Aging is inevitable. But how we age—how we feel and function decades from now—is something we have more control over than we might think.
When I sit with clients in their forties and fifties, I often hear a quiet fear slip into the conversation.
It’s not about wrinkles or gray hair—it’s about energy, relevance, and connection.
And it’s a good fear to listen to. Because the truth is, many of the things that help us stay vibrant later in life are planted and nurtured now.
These habits aren’t about strict skincare routines or magic supplements. They’re about your mind, your emotions, and your relationships—grounded in real psychological research and practice.
So if you’re wondering how to keep your spark lit well into your sixties and seventies, I’ve got you covered. Here are five habits to start practicing today.
1. Build emotionally nourishing relationships
We all know relationships matter—but we don’t always realize how much they shape our long-term well-being.
Not long ago, a client in her early sixties told me, “Tina, I feel younger when I’m around people who see me.” That stayed with me. Emotional connection isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.
And there’s actual science to back that up.
The crew at the APA has highlighted that social support helps buffer against stress, depression, and even cognitive decline.
It’s not just about having people around—it’s about feeling emotionally connected, valued, and understood.
This doesn’t mean you need a huge social circle. What matters most is quality—the kind of relationships where you can be vulnerable, heard, and uplifted.
So ask yourself: Who makes you feel energized after you talk to them? Who do you feel safe opening up to? Invest in those connections. Check in regularly.
Make time.
As Brene Brown puts it, “Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
And if your current relationships aren’t offering you this nourishment, it might be time to rethink who gets your time and energy.
2. Move your body in ways you enjoy
You don’t need to become a marathon runner. But you do need to move.
Movement doesn’t just keep our joints flexible or our weight in check—it plays a massive role in how we feel emotionally and mentally as we age.
The folks at VeryWell Mind stand behind this, noting that regular physical activity is tied to lower anxiety, better sleep, and improved cognitive function.
For me, it’s yoga. Not just because it helps with flexibility, but because it brings me back to myself. Maybe for you, it’s dancing, brisk walks, swimming, or something entirely different.
The trick is to choose something you actually like.
You’re not going to stick to a punishing boot camp at 6 a.m. if your heart isn’t in it. But a joyful, rhythm-based Zumba class or peaceful tai chi in the park? That’s a different story.
And here’s something to keep in mind: when you move your body consistently, you’re also telling your brain, I’m still here, I still matter, and I’m taking care of myself.
3. Stay mentally curious and keep learning
What happens when you stop learning?
You start shrinking. Not physically—but emotionally, socially, and mentally.
One of my favorite things about my clients in their 60s and 70s who seem ageless is their curiosity.
They ask questions. They read. They take up new hobbies. They don’t let their brains retire, even if their bodies technically have.
As Susan Cain once said, “The secret to life is to put yourself in the path of awe.”
And one way to do that is to keep learning—whether it’s picking up a new language, experimenting in the kitchen, or listening to podcasts that challenge your thinking.
Studies back this up, saying that continuous learning and mental stimulation can help slow age-related cognitive decline and keep the brain sharp.
You don’t need to go back to school. But maybe it’s time to learn to play an instrument. Join a book club. Download that philosophy app you’ve been eyeing. Feed your curiosity—because mental youth starts there.
4. Practice emotional flexibility
Emotional rigidity ages us faster than time ever could.
Ever met someone in their 70s who seems emotionally frozen in time? They’re reactive, resistant to change, and stuck in old stories. Then you meet someone the same age who’s playful, resilient, and open-hearted. What sets them apart?
It’s the ability to adapt your mindset, hold multiple perspectives, and regulate your emotions when life inevitably gets messy. This isn’t something that magically appears with age—it’s a habit you can build.
Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence, once wrote: “Emotional self-awareness is the building block of the next fundamental emotional intelligence: being able to shake off a bad mood.”
That stuck with me.
Emotional flexibility doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine.
It means giving yourself permission to feel, process, and shift—not suppress. Journaling, mindfulness, and even therapy can help you build this muscle.
And here’s something to reflect on: how often do you challenge your own thoughts? How often do you offer yourself grace in hard moments?
Because youthfulness isn’t just about looking young. It’s about bouncing back with softness, not bitterness.
5. Have something to look forward to
I’ve saved a big one until last, friends.
Hope. Anticipation. A reason to get out of bed.
Having something to look forward to might seem like a small thing—but psychologically, it’s huge.
The team at Psychology Today mentioned that anticipation can improve your mood, increase motivation, and even make everyday stress feel more manageable.
I felt this deeply during the pandemic, when so many of us had plans canceled and routines disrupted.
What we missed most wasn’t just the activities—it was the sense of looking forward to something.
So what are you looking forward to?
It doesn’t have to be grand. It could be a weekend hike. A visit from a friend. A solo trip you’ve been dreaming about. A new project. A holiday tradition.
Plan it. Talk about it. Savor the thought of it.
Because keeping your spirit young has everything to do with how much joy and purpose you invite into your future.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, looking and feeling young in your 60s and 70s isn’t about fighting aging—it’s about embracing habits that help you live fully through it.
It’s about connecting deeply, moving regularly, staying curious, being emotionally agile, and giving yourself something to look forward to.
And remember—aging well isn’t just a gift to your future self. It’s also a love letter to your present self.
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