8 morning habits of people who thrive in their 70s (that have nothing to do with exercise or diet)

If you see someone spring out of bed at dawn, you might assume they’re an early bird. If you spot them sipping green tea, your guess may be health-conscious.

But, is that all there is to the morning routine of folks who are not just surviving but thriving in their 70s?

Not quite.

In fact, it’s so much more nuanced and fascinating than that.

The secret to their vitality lies not only in exercise or diet, but in a handful of unique morning habits that reflect their authentic selves and lifelong growth.

Now, buckle up, because I’m about to share 8 morning habits of people thriving in their 70s – and guess what?

They have nothing to do with hitting the gym or counting calories.

1) They wake up with intention

Waking up in the morning can feel like a whirlwind.

You open your eyes, and before you know it, you’re caught in the hustle and bustle of the day, letting it carry you wherever it pleases. But, for people thriving in their 70s, mornings don’t work that way.

They understand the importance of starting the day on their terms.

They wake up with a clear purpose and intention for the day. It’s not about rushing to get things done, but about mindfully acknowledging how they want to spend their day.

They let this intention guide them through their morning routine – whether it’s reading the newspaper, sipping on their favorite tea, or simply enjoying the tranquility of dawn.

If you’re looking to thrive in your 70s and beyond, consider this: mornings are more than just a prelude to the day.

2) They take a moment to appreciate the day

I’ve always admired my grandma, a sprightly 78-year-old who lives each day with an infectious zest.

Her secret? She always starts her day by appreciating the simple act of waking up.

Every morning, before her feet even hit the floor, she takes a deep breath and smiles. She told me once that she thanks the universe for another beautiful day of life.

This isn’t a religious ritual or anything—it’s just her way of acknowledging the gift of another day.

This habit might seem trivial to some, but for her, it’s a moment of genuine gratitude that helps her start the day on a positive note.

Taking a leaf from her book, I tried doing the same. And you know what?

It really does make a difference – starting your day with gratitude sets a positive tone that tends to linger throughout the day.

It’s not just about waking up; it’s about appreciating that you’ve woken up to another day, something people thriving in their 70s seem to have mastered.

3) They engage in creative pursuits

While most of the world is hitting the snooze button, those thriving in their 70s are often already up, engaging in creative pursuits. And no, it’s not just about passing time or keeping busy.

Research shows that participating in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument can boost cognitive health and delay symptoms of aging.

That’s right – your love for watercolors or playing the piano can actually keep your brain sharp and agile.

Those thriving in their 70s have tapped into this secret. They dedicate their morning hours to creativity, not because they have to, but because they love to.

It’s not surprising then that they’re the ones leading the pack when it comes to maintaining cognitive health and vitality.

Bring out that old guitar or dust off your painting kit. Your mornings might just become your favorite part of the day.

4) They nurture their relationships

Let’s get one thing straight – thriving in your 70s is not just about maintaining your physical or mental health.

It’s also about keeping your social and emotional well-being intact.

And what better way to do that than by nurturing your relationships?

People who are flourishing in their 70s make it a point to connect with their loved ones in the morning.

It could be a quick phone call to a distant friend, a heartfelt conversation with their partner over breakfast, or even a cheerful chat with the neighbor while fetching the newspaper.

These seemingly small interactions play a huge role in keeping them emotionally satisfied and socially connected.

We are social creatures and no matter our age, we thrive on connections.

The lesson here? Don’t underestimate the power of a good morning chat over a cup of coffee!

5) They set aside time for quiet reflection

In the hustle and bustle of our lives, we often forget the importance of quiet reflection.

But those who are thriving in their 70s haven’t overlooked this crucial habit.

Every morning, they set aside some time to just sit in silence and reflect on their thoughts and feelings.

It’s a practice that I’ve started incorporating into my own routine, and trust me, it makes a world of difference.

When I sit down with my cup of coffee, away from the noise and chaos, I find a sense of calm that sets a positive tone for the rest of my day.

It’s a space where I can be completely honest with myself, confront my feelings, and align my thoughts.

Taking a cue from those in their 70s, I’ve learned that this silent reflection is not just an act of self-care, but also an essential tool for personal growth and self-awareness.

If you’re looking to thrive as you age, remember to take a few moments each morning for quiet reflection.

6) They embrace the morning mess

Most of us start our mornings in a frenzy, rushing to make the bed, tidy up the kitchen, or organize the day ahead. But those flourishing in their 70s have a different approach.

Instead of trying to control and order everything, they embrace the morning mess.

They realize that life is unpredictable and a bit of chaos is not just inevitable, but sometimes even enjoyable.

They accept that dishes can be washed later, books can be rearranged anytime, and it’s perfectly okay if the bed is left unmade for a while.

What’s important to them is living in the moment and not getting bogged down by mundane tasks first thing in the morning.

This might seem unconventional, but it’s a liberating practice that reduces stress and adds an element of spontaneity to their lives.

Next time you wake up, try not to fret about the mess. Instead, take a deep breath and embrace it. It might just be the secret to a fulfilling day!

7) They keep learning

Age is just a number when it comes to learning something new. People thriving in their 70s understand this well.

Each morning, they dedicate some time to learn something new.

It could be anything from reading a chapter of a book, trying out a new recipe, or even learning a new word or phrase in a foreign language.

This constant quest for knowledge not only keeps their minds active and sharp but also adds a sense of accomplishment to their mornings.

It’s not about mastering a skill or becoming an expert, but about the joy of acquiring new knowledge and growing as individuals.

If you thought learning was confined to school or younger years, think again.

8) They prioritize self-love

Above all, people thriving in their 70s understand the importance of self-love.

Each morning, they take out time for themselves – to nurture their interests, to pamper themselves, or simply to enjoy their own company.

This act of self-love is not just a habit but a commitment they make to themselves every day.

In this hustle of life, it’s easy to forget ourselves.

But remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-love is the first step towards a fulfilling life.

Next time you wake up, start your day with a dash of self-love.

A final thought

As we conclude this insightful journey into the morning habits of those flourishing in their 70s, I hope you’ve realized that thriving at this age is not about rigorous exercise routines or strict diet plans.

Rather, it’s about cherishing the simple things in life – a moment of gratitude, a burst of creativity, a heartfelt conversation, or an act of self-love.

It’s about embracing the chaos, nurturing relationships, continuously learning, and taking some time for quiet reflection.

As the renowned author and motivational speaker, Wayne Dyer once said, “When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.”

Those thriving in their 70s seem to have mastered this dance of life.

They don’t just live their mornings; they savor them, one moment at a time. And perhaps, that’s the secret to their vitality.

As you go about your day today, take a moment to reflect – what can you do to make your mornings more meaningful? How can you dance through life, enjoying each step along the way?

After all, thriving is not just about living longer; it’s about living better.