Reaching 70 today looks very different from what it did a generation ago. Many people in their seventies are still working, traveling, volunteering, or even starting new ventures.
According to Jeffrey Stokes, an associate professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston who studies aging, this stage of life has shifted dramatically. “Many transitions that are happening now at 70 are the types of transitions people in previous generations might have experienced in their early 60s”, he says.
Longer lifespans, better healthcare, and changing lifestyles are redefining what it means to grow older. Seventy is no longer seen as a time of slowing down but rather an opportunity to rethink what the next decade might bring. Here, we’ll look at what Stokes says about aging in today’s world and explore ways older adults can embrace new experiences while staying active, healthy, and fulfilled.
Why 70 is a time for new beginnings
Jeffrey Stokes believes that entering your seventies is not an ending but a transition—one full of potential for growth and reinvention. “Seventy is a great time for somebody to try something new”, he says.
People in their seventies today are often more independent, socially engaged, and physically capable than those of earlier generations. Many are delaying retirement, becoming grandparents later, or pursuing hobbies and passions they once set aside. The decade is marked by a mix of stability and freedom: the responsibilities of midlife begin to ease, and people finally have the time and perspective to focus on what matters to them.
Health experts agree that aging well in your seventies is about balance. Dr. Mark Lachs, chief of geriatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine, notes that while conditions like arthritis or hypertension become more common, the range of health and vitality among people this age is wide. “You can see 70-year-olds who look like they are 50 and 70-year-olds who look like they’re 90”, he explains. The difference often comes down to lifestyle choices.
According to Stokes, this generation of older adults also benefits from changing attitudes about aging. Today, it’s more acceptable and encouraged to start over at any age. Whether it’s picking up a new language, adopting a pet, or learning to paint, these activities stimulate both mind and body, fostering a sense of curiosity and purpose that’s essential for mental health.
What to try in your seventies
Inspired by Stokes’s message, many experts suggest trying new things in your seventies. Here are a few ways to start:
- Try a new form of movement. Activities like tai chi, swimming, or gentle yoga improve balance, flexibility, and coordination.
- Learn something new. Taking a class at a community center or online keeps the brain active and sharp.
- Volunteer or mentor. Giving your time and experience not only benefits others but also boosts your emotional well-being and helps you maintain social engagement.
- Explore creative outlets. Painting, gardening, writing, or music can reduce stress and improve your mood while offering a sense of accomplishment.
- Travel or explore locally. New environments challenge the senses, encourage adaptability, and provide that sense of adventure.
The seventies can be a deeply rewarding decade for those willing to embrace change and curiosity. As Stokes puts it, it can be the perfect time to start something new.