People who are in their 70s but biologically decades younger usually display these 7 behaviors, says psychology

There’s a fascinating connection between our behaviors and our biological age, a fact that psychological research has been exploring in depth.

Some people, even in their 70s, seem to defy the typical aging process.

They’re biologically younger, and the secret isn’t just in their genes, but also in their everyday behaviors.

These individuals aren’t just lucky—they’re proactive.

They consciously adopt habits that keep them youthful, both mentally and physically.

This article will unveil the seven common behaviors that these forever-young septuagenarians tend to exhibit.

And the best part is, you don’t have to wait until you’re 70 to start implementing these habits into your life!

1) They’re masters of stress management

One key to staying biologically young, even in your 70s, is the ability to manage stress effectively.

It’s no secret that stress can take a toll on both our physical and mental health.

It can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system.

On the mental side, it can cause anxiety, depression, and even impair cognitive function.

Those who manage to stay biologically young have mastered the art of managing their stress levels.

They don’t let life’s ups and downs disrupt their peace of mind.

Instead, they practice mindfulness, exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and cultivate a positive mindset.

As renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

These forever-young individuals embody this saying. They don’t let outside circumstances dictate their internal state.

Instead, they take control of their lives and actively choose happiness and calmness over stress and anxiety.

It’s not about denying the existence of stressors but about handling them in a way that minimizes their impact on our health.

This behavior is clearly one of the secrets to staying biologically youthful for these 70-year-olds.

2) They prioritize physical activity

Another behavior that these biologically youthful 70-year-olds share is an unwavering commitment to physical activity.

I remember my own grandmother, at the ripe age of 78, would wake up every morning and start her day with a brisk walk.

Rain or shine, she would always make sure she got her daily dose of exercise—and it showed!

She had the vitality and energy of someone half her age, making it hard for even the younger ones in our family to keep up with her!

Her commitment to staying active wasn’t just about maintaining physical health; she genuinely enjoyed her routine.

It gave her a sense of purpose and happiness, something that psychologists have long linked to longevity.

My grandmother was self-actualizing through her commitment to physical activity; she was fulfilling her potential not just to be healthy, but to live a life filled with vitality and zest.

It’s worth noting that you don’t have to run marathons or bench press your body weight to reap the benefits of physical activity.

Even simple activities like walking, gardening, or yoga can significantly contribute to a healthier and biologically younger you.

3) They maintain strong social connections

Ever wondered why some people seem to age slower than others? A large part of it has to do with their social connections.

Those who are in their 70s but biologically decades younger understand the importance of maintaining strong relationships.

They prioritize spending time with family and friends, knowing that these connections provide emotional support and contribute to their overall well-being.

Let’s be honest, isolation can take a significant toll on our mental and physical health.

According to renowned psychologist Julianne Holt-Lunstad, “The effect of this is comparable to obesity, something that public health takes very seriously.”

These biologically younger individuals don’t just passively maintain their relationships—they actively foster them.

They show genuine interest in others’ lives, offer support when needed, and aren’t afraid to lean on their loved ones during tough times.

This behavior is a testament to the power of human connection in preserving not only our emotional health but our physical youthfulness as well. It’s a beautiful reminder that we’re not meant to journey through life alone.

4) They’re lifelong learners

A common trait shared by those in their 70s who are biologically younger is their commitment to continual learning. They understand that the brain, like any other muscle, needs to be regularly exercised to stay fit and healthy.

Seniors who regularly engaged in mentally stimulating activities, like reading or playing board games, had a significantly lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.

This group of forever-young individuals doesn’t let age stand in the way of learning new things.

Whether it’s mastering a new recipe, exploring a new place, or even taking up a new hobby, they seize every opportunity to learn and grow.

This dedication to lifelong learning not only keeps their minds sharp but also adds a sense of purpose and joy to their lives.

It’s a clear demonstration of how keeping the mind active contributes to overall physical youthfulness and vitality.

5) They practice gratitude regularly

One practice that I’ve noticed among those who are biologically younger is their regular expression of gratitude.

They might not have everything, but they’re grateful for what they have.

Gratitude has been linked to a plethora of mental health benefits, including increased happiness and reduced depression.

These youthful individuals understand this and make gratitude a part of their daily lives.

They might keep a gratitude journal, or simply take a moment each day to reflect on something they’re thankful for.

This practice of gratitude doesn’t just keep their minds focused on the positive; it also contributes to their overall well-being and youthfulness.

After all, a grateful heart is a youthful heart.

6) They embrace aging

Here’s an unexpected behavior: These biologically younger individuals embrace their age.

Yes, you heard it right—they don’t resist or fear aging, rather they see it as a natural process and an opportunity for growth and wisdom.

These individuals fully embody this idea.

They celebrate their age, the wisdom it brings, and eagerly share their experiences with younger generations.

This positive attitude towards aging doesn’t just contribute to a healthier mind, but also a healthier body.

Studies have shown that people who have positive self-perceptions of aging live 7.5 years longer than those with less positive self-perceptions.

Embracing age and all that comes with it, instead of dreading it, might just be the secret to staying biologically young.

It’s not about denying the passage of time, but about celebrating the journey and the wisdom it brings.

7) They keep a sense of humor

Last but not least, these forever-young individuals know the importance of keeping a sense of humor.

They don’t sweat the small stuff and have mastered the art of laughing at life’s absurdities.

The famous psychologist William James once said, “We don’t laugh because we’re happy—we’re happy because we laugh.”

This rings true for our biologically younger counterparts.

Their ability to find humor in everyday situations not only keeps their spirits high but also contributes to their overall resilience and youthfulness.

A good laugh is, after all, the best medicine.

Wrapping up

The intricate dance between our behaviors and our biological age can be fascinating.

These seven behaviors, adopted by those in their 70s yet biologically much younger, provide a roadmap for not only aging gracefully but also maintaining a youthful zest for life.

It’s not just about the number of years we live, but the quality of those years; It’s about cultivating a lifestyle that keeps us physically vibrant and mentally sharp.

Whether you’re in your 30s or your 60s, it’s never too late to adopt these habits.

Remember, age is just a number—how young we feel and how healthy we remain is largely within our control.

While we can’t stop the clock, we can certainly influence how well we age.

And who knows? With these habits in your arsenal, you might find yourself joining the ranks of those 70-somethings who are biologically decades younger!