Approaching your 70s and want them to be the best years of your life? It’s all about attitude and behavior.
Getting rid of certain behaviors can make a world of difference.
Saying goodbye to these behaviors isn’t about limiting yourself. It’s about making room for activities, attitudes, and habits that truly enrich your life.
Let’s dive into these 7 behaviors you need to consider dropping if you want your 70s to be some of the best years yet. Be ready for some surprises along the way!
1) Worrying about the past
Entering your 70s means you’ve lived a rich and diverse life. But with it comes memories – both good and bad.
It’s natural to reflect on the past, but excessive worrying about past mistakes or regrets can hamper your ability to enjoy the present.
Remember, the past is something we cannot change. It’s an accumulation of lessons, not a life sentence of regret.
Letting go of past worries isn’t about ignoring these lessons. It’s about focusing on what you can change: the present and the future.
2) Neglecting physical health
When I hit my 70s, I realized how essential maintaining my physical health was.
For years, I had taken my health for granted, not worrying much about what I ate or how often I exercised. But as the years rolled on, my energy levels started to dwindle, and I realized things needed to change.
Switching to a healthier lifestyle wasn’t easy. Saying goodbye to late-night snacking and hello to daily walks was a challenge. But it made all the difference.
Now, in my mid-70s, I feel more energetic than I did in my 60s. And trust me, it’s not just about feeling physically better. It’s about the freedom and independence that comes with good health.
3) Isolating yourself
As we age, it can be easy to retreat into ourselves, especially with the loss of friends or loved ones, or even mobility issues. However, social interactions play a vital role in our overall well-being.
Older adults who maintain strong social networks tend to live longer and enjoy better mental health. Socializing can also help improve cognitive function and delay the onset of dementia.
Therefore, it’s crucial to resist the urge to isolate yourself as you enter your 70s. Instead, make an effort to stay connected with family and friends, join clubs or groups with similar interests, or even volunteer in your community. This social connectivity can significantly contribute to making your 70s some of the best years of your life.
4) Sticking to old routines
Routines can be comforting, providing a sense of order and predictability in our lives. Yet, as we enter our 70s, sticking rigidly to old routines can limit our experiences and growth.
It’s a big world out there full of new things to learn, places to see, and people to meet. Breaking away from your usual routine can lead to new discoveries about yourself and the world around you.
So try something new. Take a cooking class, learn a musical instrument, or start a book club. Breaking free from old routines can breathe fresh life into your everyday, making your 70s an exciting and rewarding time.
5) Resisting change
Change can be scary. I know because I’ve been there. When my daughter suggested I move in with her family after my husband passed away, I resisted. My home was my comfort zone, filled with memories we had created together.
But as time passed, I realized that change is not only inevitable but also necessary for growth. Moving in with my daughter gave me a different perspective on life. It brought me closer to my grandkids and helped me embrace the new chapter of my life.
If you’re stepping into your 70s, don’t resist change. It may seem daunting at first, but remember, every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. Embrace the change and make your 70s the best years of your life.
6) Neglecting mental health
In the pursuit of physical health, we often overlook our mental well-being, but it’s equally crucial. Anxiety and depression aren’t just problems for the young; they can affect us at any age.
Maintaining a positive mindset and addressing mental health issues is paramount to enjoying life in your 70s. This can mean seeking professional help, talking to friends or family about your feelings, or even adopting practices like meditation or mindfulness.
There’s no shame in prioritizing your mental health. By saying goodbye to the stigma and neglect of mental health, you’re taking a significant step towards making your 70s some of the best years of your life.
7) Living in fear
The most crucial behavior to say goodbye to as you enter your 70s is living in fear. Fear of aging, fear of loneliness, fear of illness – these can all hold you back from fully embracing this stage of your life.
But remember this: aging is a privilege denied to many. Embrace it with courage and optimism. Instead of fearing what could go wrong, focus on all the things that can go right.
Living without fear opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to truly make your 70s some of the best years of your life.
Final reflection: It’s about choice
The journey of life is filled with choices. The behaviors we choose to adopt or let go of, significantly shape our experiences.
As we enter our 70s, these choices become even more crucial. It’s a time for reflection, growth, and most importantly, embracing change.
The American psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
Saying goodbye to these seven behaviors isn’t about losing parts of yourself. It’s about stepping forward into growth, choosing to make your 70s some of the best years yet.
Remember, age is just a number. How you spend these years is a choice. So ask yourself, what choices will you make as you step into your 70s?
