8 Daily Practices Are What People Who Stay Mentally Bright In Their 70S And Beyond Do.

People in their 70s and older who seem more aware, flexible, and just plain smart frequently leave us all confused, wondering what their secret is.

I’ve noticed a pattern over time: kids prefer to do a few modest things every day that keep their minds busy and interested.

IMAGE FROM STOCKCAKE.COM

Let’s look at 8 of these daily habits.

1. They are always learning. I met a 75-year-old man who signed up for an online coding class because he “didn’t want to become obsolete.”

He wasn’t aiming to start a new job; he was just interested. Because of his insatiable interest, he was always staying current on the latest technological developments, which left many others his age confused.

It’s important to keep intellectually hungry. Intellectual growth should begin at birth and end only at death.

I like that remark because it shows that learning isn’t just a phase; it’s a way of life. Reading books, watching documentaries, taking online classes, or even just asking questions about the world are all things that keep your mind flexible and ready for new challenges.

I’ve discovered that I feel rejuvenated after reading a new behavioral science book or listening to a podcast that makes me think.

I have more open thoughts. Learning is like working out your brain. And as a lot of cognitive studies show, continuing to learn is closely linked to better memory in old age.

2. They keep moving around Focus on being productive instead of busy. Getting moving doesn’t always seem like a priority, which is why this is a great reminder for me.

But people who stay intellectually sharp don’t have to go to the gym for three hours every day. Instead, people are adding basic, intentional activity to their lives, like going for a walk every day, gardening, or doing low-impact workouts that get the blood circulating.

Studies demonstrate that older persons who do moderate exercise on a regular basis, like brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, tend to have better cognitive performance over time.

This is a reminder that our brains and bodies are linked. We’re not simply ticking a box when we move; we’re also boosting our creativity, mood, and brain health.

I know from experience that a simple walk along the coast or a workout at home can help clear my mind on busy writing days. I can really tell a difference in my focus and mental clarity when I do it on a regular basis.

3. They have a lot of friends and family. If you’ve ever talked to an elderly person who appears exceptionally energetic, you might have noticed that they tend to have active social lives.

They have someone to chat to, maybe more than one, and they love doing things together. These social activities, like a weekly coffee gathering or a volunteer circle, keep their minds busy.

I’ve said this before, but talking to other people is like doing mental gymnastics. You remember stories, jokes, faces, and bits of gossip.

You’re sharing thoughts, which makes your brain work and answer right away. Researchers have found that staying socially active helps keep your mind sharp because it keeps you focused on the present.

And let’s be honest: life is just better when you’re with friends and family. That feeling of belonging doesn’t just make you smarter; it also makes you feel better.

4. They know how to deal with stress well Just because you’ve had a lot of birthdays doesn’t mean life stops throwing you curveballs.

The way stress is dealt with is different. People who stay mentally bright as they become older seem to be good at finding ways to relax.

Meditation might be the answer for some people. Some people might pray, do yoga, write in a notebook, or even just go for a walk outside and breathe in the fresh air.

I started taking brief mindfulness breaks a few years ago. They just last five minutes, but they help me relax and let go of stress. It changed how I handled the remainder of my day a lot.

Think about how strong that can be for someone who has been through a lot of ups and downs in their life. Science backs up the idea that a tranquil mind can assimilate information better.

Chronic stress causes the body to make too much cortisol, which can damage brain function over time. On the other hand, good stress management helps keep your mind clear.

5. They make goals that matter. Have you ever noticed that some older people don’t merely “fill time” with random things?

They know what they want to do. They choose to learn a new language, help their grandkids with a community project, or even start a little business on the side.

Setting goals, no matter how big or small, keeps your brain in planning and problem-solving mode, which is a definite method to stay alert.

6. They do creative things

During the lockdown, a 73-year-old woman I know learnt how to paint watercolors. Now she is a member of a group of artists in her area.

Another older buddy found digital photography and took images of beautiful paths along California’s coast. These aren’t small things to do. Creativity makes the brain look for patterns, make new connections, and try out novel ways to express itself. Also, developing anything new is fun, which naturally fights boredom or apathy. Studies have demonstrated that consistent participation in creative hobbies — such as painting, playing a musical instrument, or engaging in creative writing — can mitigate cognitive decline.

Adult painting workshops are popular with older people for a good reason: they keep the mind busy in the best way imaginable.

I’ve seen this happen to me on a smaller scale. After writing for a long time, I sometimes pick up a guitar (not very well, I have to say) and strum for a few minutes.

7. They pay attention to what they consume

We are what we consume, and that’s true. Many older people who are still quite smart eat foods that are good for their brains.

That doesn’t mean they never have a treat, though. It just means they always eat meals that are high in nutrients, such leafy greens, fruits and healthy fats like olive oil or avocado.

I used to eat lunch quickly while working in digital marketing, so I know I’m not a good example of how to eat well. I’ve observed that when I eat more whole, fresh foods and less sweets, my energy is more stable and I don’t have that brain fog in the middle of the afternoon as often.

And this looks like it happens to a lot of older people who age well. They know that eating healthy food helps them think better, so they make sure to eat balanced meals.

8. They are always interested and open-minded People who keep cognitively sharp well into their golden years are also still interested in the world around them. They aren’t afraid of new trends or technologies.

They would love to learn about the newest smartphone features or the most popular social media site their grandkids are using.

Some of the smartest seniors I’ve met regard life as a big experiment and are always excited to see what comes next. This kind of openness makes your mind more flexible. Instead of “Why bother?” you always ask “Why not?”

So the next time you think about not trying something new because you believe you’re “too old” or “too busy,” think about how you’ll feel when you’re 70. And remember that it’s never too late to keep curious.

CONCLUSION

In the end, it’s just small things you do every day for the rest of your life. These little choices build up, whether it’s learning new things all the time, being active, or developing a feeling of curiosity.

This makes me feel quite safe. We aren’t merely along for the ride as we get older; we can also have some control on our mental health. And from watching these amazing elderly people, I’ve learnt that little, regular steps can lead to a lifetime of mental sharpness and happiness.

Why wait? You may start making these habits now, no matter if you’re in your 30s, 50s, or even 70s. It was yesterday that you should have invested in your mental sharpness. Today is the next best time.