Women who look effortlessly youthful into their 60s and beyond usually display these 5 habits

We’ve all met women who seem to glow with vitality well into their 60s, 70s, and even beyond.

Their secret?

It’s not just about good genes or expensive skincare products—it’s usually the result of small, consistent habits that keep both body and mind strong.

The good news is that these habits aren’t reserved for the lucky few. They’re practical, science-backed, and accessible to anyone who wants to age with grace and energy.

Let’s get into them.

1. They protect their skin from UV damage

You can’t talk about youthful-looking women without mentioning how they treat their skin.

As noted by experts, “exposure to UV radiation is the primary factor of extrinsic skin aging; it accounts for about 80% of facial aging.” That’s a huge percentage—and it shows just how much of a difference protection makes.

I still remember a client of mine in her late 60s who looked like she had the skin of someone twenty years younger. Her secret? She never left the house without sunscreen, even on cloudy days, and she wore hats like they were part of her uniform.

Compare that to women who spent decades sunbathing without protection—there’s often a visible difference.

Protecting your skin doesn’t have to be complicated:

• Apply sunscreen daily.

• Use sunglasses to avoid squinting wrinkles.

• Cover up when the sun is strongest.

It’s less about vanity and more about preservation. Healthy skin is youthful skin, and this is one habit that pays off more and more with age.

2. They exercise consistently to maintain cellular youth

Exercise isn’t just about keeping your weight in check or fitting into a certain dress size. It’s literally about slowing the clock inside your cells.

Yes, research by professor Larry Tucker suggests that individuals who consistently engage in vigorous exercise can have cells that are as much as nine years younger than those of people who lead sedentary lives.

When I went through a period of skipping exercise because of work stress, I felt sluggish and older than my years. But when I reintroduced simple habits like yoga in the morning or evening walks, it was like a switch flipped—I had more energy, better posture, and even clearer skin.

The women who remain effortlessly youthful don’t treat exercise as punishment. They weave it into their lives. 

It’s not about being a gym rat. It’s about consistency and choosing movement that feels good. That’s what keeps the body—and the spirit—young.

3. They make time for relaxation and rest

Here’s something many people underestimate: rest is just as important as activity when it comes to aging well.

Researchers have noted that “people exposed to chronic stress age rapidly.” Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it shows up in your skin, your hair, and even how your body heals itself.

I see this all the time with clients who’ve burned themselves out with careers or caregiving. They often look—and feel—years older than their peers who prioritized downtime.

The women who stay youthful know how to recharge. It could be:

• A nightly ritual of reading before bed.

• Afternoon naps.

• Meditation or deep-breathing exercises.

• Simply saying no to commitments that drain them.

Rest isn’t laziness—it’s an essential habit that allows the body to repair and rejuvenate. And when you see women who carry a calm, rested energy about them, it shows in every line of their face.

4. They avoid smoking and harmful lifestyle choices

This might sound obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing: nothing ages you faster than smoking and reckless lifestyle choices.

As noted by WebMD, “Smoking changes the skin, teeth, and hair in ways that can add years to your looks.”

And it’s not just smoking—excessive drinking, poor diet, and neglecting basic self-care have negative effects.

The youthful women we admire usually live with a sense of moderation:

• They may enjoy wine but don’t overindulge.

• They treat food as fuel, not just comfort.

• They make healthy swaps (water over soda, whole foods over processed snacks).

It’s not about perfection. It’s about cutting out the habits that speed up the clock—and embracing the ones that give your body the chance to thrive.

5. They maintain strong social connections

Last but not least, social connection is one of the most powerful longevity tools we have, and yet it’s often overlooked.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development—the world’s longest study on happiness and health—has consistently found that strong relationships are the single biggest predictor of well-being and longevity.

I think about my own grandmother here. She lived into her 80s, but what kept her vibrant wasn’t just her morning walks or her balanced diet. It was her weekly bridge games, Sunday dinners with the family, and her endless curiosity about other people’s lives.

Loneliness ages us. Community revitalizes us.

Strong social ties don’t just keep your mind sharp—they boost mood, reduce stress, and encourage healthier habits overall.

Final thoughts

There’s no single magic bullet when it comes to aging well. The women who look and feel youthful in their 60s and beyond usually build their lives on a foundation of protective, energizing, and meaningful habits.

They protect their skin, they move their bodies, they rest deeply, they avoid harmful choices, and they keep their social lives alive.

Notice how none of these require expensive treatments or impossible routines. They’re small but powerful practices, repeated day after day, year after year.

If you want to look and feel your best—not just for a season, but for decades to come—it’s never too late to start doing better today.