I’ve been spending a lot of time lately with folks in their seventies and eighties, and I’ve noticed something fascinating. Some of them seem to have given up—they’re just going through the motions, waiting for the inevitable. But others? They’re absolutely buzzing with energy, trying new things, and genuinely excited about what tomorrow might bring.
What’s the difference between these two groups? After years of observing and talking with people who’ve mastered the art of aging gracefully, I’ve identified nine things that the enthusiastic ones do differently. And let me tell you, these aren’t complicated secrets—they’re simple shifts in perspective and daily habits that anyone can adopt.
1. They treat retirement as a beginning, not an ending
When I first retired after thirty years in human resources, I went through what I can only describe as an identity crisis. Who was I without my job title? Without meetings to attend and problems to solve? It took me months to realize that retirement wasn’t the end of my story—it was actually the start of a whole new chapter.
The most vibrant septuagenarians I know see retirement the same way. Instead of mourning their working years, they’re excited about finally having time to pursue interests they’d put on hold. One friend started learning Spanish at 72. Another took up watercolor painting at 75. They understand that leaving the workforce doesn’t mean leaving life behind.
2. They maintain genuine curiosity about the world
You know what I love about spending time with my grandchildren? They ask questions about everything. “Why is the sky blue?” “How do birds know where to migrate?” And the seventy-somethings who are still excited about life? They haven’t lost that childlike curiosity.
They read voraciously, watch documentaries, ask questions, and aren’t afraid to admit they don’t know something. As I mentioned in a previous post, learning keeps our brains sharp, but more importantly, it keeps us engaged with the world around us. When you stop being curious, you stop growing—and that’s when old age really sets in.
3. They focus on what they can control
Here’s something I learned during my decades helping people navigate workplace problems: you can’t control everything, but you can always control your response. The happiest older adults I know have mastered this principle.
Sure, their knees might creak more than they used to. Maybe they can’t run marathons anymore. But instead of dwelling on limitations, they focus on what they can do. Can’t run? They walk. Can’t travel to exotic locations? They explore their local area with fresh eyes. They’ve learned that happiness comes from working with what you’ve got, not lamenting what you’ve lost.
4. They invest in relationships across generations
Every weekend, I take my local grandchildren to the park. It’s honestly the highlight of my week—watching them discover the world, hearing their perspectives, feeling their energy. But it’s not just about them; it’s about me too. These interactions keep me young at heart and connected to the pulse of the changing world.
The most vibrant seniors I know don’t isolate themselves with people their own age. They have friends who are thirty, fifty, and eighty. They mentor younger colleagues, join book clubs with mixed age groups, and stay genuinely interested in what different generations have to offer. This cross-pollination of ideas and energy is like a fountain of youth for the spirit.
5. They embrace technology without fear
I’ll admit, learning to use a smartphone wasn’t exactly intuitive for me. But you know what? Neither was learning to drive a car when I was sixteen. The difference is, back then, I didn’t have the option to say, “I’m too old for this.”
The seventy-plus crowd who stay excited about life don’t let technology intimidate them. They video chat with grandchildren, join online communities, use apps to track their walks, and aren’t afraid to ask for help when they’re stuck. They understand that technology isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool that can enhance connection and learning.
6. They keep moving, no matter what
I wake up naturally around six-thirty these days—no alarm needed—and the first thing I do is stretch. Not because I’m training for anything special, but because movement is life. The most enthusiastic older adults I know have figured this out too.
They might not be doing CrossFit, but they’re walking, swimming, doing tai chi in the park, or gardening. They understand that a body in motion stays in motion, and more importantly, that physical activity directly impacts mental well-being. When you feel good physically, it’s much easier to feel excited about life.
7. They practice gratitude without making it a chore
Here’s something interesting: the happiest older people I know don’t keep gratitude journals or follow complicated thankfulness routines. Instead, they’ve woven appreciation into the fabric of their daily lives. They notice the small things—a good cup of coffee, a phone call from an old friend, the way sunlight streams through their kitchen window.
This isn’t toxic positivity or denying life’s challenges. It’s about training your brain to notice the good alongside the difficult. When you’re genuinely grateful for what you have, it’s hard not to feel excited about experiencing more of it.
8. They have something to look forward to
Whether it’s a weekly dinner with friends, a new season of their favorite show, or a planned trip to visit family, the most vibrant seniors always have something on the horizon. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive—just something that makes them think, “I can’t wait for that.”
I’ve noticed this in my own life. When I have plans with my grandchildren or a new book waiting on my nightstand, I feel more energized. Having something to anticipate creates a sense of forward momentum that’s essential for maintaining excitement about life.
9. They’ve made peace with their past
This might be the most important one. The people over seventy who are still genuinely excited about life have done the hard work of accepting their past—mistakes, regrets, and all. They’ve forgiven others and, perhaps more importantly, they’ve forgiven themselves.
They don’t spend their days reliving old grievances or wondering “what if.” They’ve integrated their experiences, learned from them, and moved forward. This emotional freedom creates space for new experiences and genuine enthusiasm about what’s still to come.
Closing thoughts
Getting older is inevitable, but getting old? That’s a choice. The nine habits I’ve shared aren’t revolutionary or particularly difficult to implement. They’re simply different ways of approaching life that keep you engaged, curious, and yes, excited about what each new day might bring.
So here’s my question for you: which of these resonates most with you? And more importantly, what small step could you take today—regardless of your age—to cultivate more excitement about the life you’re living?
