15 Habits You Need to Give Up By The Time You Turn 70
Turning 70 is a milestone, a badge of honor that says you’ve been around the block a few times and have some stories to tell. By this age, you’ve probably seen it all, done it all, and maybe even worn the t-shirt out. But with great age comes great wisdom—or at least it should. This is the time in life when one should be enjoying the finer things, not clinging to habits that might have served you well in your younger years but are now, let’s be honest, a little outdated. After all, 70 is the new 50, but that doesn’t mean you should still be acting like you’re 50.
Let’s be clear: we’re not talking about those habits that keep you healthy and vibrant. No one’s suggesting you give up your daily walk or your love for reading. But some habits? Yeah, it’s time to put those on the shelf next to your old LPs and that lava lamp from 1969. Some of these habits are like that wallpaper you’ve had in your bathroom for the last 30 years—once charming, now just a bit tired.
So, if you’re ready to embrace the wisdom that comes with your seventh decade and let go of some of the things that are holding you back, here’s a list of 15 habits you might want to reconsider. Trust us, your kids, grandkids, and even your friends will thank you.
Holding Onto Grudges
Let’s face it—holding onto a grudge at 70 is like keeping a VHS collection in the Netflix era. It’s heavy, it’s outdated, and it takes up too much space in your life. Plus, by now, you’ve probably forgotten what half those grudges were even about.
Refusing to Ask for Help
Independence is great, but insisting on doing everything yourself when you’re well into your 70s can be more trouble than it’s worth. No one’s questioning your abilities, but there’s no need to be the hero when asking for help could save you time, energy, and a potential trip to the ER.
Ignoring New Technology
We get it. The internet can be a wild and confusing place. But at 70, pretending smartphones or social media don’t exist isn’t just impractical, it’s isolating. It’s time to stop reminiscing about rotary phones and embrace the convenience of technology—at least enough to video chat with the grandkids.
Complaining About ‘Kids These Days’
Yes, kids these days are different, but guess what? So were you at their age. Complaining about the younger generation is a tradition as old as time, but it’s not winning you any points. Instead, try understanding where they’re coming from—you might be surprised at what you learn.
Keeping Everything ‘Just in Case’
If your attic looks like a time capsule from the 1950s, it might be time to let go. Keeping things ‘just in case’ you might need them someday is understandable, but at 70, that ‘someday’ might never come. It’s okay to declutter—your house and your mind will thank you.
Skipping Health Check-Ups
Avoiding the doctor because you don’t want to hear bad news is like avoiding the mechanic and wondering why your car broke down. At this age, health check-ups are non-negotiable. Stopping this habit could add years to your life—and make those years a lot more enjoyable.
Driving Like You’re Still 25
You might have been a speed demon in your younger days, but now’s not the time to be burning rubber. At 70, your reaction time isn’t what it used to be, and that’s okay. No one’s asking you to hand over the keys—just maybe slow down a bit and enjoy the scenery.
Insisting You’re Always Right
Let’s be honest—no one is always right, not even at 70. Insisting otherwise just makes conversations with you feel like a game of dodgeball. It’s okay to admit when you’re wrong, or at least let someone else have the last word every now and then.
Being Set in Your Ways
Change is hard, but being stuck in your ways can be even harder on those around you. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant or accepting a new way of doing things, flexibility can keep you feeling young at heart. Plus, you might find you actually enjoy the change.
Overloading on Sweets
Your sweet tooth has had a good run, but at 70, it might be time to cut back a little. Indulging in dessert is one thing, but treating every meal like it’s a trip to the candy store isn’t doing your body any favors. Moderation is key.
Comparing Yourself to Others
By 70, you’ve earned the right to march to the beat of your own drum. Comparing yourself to others, whether it’s friends, neighbors, or even your younger self, is a surefire way to feel less than fabulous. Celebrate where you are now, not where you think you should be.
Holding Back on Your Opinions
If there’s ever been a time to speak your mind, it’s now. At 70, you’ve earned the right to share your opinions—just maybe not all at once. Being honest is great, but there’s a fine line between sharing wisdom and steamrolling the conversation.
Living in the Past
Nostalgia is great, but living in the past can keep you from enjoying the present. Remembering the good old days is one thing, but constantly reminiscing about how things used to be can make you miss out on the joys of today. The past was great, but so is the present—if you let it be.
Avoiding Social Media
You might think social media is a young person’s game, but there’s a whole world of connections out there waiting for you. Whether it’s keeping up with family or finding old friends, social media can keep you in the loop. You don’t have to become an influencer—just use it to stay connected.
Ignoring Your Own Needs
You’ve spent decades taking care of others, but now it’s time to focus on you. Ignoring your own needs might have been a habit when you were younger, but at 70, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Whether it’s taking time to relax or pursuing a new hobby, make sure you’re not putting yourself last.
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