I keep in mind assembly somebody of their early 60s who radiated a sort of power that felt virtually childlike. He had tales about studying new abilities, sustaining previous friendships, and even leaping into new adventures with out worry of trying foolish.
It made me assume, “Isn’t that the type of life all of us need, regardless of how previous we’re?”
I’m not 60 but, however the extra I observe individuals who thrive of their later many years, the extra I notice that it’s much less about chasing youth and extra about holding life recent.
That spark doesn’t must fade while you hit a sure age. In actual fact, I imagine that by the point you attain 60, you’ve earned the fitting to dive headfirst into what actually issues: significant connections, curiosity, and habits that maintain the thoughts and physique engaged.
If, at 60, you’re nonetheless in a position to do the seven issues I’m about to share, I believe you’re doing a stellar job at residing your finest life.
1) Hold your sense of curiosity
Private coach and creator Tony Horton as soon as stated that staying curious is the key to a more healthy life.
True sufficient, one of the inspiring habits I see in individuals who proceed to thrive into their 60s and past is an insatiable sense of curiosity.
Even when it’s one thing so simple as choosing up a brand new interest or signing up for an internet class, a willingness to discover retains your thoughts energetic and your spirit buoyant.
This doesn’t must be rocket science—possibly you begin studying a brand new language by an app or enroll in a gardening workshop. The purpose is, you embrace the mindset that there’s all the time one thing left to find.
2) Keep bodily energetic
I grew up round a father who was a coach, so the significance of staying energetic has been drilled into my head from a younger age.
Nonetheless, it’s straightforward to let health slide because the years move—aches and pains can start to pop up, and that may dampen motivation.
However I’ve met so many older adults who defy the stereotype that retirement equals sedentary residing. They could take brisk walks, do water aerobics, or apply mild yoga.
It doesn’t matter in the event that they’re not working marathons; what issues is that they maintain transferring constantly.
Bodily exercise at 60 isn’t nearly strengthening muscle tissues. It’s additionally a temper booster and stress reliever.
After I work with shoppers, I encourage them to decide on actions they genuinely get pleasure from.
If mountaineering is your factor, go for it. If dancing brings you pleasure, do it extra usually.
The secret is to discover a routine that doesn’t really feel like punishment.
By staying bodily energetic, you not solely shield your physique but in addition preserve a zest for all times that shines by in every little thing you do.
3) Nurture significant relationships
I was below the impression that achievement was all about working exhausting in isolation. Over time, I’ve discovered it’s the relationships we’ve that in the end feed our sense of well-being.
Analysis backs this up — based on specialists, robust relationships do result in higher well being and wellbeing.
After I see individuals of their 60s who’re actually thriving, they have a tendency to have a stable community of pals, members of the family, or group teams that they’ll depend on.
And these connections aren’t superficial—they’re the true, heart-to-heart variety the place you may share each your joys and struggles.
Nurturing relationships means making time for individuals who matter, even when it’s only a cellphone name or an off-the-cuff lunch.
It additionally means staying open to new pals. Generally, we assume we’ve “discovered our individuals” and don’t make room for recent connections.
However life can nonetheless carry us great surprises, even after 60. Should you’re nonetheless forming and cherishing bonds at this stage of life, you’re constructing a assist system that usually looks like a secret superpower.
As psychologist Esther Perel stated, “The standard of {our relationships} determines the standard of our lives.”
4) Embrace new experiences and know-how
I do know the digital world can really feel overwhelming. Even in my 30s, I typically wrestle to maintain up with the most recent social media platform or gadget.
However I’ve witnessed people of their 60s who adapt brilliantly to altering know-how—possibly they begin video chatting with their grandkids and even launch an internet facet hustle.
The power to include new experiences, whether or not they’re digital or in any other case, retains the thoughts versatile and engaged.
It’s not nearly utilizing fancy devices for the sake of it. Embracing newness may also imply making an attempt totally different cuisines, touring to locations you’ve by no means been, or studying a ability you as soon as thought was out of attain.
The purpose is to stay open reasonably than fearful.
When individuals of their 60s present me their newly downloaded meditation app or discuss an internet group they joined, I see how this willingness to step outdoors consolation zones sparks a youthful power that’s downright contagious.
5) Preserve a playful spirit
I’ll admit there have been instances once I’ve been too severe about my targets—too obsessive about checking off achievements to note the easy joys round me.
However now I believe playfulness is underrated. I’m all the time impressed once I see of us who aren’t afraid to let free and chortle at themselves, even (or particularly) after 60.
Perhaps they’re cracking jokes, taking part in board video games with grandchildren, or making an attempt a foolish TikTok dance only for enjoyable.
Being playful isn’t about ignoring obligations or pretending life has no challenges. It’s extra about reminding ourselves that pleasure is offered in small moments.
Even when your knees creak somewhat while you attempt a brand new dance transfer, in the event you’re laughing when you’re doing it, you’re tapping into a way of aliveness that many individuals overlook as soon as maturity comes knocking.
That sparkle of enjoyable can maintain you feeling lighthearted, even when life throws inevitable curveballs.
6) Apply gratitude and mindfulness
One other factor I’ve observed in older individuals who have a glow about them is that they don’t take blessings without any consideration.
At 60 or past, trying round and appreciating your journey—each the highs and the lows—can make every day really feel richer.
Mindfulness might be so simple as savoring your espresso within the morning with out dashing, or intentionally listening to a buddy’s story with out getting misplaced in your personal ideas.
This type of consciousness might be practiced at any age, nevertheless it’s particularly rewarding later in life, when you may have a wealth of experiences to replicate on.
Should you can nonetheless stay current and grateful properly into your 60s, you’ll discover that peace of thoughts is less complicated to take care of, even in unsure instances.
7) Proceed setting targets
Lastly, setting targets isn’t reserved for the younger or for high-powered profession sorts. At any level in life, having one thing to intention for can add goal to our days.
I lately chatted with somebody who, in her 60s, determined to return to high school part-time to complete a level she’d placed on maintain many years in the past.
She was beaming with enthusiasm—not as a result of she had large profession plans, however as a result of the act of pursuing a objective gave her a way of route.
Objectives don’t must be monumental. They are often private milestones like enhancing your cooking abilities, mastering a brand new sport, or volunteering for a trigger that lights you up.
The primary thought, once more, is to continue to grow, maintain dreaming, and maintain taking small steps ahead.
Should you can nonetheless do this at 60, you’re sustaining a momentum that makes life really feel significant and adventurous, it doesn’t matter what your beginning certificates says.
Conclusion
It’s straightforward to imagine that by 60, you might need seen all of it and accomplished all of it. However in fact, life provides infinite alternatives to study, join, and evolve.
Each time I have a look at individuals who preserve their spark properly past what society labels as “center age,” I’m reminded that getting older isn’t a sentence—it’s an invite to deepen our experiences and refine what actually issues.
Should you’re 60 and nonetheless dedicated to the habits on this listing, then in my e-book, you’re completely successful. You’re displaying the remainder of us that it’s potential to age with each grace and gusto.
And for these of us who aren’t there but, your instance is a strong reminder that the long run might be as shiny as we select to make it.