?

It’s simple. He stays active. And psychology backs this up. Being physically active is not only good for the body but also for the mind. Regular exercise can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, boost self-esteem, and improve sleep.

So whether it’s going for a morning walk, practicing yoga, or dancing around the living room to your favorite tunes – find something you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine.

Remember, staying active doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym or running marathons. It’s about moving your body in ways that feel good to you. So find your groove and keep moving!

3) They don’t sweat the small stuff

Now, this one might hit a little close to home.

As humans, we have a tendency to get caught up in the minutiae of life. We stress over missed deadlines, fret about what others think of us, and agonize over decisions that, in the grand scheme of things, probably won’t matter.

But here’s a nugget of wisdom gathered from observing those in their 70s who are living life with a smile: they’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff.

It’s not that they don’t care or aren’t affected by life’s ups and downs. It’s just that they’ve learned to differentiate between what’s really important and what’s not. They’ve realized that life is too short to spend it worrying about things out of their control.

Instead, they choose to focus on what they can control – their actions, attitudes, and responses. They realize that every moment spent worrying is a moment lost, and honestly, who has time for that when there’s so much life to be enjoyed?

Next time you find yourself getting worked up over something small, take a deep breath and ask yourself: “Will this matter in five years?” If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go and redirect your energy towards something more worthwhile.

4) They nurture a positive mindset

Here’s something interesting.

Did you know that the way we think can significantly impact our happiness and overall well-being? It’s true. People in their 70s who remain happy and optimistic often have one thing in common: a positive mindset.

Now, this doesn’t mean they’re always cheerful or that they ignore life’s problems. But it does mean they choose to focus on the good rather than the bad. They see challenges as opportunities for growth, not as insurmountable obstacles.

For instance, instead of lamenting about the physical limitations that come with age, they are grateful for the wisdom and experiences their years have brought them.

Nurturing a positive mindset is like flexing a muscle – the more we practice, the stronger it becomes. So why not start today? Next time you’re faced with a challenge, try looking for the silver lining. It might just make you feel happier and more optimistic.

5) They keep learning

Here’s a little something from the world of psychology – the process of learning new skills or gaining knowledge can significantly boost our happiness levels. That’s right, the joy of learning isn’t just for the young.

People in their 70s who stay happy and optimistic often have an insatiable curiosity about life. They are lifelong learners, always eager to discover something new, be it a hobby, a language, or even mastering technology to stay connected with their loved ones.

This continuous learning keeps their minds sharp and active. More than that, it gives them a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

So whether you’re 17 or 70, remember that it’s never too late to learn something new. Who knows, that pottery class or cooking course you’ve been eyeing could be your next source of joy!

6) They practice kindness

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

There’s something incredibly powerful about acts of kindness – small gestures, genuine compliments, or just lending an ear to someone who needs it. Not only do these actions make the receiver feel good, but they also boost our own happiness.

People in their 70s who exude happiness and optimism often make a conscious effort to practice kindness daily. They understand that kindness isn’t just about grand gestures; it can be as simple as a warm smile or a heartfelt compliment.

In fact, kindness has been shown to release a hormone called oxytocin, which promotes social bonding, calms the heart rate, and reduces anxiety. Pretty cool, right?

The next time you have a chance to show kindness, grab it. Not only will it make someone else’s day a little brighter, but it may also boost your mood and bring you one step closer to living a happier and more optimistic life.

7) They embrace gratitude

When it comes down to it, one of the most powerful habits for maintaining happiness and optimism into your 70s and beyond is embracing gratitude.

People who cultivate a sense of gratitude often report higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and lower levels of stress and depression. They make it a habit to count their blessings, big and small, every single day.

Embracing gratitude is about more than just saying ‘thank you’. It’s about recognizing and appreciating the good in your life – from the love of your family and friends to the comfort of a warm bed at night.

So take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for today. It might just be the key to unlocking greater happiness and optimism as you journey through life.

The final takeaway

So there you have it.

Seven daily habits of people who stay happy and optimistic in their 70s, backed by psychology. Each one a testament to the fact that age is just a number when it comes to maintaining joy and positivity in our lives.

These habits aren’t exclusive to those in their 70s. They are practical, versatile routines that anyone can adopt at any stage of life.

Maybe you found these habits relatable, or perhaps they’ve given you food for thought. Either way, consider this: what small steps can you take today to cultivate these habits in your own life?

Remember, it’s not about perfection or massive overnight changes. It’s about incremental progress, one day at a time.

And the beautiful part? These habits don’t just contribute to happiness and optimism. They can improve your overall quality of life, deepen your relationships, and provide a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond surface-level happiness.

So why not give them a try? After all, as the saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

This might just be your moment to start planting seeds of happiness and optimism for your future self.