There’s a big difference between getting older and letting yourself feel old.
Aging?
That’s just biology—it happens whether we like it or not.
But growing old? That’s a choice.
It’s in the way you see the world, how curious you stay, and whether you let life’s weight steal your spark.
The truth is, some people in their 60s or beyond seem more alive than folks half their age.
Why?
They’ve built habits that keep their spirit vibrant, no matter the number on their birthday cake.
In this piece, we’re breaking down 8 habits of people who refuse to let life dull their shine.
One of the key attributes of those who retain a youthful spirit well into their 60s is their ability to embrace change.
Change is inevitable; as the saying goes, it’s the only constant in life.
But while many people resist change, fearing it might disrupt their comfort zones, those with a youthful spirit see it differently.
They view change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and new experiences. They’re not afraid to take on new challenges or learn new things.
Psychology suggests that this openness to change is linked with increased mental agility and adaptability. It promotes continuous learning and curiosity, which are key elements of a youthful mindset.
It’s never too late to embrace change. So, why not start now? It could be the first step towards preserving your youthful spirit as you journey into your 60s and beyond.
Another habit that those with a youthful spirit tend to have is staying active.
Now, I’m not just talking about physical activity, although that’s incredibly important too. I’m talking about staying mentally and socially active as well.
Let me share my own experience.
A few years ago, I met a woman named Mabel who was in her mid-60s. She had more energy and enthusiasm than people half her age.
Mabel was always on the go, whether it was attending yoga classes, volunteering at the local community center, or organizing book clubs.
But more than that, she was always eager to learn and engage with others. She had a curiosity about the world that was truly inspiring.
Psychologists agree that this kind of active lifestyle – physically, mentally, and socially – can contribute significantly to maintaining a youthful spirit. It keeps our minds sharp, our bodies healthy, and our social connections strong.
So let’s take a leaf out of Mabel’s book and keep ourselves active in all aspects of life.
Those in their 60s who maintain a youthful spirit often have one thing in common: a positive outlook on life.
They tend to see the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
This is more than just wishful thinking.
A study conducted by the Yale School of Public Health found that individuals with a positive view of aging lived an average of 7.5 years longer than those with negative views.
A positive mindset can help us handle stress better, improve our physical health, and even increase our lifespan.
It’s not about ignoring the negatives, but rather about focusing on the positives and looking for solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
People who keep their youthful spirit alive in their 60s often place great value on their relationships.
They understand the importance of staying connected with friends, family, and even making new acquaintances.
It’s not just about socializing or having someone to talk to. Strong, healthy relationships provide emotional support, increase feelings of belonging, and contribute to a sense of purpose.
Harvard’s Study of Adult Development, a research project that has been following people for over 80 years, found that close relationships are what keep people happy throughout their lives.
So whether it’s making time for family dinners, catching up with old friends, or meeting new people, nurturing your relationships can be a significant factor in maintaining a youthful spirit.
In a world that often equates success with complexity and busyness, those with a youthful spirit in their 60s have learned to cherish simplicity.
They understand that the essence of life isn’t in the grand, complex things, but rather in the simple pleasures. It’s in the laughter shared with a friend, the tranquility of a morning walk, or the joy of a good book.
I’ve seen this firsthand in my own parents. As they’ve grown older, they’ve shed many of the materialistic desires that once seemed so important. Instead, they’ve found happiness in simple, everyday experiences.
It’s a beautiful reminder that maintaining a youthful spirit doesn’t require grand gestures or monumental achievements.
Often, it’s about pausing to appreciate the simple, precious moments that fill our days.
Curiosity is such an integral part of childhood, yet somewhere along the way, many of us lose it.
But those with a youthful spirit in their 60s, they’ve managed to keep their curiosity alive.
I’ve always admired my Uncle Joe for this. Even in his 60s, he’s like a kid in a candy store when he encounters something new.
He’s always asking questions, eager to understand how things work. He’s not embarrassed to admit when he doesn’t know something and is always ready to learn.
This curiosity keeps his mind active and engaged, constantly learning and growing. It’s a refreshing mentality that I strive to emulate in my own life.
Those who maintain a youthful spirit into their 60s make self-care a priority.
They understand the importance of looking after their physical, mental, and emotional health.
This might mean regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, or taking time out for relaxation and hobbies.
It’s not always easy to prioritize self-care in our busy lives, but it’s an essential component of overall health and well-being.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.
When we feel good, we’re more likely to have a positive outlook and energy to engage with the world around us.
So, let’s make time for regular self-care. Your future self will thank you.
The most powerful habit adopted by those in their 60s with a youthful spirit is embracing their age.
They don’t try to deny or fight against the passing years. Instead, they welcome them, seeing each new year as a gift and an opportunity for further growth and experience.
They understand that age is just a number, and it doesn’t define who they are or what they can do. This acceptance frees them from societal expectations and allows them to live life on their own terms.
Embracing age is about celebrating the wisdom, experiences, and lessons that come with each passing year.
It’s about living authentically and fully, regardless of the number of candles on your birthday cake.
The complexity of human behavior and attitudes often goes hand in hand with our mindset.
One such mindset is the approach to aging and maintaining a youthful spirit, regardless of our chronological age.
Psychology suggests that our mental disposition can have a profound impact on our physical age.
A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel younger than their actual agelived longer and healthier lives compared to those who felt their actual age or older.
For those spirited individuals in their 60s, it’s not about denying their age or attempting to turn back time. It’s about embracing the journey, continually learning, and appreciating each moment.
Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, nurturing relationships, or simply cherishing the simple pleasures in life, it’s the mindset that enhances their experience.
So as we navigate our own journey into the later stages of life, let’s remember to carry with us a youthful spirit. It’s not about the number of years in our life but the life in our years that truly counts.
The post People who maintain a youthful spirit in their 60s usually adopt these 8 habits, according to psychology appeared first on Small Business Bonfire.
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