Now that I’m a few years into retirement, I’ve noticed something interesting: the people who seem to age most gracefully—the ones with a natural energy, a light in their eyes, and a youthful glow—aren’t necessarily the ones with the most expensive skincare routines or the strictest diets.
They’re the ones who build small, meaningful habits into their everyday lives.
And no, these habits aren’t about chasing youth for vanity’s sake. They’re about showing up for yourself—inside and out—with consistency and care.
Today, I’m sharing seven such habits that might just help you stay vibrant, healthy, and yes—youthful—well into your 70s and beyond.
They’ve certainly made a difference in my life. Maybe they will in yours, too.
1. Protecting your skin with sunscreen
Let’s get started with a big one that many of us overlook.
I spent many summers walking around campus buildings and playgrounds, barely noticing the extra UV exposure I was getting.
Now, as a retiree, I make it a point to always apply sunscreen to my face, neck, and hands, even when I’m just strolling with my dog around the block.
Why? Because I’ve encountered a variety of dermatological recommendations, the consensus is consistent: wear sunscreen daily. As dermatologist David Kim put it: “Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer and is the best anti-aging skincare product, so it should be part of everyone’s daily skincare routine.”
2. Exercising
“Regular exercise may be able to offset disease-causing cellular damage and slow the aging process.” – Harvard Health
In my teaching days, I was up on my feet, circling through rows of desks or guiding seniors to the counseling office. Movement was built into the rhythm of my workday, and I never gave it much thought.
But once I stepped into retirement, I quickly realized how easy it is to settle into a more sedentary lifestyle—especially on those cozy, quiet mornings with a good book and a warm cup of tea.
I had to make it a point to keep moving. A brisk walk, a little light gardening, even stretching while listening to an audiobook—it all counts.
And truthfully, it’s not just about looking young—it’s about how we feel. A short walk in the morning clears my head, helps me sleep better, and lifts my mood in a way that no miracle cream ever could. Some exercise might just do the same for you.
3. Drinking plenty of water
This one probably sounds too simple to be true, right?
Well, time and again, experts emphasize that drinking water can help skin appear smoother, plumper, and more youthful.
And the benefits don’t stop there. Water helps carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells, flushes bacteria from your bladder, aids digestion, and helps prevent constipation.
So, how much water should you be drinking?
According to the folks at Harvard Health, the average daily water intake is about 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women—including fluids from food, too.
If plain water feels a bit dull, try infusing it with lemon slices, fresh mint, cucumber, or berries. It adds a little sparkle to your routine—and makes staying hydrated feel like a treat.
4.Getting your beauty sleep
During my working years, getting eight hours of uninterrupted sleep was almost mythical. Late-night lesson planning, early morning staff meetings, and raising a family didn’t always mesh with a solid bedtime routine.
Now, however, I’ve discovered the true power of consistent, quality rest.
The team at WebMD has laid it out simply: “Lack of Sleep Ages Your Skin.”
I’ve seen the difference when I consistently clock in seven to nine hours at night. My face looks brighter, I have more energy, and I find my mood far more resilient.
What I have found is that a few small changes can make a big difference: consider a bedtime routine that includes dimming lights, reading a physical book (instead of scrolling on your phone), or practicing a few minutes of gentle stretches. I also like to jot down any worries or to-dos in a notebook before bed. That way, I give my mind permission to let go of the day.
5. Managing stress with mindfulness and positivity
Whether it’s wrinkles from a tense brow or dull skin from poor sleep, our mental and emotional state plays a bigger role in how youthful we look than most of us realize.
When I retired, I thought I’d leave stress in the classroom, but life still has its challenges: finances, health scares, and even deciding what to do with all that free time.
That’s where mindfulness comes in. By that, I simply mean taking a few moments each day to check in with myself—my breathing, my thoughts, my tension level.
If I notice I’m anxious, I’ll do some simple relaxation techniques, like focusing on the present moment or journaling.
The payoff? Not only do I feel calmer, but I also notice fewer furrowed brows in the mirror.
There’s real science backing this up. Researchers have noted that “People exposed to chronic stress age rapidly.”
The good news? A recent study suggests we can reverse its effects. If that’s not a reason to work on your mindset, I don’t know what is!
6. Eating more whole foods (and fewer processed ones)
One of the most rewarding changes I’ve made since retiring is getting reacquainted with real food. Not diet trends, not restrictive rules—just simple, nourishing, whole ingredients.
Back in my busy teaching days, I often reached for convenience: frozen meals, packaged snacks, anything that could get dinner on the table fast. And while there’s no shame in doing what you need to do, I’ve since learned how much of a toll those processed foods can take on how we feel—and how we age.
These days, I focus on meals rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. Not only do these foods fuel our bodies better, but experts note that they can reduce inflammation.
One small thing that helped me? Preparing a few go-to meals in advance—things like roasted veggies, quinoa salads, or soups I can freeze. It keeps healthy choices easy and enjoyable.
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about choosing foods that help you feel vibrant and alive. That kind of care shows up in your energy, your skin, and your smile.
7. Staying socially connected
I saved one of my favorite daily habits for last—remaining socially active.
For decades, my days were filled with chatter in the hallways, parent conferences, and the comforting buzz of a classroom. But once I retired, the quiet hit me harder than I expected. I quickly realized just how much those everyday interactions had fueled me—and how easy it was to feel isolated without them.
That’s when I began prioritizing social connection, not as a luxury, but as a vital part of staying well. Whether it’s chatting with neighbors on my morning walk, volunteering at the community literacy center, or attending my weekly book club, these moments of connection fill me up in ways that no supplement or serum ever could.
Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the long-running Harvard Study of Adult Development, put it beautifully: “The people who stayed healthiest and lived longest were the people who had the strongest connections to others.”
So reach out. Call a friend, write that email, or join a local group that aligns with your interests. Staying socially connected isn’t just good for the soul—it’s one of the most powerful ways to stay youthful, too.
Final thoughts
There you have it—seven simple habits that can make a world of difference as we age. None of them require perfection, just a bit of intention and consistency.
Aging well isn’t about turning back the clock; it’s about embracing the years with grace, vitality, and care. And the best part? It’s never too late to start.
Here’s to showing up for ourselves—one day, one habit at a time.
