Age is just a number – and sometimes so much more.
I’ve always thought that age was just a number. It might be a cliché, but it resonates with me every time I walk in the park with my grandchildren and my dog, Ottelo. I pass people of all ages walking, laughing, and living life to the fullest. But sometimes I notice someone – in their seventies, even eighties – whose eyes shine with an undeniable sparkle. It’s these people who make me think, “This is the kind of aging I hope to achieve.”

Over the years, I have identified several common traits among these dynamic seniors – eight, to be precise – that distinguish them.

If you are over 70 and still practice these eight habits, you are aging better than most people ever will.

1. Stay physically active
Images from freepik.
It may seem obvious, but physical activity is often neglected with age. Of course, we all slow down at some point, but continuing to move – even just a brisk walk or a few laps in the pool – makes all the difference.

Personally, I regularly walk with Otello my Cocker (he’s the one who insists, to be honest), and these walks allow me to maintain a certain flexibility.

A study has shown that regular exercise, even in the form of a daily walk around the block, helps maintain cardiovascular health, flexibility, and good energy levels in older adults.

Light exercise also has a beneficial effect on mood. After a long walk, I consistently feel more alert and optimistic. And according to another study, regular physical activity in older adults is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality, improved heart function, and lower blood pressure.

If you continue to put on your sneakers almost every morning, congratulate yourself. You’re not just staying in shape: you’re investing in a more fulfilling and independent life.

2. Continue to nurture your friendshipsOne of the greatest riches in my life is the friendships I have forged over the years. Some have lasted for decades, others are more recent.

But with age, it becomes easy to let these connections fade. Routines take over, and reaching out can end up feeling like a chore.

Maintaining social relationships is essential for aging well. Winston Churchill said:

“We earn our living by what we receive, but we build our lives by what we give.”

Giving your time and attention to your friends is one of the best ways to nurture your sense of purpose and belonging.

I have observed that older people who continue to participate in gatherings – cafes, meals, cultural outings, association meetings – are often happier and less stressed.

If you continue to maintain your relationships, spend time with loved ones, or even just call a friend to check in on them, you already have a valuable advantage.

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3. Opt for lifelong learning.

I’ve already mentioned this in a previous article, but I remain convinced of the power of lifelong learning. It’s never too late to take up a new hobby or delve deeper into a subject that has always interested you.

One of my neighbors, aged 70, decided to learn English during lockdown. Today, he regularly chats online with native speakers, and you should see the sparkle in his eyes when he talks about his progress.

Embarking on a new field – whether it be painting, a musical instrument, a foreign language, or simply using a mobile application – stimulates the mind while rekindling enthusiasm and curiosity.

Albert Einstein said: “Intellectual growth should begin at birth and only stop at death.”

If you continue to read, take courses or explore topics via Dailymotion or elsewhere, then you have a young, alert, and fully alive mind – far beyond the numbers of your age.

And according to this research, participating in educational activities in adulthood is associated with better cognitive health and a reduced risk of dementia.
4. Keep your sense of humor.
Humor is one of those discreet treasures that can lighten even the most difficult moments.

I remember my grandfather joking about his “rusty joints” every time he tried to get up from his armchair. It didn’t make his arthritis go away, of course, but it made it more bearable, and above all, it made everyone laugh.

A good laugh can reduce stress hormones, improve mood, and even boost the immune system. If you’re over 70 and still find reasons to laugh—whether it’s at your grandchildren’s puns, your dog’s antics, or your own blunders—you’re cultivating a precious form of well-being

Moreover, according to this study, laughter has positive effects on mental health, helping to reduce anxiety, depression and stress.

Humor also creates connections. A shared anecdote or a lighthearted joke can bring generations closer and make interactions more human and warmer. Those who still know how to laugh remain approachable, open, and curious about the world around them.

5. Take on new challenges

Let’s be honest: as we get older, it becomes more tempting to stay seated on the sofa. Habits become entrenched, and novelty can sometimes seem unnecessary, or even intimidating.

But if you continue to take on new challenges – whether it’s volunteering in an unfamiliar field, organizing a local event, or embarking on a home renovation project – you’re cultivating a mindset that fosters youthfulness of heart.

Winston Churchill wrote: “Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential.” And I can only agree.

Even small challenges – redesigning the garden, learning to use a video conferencing app to talk to your grandchildren, or trying out a new recipe – keep the brain active and the mood upbeat.

Yes, new challenges sometimes come with their share of frustrations. You might fail, or you might stumble. But if you keep trying, learning, and adapting, you’ll send a clear message to the world: you can be over 70 and still be evolving.

6. Have a positive mindset

Being positive doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to the pain, loss, or uncertainty that often accompanies aging. It means choosing to focus on what’s going well, on what’s still possible.

A principle inspired by the Stoics invites us to accept what we cannot control, while focusing our energy on what we can influence. Over time, I’ve seen how this approach can transform the way we experience the passing years.

The most resilient older people I’ve met are those who wake up asking themselves, “What am I going to do today?” rather than, “What do I still have to do?”

If you are over 70 and still choose to see the bright side of things, you are practicing a subtle art: preserving your inner peace. It’s a powerful mental exercise that reduces stress and improves vitality.

And this positivity is contagious. It spreads to your loved ones, your neighbors, your children, to everyone you meet every day. It makes your relationships richer, more genuine. A positive mindset may not prolong life—but it undeniably improves its quality.

7. Stay connected to technology