Your 70s can become a time filled with vibrancy and meaning if you let go of certain habits that deplete your joy, energy, and sense of self.
Your 70s can be vibrant, meaningful, and liberating if you choose to drop habits that subtly erode your joy, energy, and self-awareness. These aren’t solely physical habits; many are mental, some relational, and others are cultural messages we’ve absorbed without questioning.
If you’re ready to turn this decade into one of clarity, purpose, and peace, consider these behaviors worth leaving behind.
The mindset of “it’s too late for me” is deceitful. Often, it disguises itself as a quiet excuse—we think, “Oh, I would have loved to try that… years ago.” This type of thinking shuts doors before you even check if they are unlocked. Many 70-year-olds start painting, surfing, learning new languages, or writing books, proving that while your body may have limits, your mind remains wide open. Once you stop telling yourself that the window has closed, you’ll realize it never actually did.
Letting your world shrink without noticing is another common behavior. It can happen gradually: fewer outings, less variety in your routine, and seeing the same few people repeatedly. Comfort turns into a padded cell. Staying curious, even in small ways, is one of the most underrated forms of vitality. Try a new café, choose a different walking route, or engage with someone younger about what’s inspiring them lately. Expansion doesn’t require a worldwide journey; sometimes, it starts with a different aisle at the grocery store.
Spending too much time with people who drain you can hold you back as well. There is no rule dictating you must maintain every friendship just because it’s “been a long time.” At 70+, energy becomes currency, and you’ve earned the right to invest it wisely. Drama, emotional babysitting, and constant explanations of your boundaries are unnecessary. Instead, spend time with people who lighten your spirits. It’s not selfish; it’s maintenance.
Avoiding your body’s signals can also be detrimental. Pain, stiffness, and fatigue are not signs of failure but feedback. Unfortunately, many ignore their body until it screams. In your 70s, consistent and gentle tuning into your body’s needs can yield significant benefits. Consider incorporating a short stretch in the morning, a walk after dinner, or a glass of water before coffee as acts of self-respect rather than wellness hacks. Listening to the body you have now becomes imperative.
Saying yes out of obligation is another weight to unload. Throughout life, “should” becomes a heavy word that drags behind every polite agreement you didn’t want to make. Now, you can swap “should” for “want.” Whether attending an event or staying in, do it kindly, clearly, and without guilt. Freedom in this decade isn’t solely about mobility; it’s also about prioritizing your time, attention, and energy on what truly matters.
Thinking your opinion is no longer relevant as the world seems to chase youth is a misconception. Wisdom grows with time, and people value insights from those who’ve experienced life firsthand. You’re not required to shout—simply speak from experience. Though your voice might not become a trending topic, it will endure.
Relying on nostalgia as a refuge can prevent personal growth. While reminiscing holds value, living predominantly in the past can overshadow the possibilities of the present. Consider creating new stories and memories. Ask yourself what stories you’re still forming and what photos you’ll be taking this year.
Neglecting your creative spark is a behavior to say goodbye to as well. Creativity doesn’t fade; it’s often silenced by distraction or self-doubt. Whether writing, drawing, gardening, or singing, age shouldn’t deter you. As you grow older, your art carries more depth and meaning because you’ve truly lived. Expressing yourself becomes less about proving anything and more about connecting and leaving your mark.
Believing that change is exclusive to the younger is another myth to dispel. Significant transformations, even emotionally or spiritually, often occur after 70. At this stage, approval chasing fades, and seeking truth takes precedence. Whether it’s how you love, forgive, or spend your mornings, growth remains ongoing.
Apologizing for your joy is unnecessary. If you want to dance, wear bright colors, or laugh loudly, do so unabashedly. This decade is not about shrinking for others’ comfort but about radiating and enjoying without seeking permission.
Reaching your 70s isn’t accidental; you’ve earned this chapter of your life. There’s no need to carry past burdens or societal expectations. Let them go and embrace a lighter, clearer, and surprisingly free version of yourself.
Source: Original article