There are people who, even at 65-70 years old, get behind the wheel of a car and remain financially independent. What is their secret? This question concerns not only their peers but also those who have just turned 40.
Maintaining ease of movement, physical strength, an active lifestyle, and a spirited mindset when peers hardly leave their homes and complain about numerous ailments is not just luck, but the result of daily choices we make.
Those who challenge aging and remain independent at 65, 70, or 75 years old — traveling, going to cafes, visiting theaters, and even driving — have something in common. Psychologists say they can be easily distinguished from others — they can do these 10 things.
1. Follow doctors' recommendations
They independently track which pills to take and when, can replenish their medication supplies when they run low. At the same time, they quickly master new tools — using pill organizers and reminder alarms on their smartphones. They ask questions during doctor visits and write down answers, remaining active participants in the process rather than passive recipients of information.
2. Drive a car
They can get behind the wheel even at night or in the rain — and reach their destination without incidents. If you drive at all, that is no small achievement. Our night vision naturally deteriorates, and reaction times slow down. The secret of such individuals lies not only in their spirit and confidence but also in their sensible approach to driving. They control where and when they go — choosing well-lit routes, avoiding rush hour, and sometimes switching to public transport if the weather is a complete disaster.
3. Walk with pleasure
A distance of one or two kilometers may seem small, but it is the gold standard of mobility. Can you walk to the store, stroll through the park without sitting down every few minutes? People who age more slowly than others are not unique; they simply know that consistency is more important than intensity — and daily walks expand their world.
4. Not fail the sit-stand test
This test is scientific — it predicts your longevity. It’s simple to do — sit on the floor and stand up without using your hands or knees. Those who can pass this test at 65-70 years old have maintained core muscle strength and balance. And this is not luck; it is their achievement. Most likely, since around 40-50 years old, they have invested effort into their future independence — for example, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding unhealthy foods, alcohol, and smoking, losing weight, and focusing on health, and so on.
5. Use gadgets and smart devices
People who age later than their peers video call loved ones, pay bills online, find audiobooks in apps, and watch podcasts. Those over 65-70 do not necessarily love digital technology, but they do not let it intimidate them. They may ask their grandchildren for help with a new messenger and then practice to reinforce the skill. Each new app mastered is another way to stay modern and sharp-minded in a changing world.
6. Take care of the house and garden
If at your age you continue to tend to flower beds, plant carrots and zucchini, your abilities deserve appreciation. If you do household chores yourself — keeping things clean and tidy, caring for the comfort of your space, it means you are quite capable of taking care of yourself.
7. Learn something new
The saying "you can’t teach an old dog new tricks," often repeated by those resigned to their age, is absolutely inapplicable to people. The ability to remain a student in life, to be ready to acquire new knowledge can be called the greatest gift we can give to our aging minds. Really, why not learn to knit and sew if you didn’t know how, to draw, play the piano, or study a foreign language? It only seems difficult. You just have to start.
8. Travel independently
The ability to navigate an airport or train station, adapt to a new environment without losing composure requires physical endurance, sharpness of mind, and emotional resilience. Those over 65 who still travel alone or with friends have preserved precious independence. They are confident in their abilities and ready for surprises.
9. Maintain social connections
True friendship for older adults requires real physical effort — remembering birthdays, not forgetting to call, planning meetings, and sometimes holding back if the conversational partner is in a bad mood and venting.
It is a real challenge to maintain warm relationships with those who, with age, may only talk about their diagnoses.
10. Make their own financial decisions
Independence in financial matters — the ability to manage income, pay bills on time, plan expenses, and even save for a rainy day, indicates a high level of cognitive abilities, even if you have celebrated your 70th birthday. And if you can read the "fine print," recognize a scammer by the first words on the phone, and hang up immediately, you deserve a standing ovation.
If you are over 65 and meet most of these criteria, that’s wonderful — you have preserved not only physical health but also independence — cognitive, social, emotional, and practical.
