For generations, many people viewed age 65 as the beginning of old age. Retirement often marked a major life transition, and society frequently associated growing older with slowing down. Today, however, researchers and health experts are challenging those assumptions. In fact, many now believe that 70 may be the new 60.
Why the change? People are living longer, healthier, and more active lives than previous generations. Advances in medicine, improved nutrition, better access to healthcare, and increased awareness of healthy lifestyles have helped many retirees remain physically and mentally engaged well into their seventies and beyond.
Consider what retirement looks like today. Many retirees continue traveling, volunteering, learning new skills, exercising regularly, and staying involved with family and community activities. Some even begin second careers or launch new hobbies after retirement. These activities would have been far less common among older adults just a few decades ago.
Researchers are increasingly focusing on “functional age” rather than simply counting birthdays. Functional age refers to how well a person is able to perform daily activities, maintain independence, and enjoy a good quality of life. Two individuals may both be 70 years old, but one may have the energy and health of someone much younger while the other faces greater physical challenges.
This shift in thinking offers an encouraging message for retirees. Rather than viewing aging as a period of decline, many experts now see it as a stage of continued growth, learning, and opportunity.
That doesn’t mean aging comes without challenges. Changes in sleep patterns, mobility, memory, and energy levels are common. However, retirees who focus on healthy habits can often maintain their independence and vitality for many years.
Five Ways to Age Well
- Stay physically active through walking, stretching, or exercise.
- Maintain strong social connections with friends and family.
- Challenge your mind through reading, puzzles, or learning new skills.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Schedule regular health screenings and preventive care visits.
Growing older is inevitable, but how we age is influenced by the choices we make every day. Today’s retirees are redefining what it means to grow older. For many, age 70 is no longer viewed as the beginning of old age—it is simply another chapter filled with possibilities.
The future of aging may look very different than previous generations imagined, and that is good news for retirees everywhere.
Dale Koch, Director
Aging Information Committee
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