OVER 60 and 8 things you need to be doing

People who thrive in their 60s and beyond usually display these 8 unique behaviors
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I do all 8 if not daily most days

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People who thrive in their 60s and beyond usually display these 8 unique behaviors

 by Ava Sinclair | May 26, 2024, 5:22 am

There’s a stark contrast between merely aging and aging well.

The difference? It’s all about the behaviors. Those who just age, do so passively, but those who age well? They embrace their years with a unique set of habits.

People thriving in their 60s and beyond don’t just sit back and let time take its toll. Instead, they engage in certain behaviors that keep them vibrant, active, and fulfilled.

These folks have figured out the secret sauce to enjoying their golden years, and I’m here to share it with you. Let’s look at the 8 distinctive behaviors that they tend to exhibit. 

1) They stay active

Staying physically active is no secret to a healthy life, but it’s especially important when it comes to thriving in your 60s and beyond.

You’ll find that those who are enjoying their later years aren’t spending their days sitting around. They’re taking walks, doing yoga, swimming, or participating in any form of physical activity that keeps them moving.

Physical activity is more than just keeping the body fit. It also plays a significant role in mental health and cognitive function. And as we age, this becomes increasingly important.

Think about it. The idea behind every fitness program for seniors is to keep them physically active and mentally alert.

When confronted with the choice between a sedentary lifestyle and an active one, those who age well usually choose the latter.

But remember, it’s not about intense workouts or running marathons. It’s about consistent, moderate exercise that suits your body and keeps you active.

So if you aspire to thrive in your senior years, take a leaf out of their book and stay active. But always remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.

2) They embrace continuous learning

Education doesn’t stop the moment we leave school or university. For those thriving in their 60s and beyond, learning is a lifelong endeavor.

In my own experience, I’ve seen this exemplified in my grandmother. Despite being in her late 70s, she still takes the time to learn something new every day. Whether it’s mastering a new recipe, reading about world events, or even learning how to use the latest smartphone, she’s always eager to expand her knowledge.

This continuous learning doesn’t only keep her mind sharp, but it also fuels her enthusiasm for life. She’s curious and engaged with the world, which I truly believe contributes to her overall wellbeing.

So, if you’re interested in thriving during your golden years, never stop learning. Like my grandmother, it might just be your ticket to a fulfilling and engaged life.

3) They maintain strong social connections

Human beings are social creatures. We thrive on connection, communication, and community. This is especially true as we age.

Those who flourish in their 60s and beyond often have a robust social network. They make it a point to regularly interact with their friends, family, and community members.

Research has shown that strong social connections can boost our mental health, increase our longevity, and even improve our physical health. A study from Harvard University found that individuals with the most robust social connections were more likely to live longer than those with poor or insufficient social relationships.

It’s not just about quantity though, but quality. It’s the emotional and social support that these relationships provide that truly makes a difference.

Whether it’s joining a local club, volunteering in your community, or simply taking the time to catch up with old friends, maintaining strong social connections is a habit worth cultivating if you want to thrive in your later years.

4) They practice gratitude

If there’s one thing that stands out about those who thrive in their 60s and beyond, it’s their attitude towards life. They have an air of positivity that seems to permeate everything they do.

One key factor behind this positive attitude is the practice of gratitude. They consistently take time to acknowledge the good things in their lives, big or small.

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Rather than focusing on what’s lacking or dwelling on negative events, they choose to appreciate what they have. This could be anything from a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a neighbor, or the joy of spending time with a loved one.

Practicing gratitude doesn’t just improve our mood in the moment. It has long-term effects too, like improving our overall mental health and happiness levels.

A habit of gratitude could be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal or taking a moment each day to reflect on something you’re thankful for.

5) They keep a balanced diet

Eating well is essential at any age, but it becomes particularly important as we grow older. Those who thrive in their 60s and beyond usually prioritize a balanced diet.

They understand the importance of providing their bodies with the right nutrients for maintaining energy levels, supporting brain function, and keeping illnesses at bay. They incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into their meals.

But it’s not just about what they eat. It’s also about enjoying the process of eating. They take time to savor their meals, often turning them into social occasions with family or friends.

Maintaining a balanced diet doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in your favorite treats from time to time. It’s about making mindful choices most of the time and enjoying everything in moderation.

So if you want to thrive in your later years, consider taking a closer look at your diet. Is it giving you the fuel you need to live your best life? If not, it might be time for some healthy changes.

6) They nurture their passions

A key characteristic of those thriving in their 60s and beyond is that they’re rarely idle. Not because they’re busy for the sake of being busy, but because they’re engaged in things they’re truly passionate about.

They understand that age is not a barrier to pursuing their interests. Whether it’s gardening, painting, writing, or volunteering for a cause close to their heart, they spend time doing what brings them joy.

This isn’t just about passing the time. It’s about maintaining a sense of purpose and identity. It’s about continuing to contribute, create, and grow.

In my own life, I’ve seen how nurturing passions can breathe life into one’s golden years. My grandfather, well into his 80s, still wakes up at the break of dawn to tend to his beloved garden. His eyes light up when he talks about his plants. This passion of his brings him so much joy and gives every new day a sense of purpose.

Don’t let your passions gather dust if you want to thrive later in life. Pick up that paintbrush, dust off that guitar, or put on those dancing shoes. Your golden years are the perfect time to do what you love.

7) They remain adaptable

Change is a constant in life. As we age, these changes become more pronounced. Those who thrive in their 60s and beyond have mastered the art of adaptability.

They understand that life won’t always go as planned. Whether it’s a sudden change in health, the loss of a loved one, or a shift in their living situation, they are prepared to adjust their sails.

Instead of resisting change, they embrace it. They see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and experience something new.

Being adaptable doesn’t mean they don’t feel the weight of change. It means they are willing to work through the challenges and come out stronger on the other side.

So if you want to thrive in your later years, learn to be adaptable. Embrace change as a part of life and see where it takes you.

8) They live in the present

The individuals who truly thrive in their 60s and beyond have a unique trait: they live in the present.

They don’t dwell on past regrets or worry about future uncertainties. Instead, they focus on the here and now. They take each day as it comes, savoring each moment.

Living in the present allows them to fully experience life. It brings a sense of peace, contentment, and joy that is hard to match.

So, if there’s one thing you take away from this, let it be this: learn to live in the present. It’s the key to truly thriving at any age.

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