7 subtle daily habits of people who stay mentally sharp into their 70s and beyond

Staying mentally sharp into your 70s and beyond isn’t just about luck; it’s about lifestyle. And the secret to that lies in our daily habits.

Now, these aren’t grand, sweeping changes. No, they’re subtle, simple habits that we could all easily weave into our own lives.

In this article, I’ll share seven of these habits that can help you maintain mental agility and sharpness well into your golden years.

So, if you’re ready to keep your mind as spry as a whip, let’s delve into the daily routines of those who’ve managed to stay mentally sharp past their 70s.

1) Embrace lifelong learning

The first subtle habit that keeps people mentally sharp well into their later years is embracing lifelong learning.

Yes, we’re talking about the simple act of never stopping the quest for knowledge.

Whether it’s reading a new book, diving into a documentary or even taking up a new hobby, continuing to learn new things is a proven way to keep your mind active and agile.

The brain is like a muscle. Just as you need to exercise your body to keep it in shape, you need to challenge your brain to keep it sharp. And what better way to do that than by constantly learning?

If you want to stay mentally sharp, consider making learning a part of your everyday routine.

It could be as simple as reading a chapter of a book each day or as ambitious as enrolling in a night class.

But remember, it’s not about the scale of the learning—it’s about the consistency. The important thing is to keep your mind engaged and challenged every day.

Lifelong learning isn’t just about expanding your knowledge—it’s also about keeping your mind sharp and agile well into your golden years.

2) Regular physical exercise

I’ll be honest; when I was younger, I didn’t really understand the whole ‘exercise to keep your mind sharp’ thing. I mean, how could sweating it out in a gym help my brain?

But as I grew older, and especially now that I’m in my 70s, I see the profound impact physical activity has on my mental clarity.

Let me give you an example. Whenever I skip my morning walk for a few days, I start to notice that my mind seems a bit…foggy. My memory isn’t as sharp, and I struggle to concentrate on tasks.

But, within a few days of resuming my exercise routine, the fog lifts. It’s like my brain switches back on to full power.

My personal experience is backed by scientific studies too. Research suggests that regular physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps stimulate new brain cell growth.

Make regular physical activity a part of your daily routine. Trust me; your brain will thank you for it!

3) Practicing mindfulness

Another key habit that I’ve noticed in those who maintain their mental sharpness is the practice of mindfulness.

Now, I know what you might be thinking, “Mindfulness? Isn’t that just a buzzword?” But trust me, it’s more than that.

Mindfulness is the act of being fully present and engaged in the moment. It’s about bringing your full attention to what you’re doing, rather than getting lost in your thoughts or distractions.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve deeper into how mindfulness can help not just with mental sharpness, but also with reducing stress and increasing happiness.

By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can help keep your mind focused and clear.

This could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, or even just paying more attention while doing everyday tasks like washing dishes or walking the dog.

Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind—it’s about focusing it. And this focus can help keep your mind sharp and agile well into your later years.

4) A balanced diet

Once upon a time, I was a fast-food junkie. Burgers, fries, pizzas—you name it.

But as time went on, I found that not only did my waistline expand, my mind seemed to slow down.

It took me a while to draw the connection, but once I did, I made a switch to a more balanced diet. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats became my new staples.

And you know what?

Not only did I feel physically better, but I also noticed that my thought processes became clearer and quicker.

It’s no surprise really.

Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins are vital for brain health. And where can you find these? In a balanced diet.

If you’re looking to maintain mental sharpness into your 70s and beyond, it might be time to take a closer look at your plate.

You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference wholesome food can make!

5) Embracing downtime

Now, this might sound a bit counterintuitive when we’re talking about staying mentally sharp, but hear me out.

Taking time to do absolutely nothing can be incredibly beneficial for your brain.

In our fast-paced world, we often fill every minute of our day with activities and tasks. But our brains need downtime to process information and rejuvenate.

Think of it like a computer—if you have too many tabs open and programs running, it starts to slow down.

But after you restart it and give it a break, it runs a lot smoother.

The same goes for your brain. Taking regular breaks to just relax and let your mind wander can actually help improve mental clarity and focus.

Don’t feel guilty about taking some time off to just stare out the window or sit quietly in a park. Your brain will thank you for it!

6) Regular social interactions

Humans are social creatures. Our brains thrive on interaction and communication. And this holds true no matter how old we get.

Regular social interactions can do wonders for your mental sharpness.

Conversations stimulate our brains, challenging us to think, respond, and engage in complex thought processes.

Whether it’s a quick chat with your neighbor, a phone call to a friend, or even attending social gatherings, these interactions can help keep your mind sharp and engaged.

Don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation. It’s not just about the companionship; it’s also a great way to exercise your brain.

Staying mentally sharp into your 70s and beyond isn’t just about solitary habits.

It’s also about being part of a community and engaging with the world around you.

7) Adequate sleep

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.

It’s not just about feeling refreshed in the morning; sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining mental sharpness.

During sleep, your brain works to consolidate memories and remove toxins.

Without adequate rest, these processes can be hindered, leading to a foggy mind and memory issues.

Aim for at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and try to stick to a regular sleep schedule.

This habit might seem simple, but it’s an absolute game-changer when it comes to maintaining mental sharpness into your 70s and beyond.

Final thoughts: It’s all about the habits

The journey to maintaining mental sharpness into your 70s and beyond is deeply interwoven with the subtle habits we choose to cultivate daily.

It’s not necessarily about grand gestures or drastic changes, but rather the small, consistent habits we embed in our everyday lives—be it lifelong learning, regular exercise, practicing mindfulness, maintaining a balanced diet, embracing downtime, engaging in social interactions, or ensuring adequate sleep.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I explore how practicing mindfulness can not only enhance our daily lives but also help maintain mental sharpness.

Remember, our minds are as resilient as we allow them to be.

The choices we make today can pave the way to a healthy and vibrant mind, well into our golden years.

As you go forth, remember these habits and consider how you might integrate them into your own life.

After all, it’s these small actions that can lead to significant transformations over time.

Picture of Eliza Hartley

Eliza Hartley

Eliza Hartley, a London-based writer, is passionate about helping others discover the power of self-improvement. Her approach combines everyday wisdom with practical strategies, shaped by her own journey overcoming personal challenges. Eliza's articles resonate with those seeking to navigate life's complexities with grace and strength.

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

9 types of people you need to distance yourself from (if you want to move forward in life)

9 types of people you need to distance yourself from (if you want to move forward in life)

Global English Editing

Retiring overseas and working remotely: Is the great unretirement right for you?

Retiring overseas and working remotely: Is the great unretirement right for you?

Global English Editing

People who are secretly broke but try to appear rich and successful often display these 8 behaviors

People who are secretly broke but try to appear rich and successful often display these 8 behaviors

NewsReports

People who are financially successful but prefer to keep it discreet typically display these 8 behaviors

People who are financially successful but prefer to keep it discreet typically display these 8 behaviors

Global English Editing

People who focus on getting stronger rather than looking attractive usually display these 10 rare traits

People who focus on getting stronger rather than looking attractive usually display these 10 rare traits

The Blog Herald

If you want to be closer to friends and family in your 60s and beyond, say goodbye to these 9 habits

If you want to be closer to friends and family in your 60s and beyond, say goodbye to these 9 habits

Global English Editing

Subscribe to receive our latest articles!

Get updates on the latest posts and more from Small Business Bonfire straight to your inbox.