At 60 if you can still do these 7 things, you are winning at life

I remember meeting someone in their early 60s who radiated a kind of energy that felt almost childlike. He had stories about learning new skills, maintaining old friendships, and even jumping into new adventures without fear of looking silly.

It made me think, “Isn’t that the sort of life we all want, no matter how old we are?”

I’m not 60 yet, but the more I observe people who thrive in their later decades, the more I realize that it’s less about chasing youth and more about keeping life fresh.

That spark doesn’t have to fade when you hit a certain age. In fact, I believe that by the time you reach 60, you’ve earned the right to dive headfirst into what truly matters: meaningful connections, curiosity, and habits that keep the mind and body engaged.

If, at 60, you’re still able to do the seven things I’m about to share, I think you’re doing a stellar job at living your best life.

1) Keep your sense of curiosity

Personal trainer and author Tony Horton once said that staying curious is the secret to a  healthier life.

True enough, one of the most inspiring habits I see in people who continue to thrive into their 60s and beyond is an insatiable sense of curiosity.

Even if it’s something as simple as picking up a new hobby or signing up for an online class, a willingness to explore keeps your mind active and your spirit buoyant.

This doesn’t have to be rocket science—maybe you start learning a new language through an app or enroll in a gardening workshop. The point is, you embrace the mindset that there’s always something left to discover.

2) Stay physically active

I grew up around a father who was a coach, so the importance of staying active has been drilled into my head from a young age.

Still, it’s easy to let fitness slide as the years pass—aches and pains can begin to pop up, and that can dampen motivation.

But I’ve met so many older adults who defy the stereotype that retirement equals sedentary living. They might take brisk walks, do water aerobics, or practice light yoga.

It doesn’t matter if they’re not running marathons; what matters is they keep moving consistently.

Physical activity at 60 isn’t just about strengthening muscles. It’s also a mood booster and stress reliever.

When I work with clients, I encourage them to choose activities they genuinely enjoy.

If hiking is your thing, go for it. If dancing brings you joy, do it more often.

The key is to find a routine that doesn’t feel like punishment.

By staying physically active, you not only protect your body but also maintain a zest for life that shines through in everything you do.

3) Nurture meaningful relationships

I used to be under the impression that achievement was all about working hard in isolation. Over time, I’ve learned it’s the relationships we have that ultimately feed our sense of well-being.

Research backs this up — according to experts, strong relationships do lead to better health and wellbeing.

When I see people in their 60s who are truly thriving, they tend to have a solid network of friends, family members, or community groups that they can rely on.

And these connections aren’t superficial—they’re the real, heart-to-heart kind where you can share both your joys and struggles.

Nurturing relationships means making time for people who matter, even if it’s just a phone call or a casual lunch.

It also means staying open to new friends. Sometimes, we assume we’ve “found our people” and don’t make room for fresh connections.

But life can still bring us wonderful surprises, even after 60. If you’re still forming and cherishing bonds at this stage of life, you’re building a support system that often feels like a secret superpower.

As psychologist Esther Perel said, “The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.”

4) Embrace new experiences and technology

I know the digital world can feel overwhelming. Even in my 30s, I sometimes struggle to keep up with the latest social media platform or gadget.

But I’ve witnessed individuals in their 60s who adapt brilliantly to changing technology—maybe they start video chatting with their grandkids or even launch an online side hustle.

The ability to incorporate new experiences, whether they’re digital or otherwise, keeps the mind flexible and engaged.

It’s not just about using fancy gadgets for the sake of it. Embracing newness can also mean trying different cuisines, traveling to places you’ve never been, or learning a skill you once thought was out of reach.

The point is to remain open rather than fearful.

When people in their 60s show me their newly downloaded meditation app or talk about an online community they joined, I see how this willingness to step outside comfort zones sparks a youthful energy that’s downright contagious.

5) Maintain a playful spirit

I’ll admit there have been times when I’ve been too serious about my goals—too obsessed with checking off achievements to notice the simple joys around me.

But now I think playfulness is underrated. I’m always impressed when I see folks who aren’t afraid to let loose and laugh at themselves, even (or especially) after 60.

Maybe they’re cracking jokes, playing board games with grandchildren, or trying a silly TikTok dance just for fun.

Being playful isn’t about ignoring responsibilities or pretending life has no challenges. It’s more about reminding ourselves that joy is available in small moments.

Even if your knees creak a little when you try a new dance move, if you’re laughing while you’re doing it, you’re tapping into a sense of aliveness that many people forget once adulthood comes knocking.

That sparkle of fun can keep you feeling lighthearted, even when life throws inevitable curveballs.

6) Practice gratitude and mindfulness

Another thing I’ve noticed in older people who have a glow about them is that they don’t take blessings for granted.

At 60 or beyond, looking around and appreciating your journey—both the highs and the lows—can make each day feel richer.

Mindfulness can be as simple as savoring your coffee in the morning without rushing, or deliberately listening to a friend’s story without getting lost in your own thoughts.

This kind of awareness can be practiced at any age, but it’s especially rewarding later in life, when you have a wealth of experiences to reflect on.

If you can still remain present and grateful well into your 60s, you’ll find that peace of mind is easier to maintain, even in uncertain times.

7) Continue setting goals

Lastly, setting goals isn’t reserved for the young or for high-powered career types. At any point in life, having something to aim for can add purpose to our days.

I recently chatted with someone who, in her 60s, decided to go back to school part-time to finish a degree she’d put on hold decades ago.

She was beaming with enthusiasm—not because she had big career plans, but because the act of pursuing a goal gave her a sense of direction.

Goals don’t have to be monumental. They can be personal milestones like improving your cooking skills, mastering a new game, or volunteering for a cause that lights you up.

The main idea, again, is to keep growing, keep dreaming, and keep taking small steps forward.

If you can still do that at 60, you’re sustaining a momentum that makes life feel meaningful and adventurous, no matter what your birth certificate says.

Conclusion

It’s easy to assume that by 60, you might have seen it all and done it all. But in truth, life offers infinite opportunities to learn, connect, and evolve.

Whenever I look at people who maintain their spark well beyond what society labels as “middle age,” I’m reminded that getting older isn’t a sentence—it’s an invitation to deepen our experiences and refine what truly matters.

If you’re 60 and still committed to the habits on this list, then in my book, you’re absolutely winning. You’re showing the rest of us that it’s possible to age with both grace and gusto.

And for those of us who aren’t there yet, your example is a powerful reminder that the future can be as bright as we choose to make it.