{"id":21198,"date":"2025-10-25T09:00:03","date_gmt":"2025-10-25T13:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/?p=21198"},"modified":"2025-10-25T09:00:03","modified_gmt":"2025-10-25T13:00:03","slug":"jeffrey-stokes-professor-at-the-university-of-massachusetts-boston-70-is-a-great-time-to-try-something-new","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/psychology\/personal-development-and-self-help\/jeffrey-stokes-professor-at-the-university-of-massachusetts-boston-70-is-a-great-time-to-try-something-new-21198\/","title":{"rendered":"Jeffrey Stokes, professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston: “70 is a great time to try something new”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Reaching 70 today looks very different from what it did a generation ago. Many people in their seventies are still working, traveling, volunteering<\/strong><\/a>, or even starting new ventures.<\/p>\n

According to Jeffrey Stokes, an associate professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston who studies aging, this stage of life has shifted dramatically<\/strong>. “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.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong>. Here, we’ll look at what Stokes says about aging in today’s world<\/strong><\/a> and explore ways older adults can embrace new experiences while staying active, healthy, and fulfilled.<\/p>\n

Why 70 is a time for new beginnings<\/h2>\n

Jeffrey Stokes believes that entering your seventies is not an ending but a transition\u2014one full of potential for growth and reinvention. “Seventy is a great time for somebody to try something new”, he says.<\/p>\n

People in their seventies today are often more independent, socially engaged, and physically capable<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong><\/a> or hypertension become more common, the range of health and vitality among people this age is wide<\/strong>. “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.<\/p>\n

According to Stokes, this generation of older adults also benefits from changing attitudes about aging<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

What to try in your seventies<\/h2>\n

Inspired by Stokes’s message, many experts suggest trying new things in your seventies. Here are a few ways to start:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Try a new form of movement<\/strong>. Activities like tai chi, swimming, or gentle yoga improve balance, flexibility, and coordination.<\/li>\n
  2. Learn something new<\/strong>. Taking a class at a community center or online keeps the brain active and sharp.<\/li>\n
  3. Volunteer or mentor<\/strong>. Giving your time and experience not only benefits others but also boosts your emotional well-being and helps you maintain social engagement.<\/li>\n
  4. Explore creative outlets<\/strong>. Painting, gardening, writing, or music can reduce stress and improve your mood while offering a sense of accomplishment.<\/li>\n
  5. Travel or explore locally<\/strong>. New environments challenge the senses, encourage adaptability, and provide that sense of adventure.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Reaching 70 today looks very different from what it did a generation ago. Many people in their seventies are still … <\/p>\n

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