There’s a vast difference between merely aging and truly living in your 70s.
This distinction boils down to habits. Merely aging often involves carrying forward the same old habits that no longer serve us.
However, truly living in your 70s means consciously choosing to let go of certain habits that may be holding you back.
Making your 70s genuinely special and meaningful is about saying goodbye to these old habits.
And trust me, there are specific habits that if you ditch, you’ll feel a world of difference.
Let’s explore some of these habits in this article that you might want to say goodbye to for a meaningful life in your 70s.
1) Living in the past
A common experience among many entering their 70s, is getting trapped in the past.
And it’s no surprise why. The past can be a comforting place, full of familiar faces, experiences, and memories.
But here’s the thing about living in the past—it keeps you from truly embracing the present.
The habit of constantly reminiscing and longing for “the good old days” can actually prevent you from making your 70s genuinely special and meaningful.
Instead of always looking back, it’s important to keep your gaze firmly on the present. Yes, cherish your memories, but don’t let them stop you from making new ones.
This doesn’t mean forgetting the past. It’s about acknowledging it, learning from it, and then moving forward.
So if you want to make your 70s truly special, say goodbye to living in the past.
Instead, focus on what’s happening right now, and what could happen next.
After all, there are still many beautiful moments to be lived and memories to be made.
2) Overthinking everything
This is a habit I have personally struggled with, and I’ve found that it only gets tougher as we age.
As we get older, it’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of overthinking. Each decision seems to carry more weight, every choice appears to have far-reaching consequences.
We can end up spending hours, days, even weeks over-analyzing every little detail.
I remember a time when I spent an entire month fretting over whether to take up a new hobby.
I was worried about not having enough free time, about the cost, about whether I would even be any good at it. This overthinking kept me stuck in a loop of indecision and stress.
But you know what? Once I finally let go of the overthinking and just gave it a go, it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life.
That hobby not only brought me joy but also helped me make new friends.
Overthinking can rob us of our ability to enjoy the present moment. It can keep us from trying new things and experiencing all that our 70s have to offer.
Try saying goodbye to the habit of overthinking everything. Trust yourself more and embrace the beauty of spontaneity. You’ll be surprised at the difference it can make!
3) Being mindless, instead of mindful
Now, this is a habit that many of us fall into without even realizing it.
We go through our day-to-day activities, lost in our own thoughts, not really paying attention to the world around us. It’s as if we’re on autopilot, not fully experiencing our own lives.
But here’s a secret: One of the keys to making your 70s feel genuinely special and meaningful is mindfulness.
Mindfulness is all about being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment.
It’s about letting go of distractions and truly immersing ourselves in the here and now.
In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment” , I delve into the many benefits of mindfulness and provide practical strategies for incorporating this practice into your daily life.
By embracing mindfulness, you can enjoy each moment to its fullest and truly make your 70s a time of joy and fulfillment.
Bid farewell to mindless living. Instead, embrace mindfulness.
It’s a change that can transform your life for the better.
4) Neglecting physical health
As we age, our bodies inevitably change. We may not be able to do everything we once could, and that’s okay. But it’s essential to remember that taking care of our physical health is more crucial now than ever.
Ignoring aches and pains or skipping regular check-ups might seem like the easier route, but it can lead to bigger health problems down the line.
Years ago, a skipped doctor appointment resulted in a late diagnosis for a condition that could have been managed more easily if caught earlier. It was a wake-up call to never take health for granted.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine medical check-ups are all parts of maintaining good physical health. And good physical health is key to enjoying life in your 70s.
Say goodbye to neglecting your physical health. Make self-care a priority. After all, your body is the vessel that allows you to experience this wonderful journey called life.
5) Chasing after happiness
Now, this might seem counter-intuitive. After all, isn’t the pursuit of happiness what life’s all about?
Well, not exactly. The more we chase after happiness, the more elusive it becomes.
We get so wrapped up in trying to capture this fleeting feeling that we forget to appreciate the joy in the ordinary moments.
Happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. It’s found in the small, everyday things like a good book, a warm cup of tea, or a beautiful sunset.
It’s about being content with what you have and finding joy in the present moment.
So consider saying goodbye to the relentless pursuit of happiness.
Instead, focus on cultivating gratitude and finding joy in the little things. You might be surprised to discover that true happiness was right there all along.
6) Being too self-reliant
We’ve all heard the saying, “If you want something done right, do it yourself”.
While self-reliance is an admirable trait, it can sometimes prevent us from seeking help when we need it.
As we age, it’s crucial to recognize that it’s okay to ask for help.
Whether it’s with a physically demanding task or a challenging emotional issue, reaching out to others doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re wise enough to understand your own limitations.
Embracing the support of family, friends, or professionals can not only make your life easier but also more meaningful.
Relationships are what enrich our lives, and there’s no better time than your 70s to nurture these connections.
If you want your 70s to feel genuinely special and meaningful, say goodbye to being too self-reliant.
Embrace the power of community and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
7) Ignoring your passions
This is perhaps the most crucial habit to break if you want your 70s to feel genuinely special and meaningful.
Often, as we age, we sideline our passions in favour of practicality. But your 70s is the perfect time to rediscover what you love and make it a part of your daily life.
Whether it’s painting, gardening, writing, or learning a new language, pursuing your passion can bring immense joy and fulfillment.
Your passions are what make you uniquely you. They bring colour to your life and keep your spirit young. Don’t deny yourself the pleasure of doing what you love. Life is too short for that.
So say goodbye to ignoring your passions. Embrace them wholeheartedly. You owe it to yourself.
In conclusion: It’s all about choices
The journey through our 70s, like any other phase of life, is deeply intertwined with the choices we make.
Each decision to let go of a habit that no longer serves us is a step towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
These choices, though seemingly small, can have a profound effect on the quality of our later years.
In the heart of these changes is the practice of mindfulness. This conscious awareness of the present moment can be a powerful tool in recognizing and changing habits.
My book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment” , provides practical strategies for adopting mindfulness in daily life.
This practice can not only help in breaking old habits but also pave the way for a more enriching journey through your 70s.
As we age, it’s crucial to remember that we hold the power to shape our experiences.
By consciously choosing to say goodbye to certain habits, we’re saying hello to a life that’s genuinely special and meaningful.
So as you navigate your 70s, remember – every choice matters. Whether it’s embracing mindfulness or pursuing a passion, it’s these choices that will make your 70s truly special.
