5 daily habits that will keep you looking and feeling young into your 60s and beyond

Let me tell you something—I’m nowhere near 60, but I think about aging all the time.

Maybe it’s because I’m watching my parents navigate their 60s and 70s, or maybe it’s because I’ve become obsessed with the idea that how we live today directly impacts how we’ll feel decades from now.

Anyway, here’s what I’ve noticed: some people seem to age gracefully, staying vibrant and energetic well into their later years, while others seem to lose their spark much earlier.

And the difference isn’t just genetics—it’s the small, daily choices they make.

Today, I want to share five daily practices that can help you maintain your vitality, energy, and youthful glow well into your 60s and beyond. These aren’t just theories—they’re backed by science and practiced by people who are aging like fine wine.

1. Move your body every single day

As noted by Linda P. Fried, dean of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, “Exercise is the closest thing we’ve found to a magic pill for combating the effects of aging.” 

Regular movement doesn’t just keep your muscles strong—it improves circulation, boosts mental clarity, and literally slows down cellular aging.

The key is finding something you actually enjoy. Maybe it’s a 20-minute walk around your neighborhood, dancing to your favorite songs, or doing some yoga stretches.

I’ve made it a point to walk every morning, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. It’s not about intensity—it’s about consistency.

Your future self will thank you for every step you take today.

2. Protect your skin like it’s precious

Here’s something that shocked me when I first learned it: “exposure to UV radiation is the primary factor of extrinsic skin aging; it accounts for about 80% of facial aging“.

Eighty percent. Let that sink in.

This means that most of the wrinkles, age spots, and sagging we associate with getting older isn’t actually from time passing—it’s from sun damage.

The fix is surprisingly simple: wear sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy. I keep a bottle by my bathroom sink and apply it right after brushing my teeth.

Find a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, so you’ll actually use it consistently.

And if you’re thinking “I’m already past my teens, what’s the point?”—well, it’s never too late to start protecting what you have left.

Your skin has an incredible ability to repair itself when you give it the chance.

3. Prioritize sleep like your life depends on it

I used to wear sleep deprivation like a badge of honor. Late nights, early mornings, running on caffeine and pure willpower.

Then I realized I was basically aging myself in fast-forward.

As Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Berkeley, has noted,  “Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day.” 

Skip sleep, and you’re skipping your body’s natural maintenance cycle.

Now, I’ve made it non-negotiable to get 7-8 hours of sleep most nights. I dim the lights an hour before bed, put my phone in another room, and keep my bedroom cool.

The difference in how I look and feel is night and day—literally.

4. Get outside regularly

Here’s something I’ve noticed about people who seem to age well—they spend time outdoors.

Not just vacations or weekend hikes, but regular, consistent time in nature.

There’s actually research backing this up. It shows spending at least a couple hours a week outside in nature is linked to better health and feeling good overall.

That’s just 17 minutes a day. Pretty doable, right?

I’ve talked about this before, but there’s something magical about stepping outside and disconnecting from the digital world, even briefly.

Whether it’s eating lunch in a park, taking calls while walking outside, or just sitting on your balcony with morning coffee, those moments in nature can reduce stress and boost your mood.

I make it a point to step outside every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Sometimes it’s a proper walk, other times it’s literally just standing in my backyard.

Your mind and body crave that connection with the natural world.

5. Stay curious and keep learning

There’s something magnetic about people who remain genuinely curious as they age. They’re the ones who still light up when they discover something new or dive deep into topics that fascinate them.

Mental stimulation isn’t just good for your brain—it shows up in how you carry yourself and interact with the world.

I’ve watched my parents navigate this differently. The ones who stay engaged with new ideas, whether it’s learning a language, picking up a hobby, or simply asking thoughtful questions, seem to maintain a youthful energy that’s impossible to fake.

Your brain is like a muscle—use it or lose it. Some research even suggests that later life education can delay dementia. 

This doesn’t mean you need to go back to school or master complex skills. Read books that challenge you, have conversations with people who think differently, try cooking a new cuisine, or learn to use that app your younger colleagues keep talking about.

The goal isn’t to become an expert at everything. It’s to maintain that spark of curiosity that keeps you growing instead of just getting older.

Final words

Look, I’m not pretending these five habits are revolutionary or that they’ll turn back time completely.

But here’s what I know: the people who truly age well don’t rely on expensive creams or complicated routines. They focus on the fundamentals—moving their bodies, protecting their skin, sleeping well, spending time in nature, and staying mentally engaged.

The beauty of these habits is that they don’t require a complete life overhaul. You can start with just one and build from there.

Maybe you begin by setting a daily walk reminder on your phone, or by placing sunscreen next to your toothbrush.

I think about my future 60-year-old self often, and I want him to thank me for the choices I’m making today. Not because I was perfect, but because I was consistent with the things that actually matter.

Your future self is also counting on the decisions you make right now. As far as I can see, these five habits are some of the best investments you can make in that person.

Start small. But start.