It’s a common notion to think that as people age, they become set in their ways. But let’s break that stereotype today.
There are plenty of folks over 70 who are as open-minded and forward-thinking as any young gun out there.
They are a testament to the fact that age is just a number and not a limit.
These vibrant seniors typically display certain behaviors that allow them to remain engaged, adaptable, and progressive in their golden years.
In this post, we’re going to delve into seven such behaviors that these enlightened individuals often exhibit.
Whether you’re 17 or 70, lean in and let’s learn something from our more experienced counterparts.
Their approach towards life might just teach us a thing or two about staying open-minded and forward-thinking, no matter what our age is.
1) Lifelong learners
In the grand scheme of life, age is just a number. But it’s not about how old you are, it’s about how young your mind is.
One thing you’ll notice about progressive individuals over 70 is their insatiable hunger for knowledge.
They are lifelong learners, always eager to understand more about the world around them.
They read. They attend lectures. They sign up for online courses. They seek out new experiences.
They aren’t afraid to ask questions or admit they don’t know something.
This constant learning keeps their minds sharp and agile.
It helps them adapt to new situations and understand different perspectives, which in turn makes them more open-minded.
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And here’s the clincher: this love for learning isn’t just about self-improvement.
It’s also a way of connecting with others, of staying in touch with the world and its ever-evolving dynamics.
Their eagerness to learn is both humbling and inspiring.
It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to learn something new, to broaden our horizons, or to change our perspective.
The next time you feel like you’re too old to learn something new, remember these forward-thinking individuals who continue to learn, grow, and adapt well into their 70s and beyond.
2) Embrace change
Now, let me share a story from my own life. A while back, I went to visit my grandmother, a sprightly lady in her mid-70s.
She was always forward-thinking, but on this particular visit, I was in for a surprise.
She had just gotten herself a brand new tablet. Now, that might not seem like a big deal to you or me, but for her, it was a significant change.
Growing up in a different era, she wasn’t accustomed to these high-tech gadgets.
The last time she’d really used a computer was years ago when the internet was still in its infancy.
But here she was, excitedly showing me all the things she could do on her tablet.
From video-calling her friends across the globe to learning new recipes and even attending virtual yoga classes – she was doing it all.
I couldn’t help but admire her adaptability. Instead of shying away from technology because it was unfamiliar or complicated, she embraced it wholeheartedly.
This is a typical behavior among forward-thinking seniors. They don’t resist change.
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Instead, they welcome it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Their ability to adapt and evolve with the times is truly remarkable and something I aspire to emulate as I grow older.
3) Practice mindfulness
You might wonder, how do these over-70s manage to stay so engaged and open-minded?
Well, a key part of it is their practice of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, aware, and engaged with your surroundings and experiences.
It’s about living in the here and now, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
One thing I’ve noticed with forward-thinking seniors is their inherent ability to be mindful.
Whether they’re sipping on a cup of tea, tending to their garden, or simply watching the sunset, they are fully present.
This practice of mindfulness allows them to truly experience life.
It helps them stay connected with their environment, adapt to changes, and remain open to new experiences.
It’s not just about living longer; it’s about living better. And mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help us achieve it.
Whether you’re 17 or 70, why not give it a try? Pick up my book and start your journey towards a more mindful existence today.
4) Stay socially connected
Once I found myself in a bit of a rut. Work was overwhelming, and I had isolated myself from friends and family.
It took a phone call from my 78-year-old uncle to make me realize how much I was missing out on.
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My uncle, despite being in his late 70s, is incredibly active socially.
He regularly meets with his friends, is part of multiple clubs and organizations, and never misses a family gathering.
He reminded me that staying socially connected is not just about parties and fun.
It’s about sharing experiences, learning from others, and staying engaged with the world.
This is something that many forward-thinking individuals over 70 excel at.
They understand the importance of maintaining social connections and actively seek out social interactions.
And it’s not just about staying connected with their peers.
They are equally interested in engaging with younger generations, sharing their wisdom, and learning about new perspectives.
Their social engagement keeps them mentally stimulated and open to new ideas.
It’s an inspiring behavior that we could all benefit from emulating.
5) They aren’t afraid to say no
This one may seem a bit counterintuitive. Often, we associate open-mindedness with saying ‘yes’ to new experiences.
But forward-thinking seniors understand that there’s also power in saying ‘no’.
They’ve learned over the years that not everything is worth their time or energy.
They are selective about the activities they engage in, the people they spend time with, and the causes they support.
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They understand that saying ‘no’ to things that don’t align with their values or interests allows them to say ‘yes’ to things that truly matter to them.
This selective approach helps them stay focused on their personal growth and maintain a healthy mental state.
While it’s important to be open to new experiences, it’s equally important to learn when and how to say no.
6) They embrace failure
One of the most remarkable behaviors exhibited by forward-thinking seniors is their attitude towards failure.
They don’t view it as the end of the road, but rather as a stepping stone towards success.
They’ve lived long enough to know that life is filled with ups and downs.
And they’ve learned from each setback, each disappointment, and each failure.
Instead of letting failures discourage them, they use them as learning opportunities.
They analyze what went wrong, make necessary adjustments, and then try again with renewed determination.
This resilience and perseverance are truly commendable.
It’s a powerful reminder that it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.
Their approach towards failure is a lesson in courage and determination for us all.
It shows us that no matter how old we are, it’s never too late to learn from our mistakes and keep moving forward.
7) They cultivate gratitude
At the heart of their forward-thinking mindset is a deep sense of gratitude.
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They appreciate the simple joys of life and express their thankfulness for what they have.
This practice of gratitude helps them stay positive, resilient, and open to new experiences.
It’s not about ignoring life’s challenges, but rather acknowledging the good amidst them.
Gratitude is a powerful practice that can transform our perspective and elevate our quality of life.
It’s a reminder to appreciate the moment, cherish our relationships, and celebrate our achievements, no matter how small they might be.
Final thoughts: It’s a matter of mindset
As we’ve explored, the behaviors of forward-thinking individuals over 70 are as much about mindset as they are about actions.
These individuals demonstrate that age is not a barrier to being open-minded and progressive.
Instead, it’s about nurturing an attitude of lifelong learning, embracing change, practicing mindfulness, staying socially connected, knowing when to say no, learning from failures, and cultivating gratitude.
This is not just about adding years to our lives.
It’s about adding life to our years. And these inspiring seniors show us how it’s done.
As we contemplate their behaviors, we’re left with a powerful reminder: age is just a number.
Being forward-thinking and open-minded is a choice, and it’s one we can make at any stage in life.
As you move forward, remember these lessons. Embrace the mindset of these vibrant seniors.
And who knows? You might just find that their approach to life can unlock a more fulfilling and enriching life experience for you too.
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