While their peers are settling into predictable routines and closing off to new experiences, these 60-somethings are out-adventuring, out-learning, and out-living people half their age—and neuroscience reveals the surprising daily habits behind their mental vitality.
Ever notice how some people in their 60s seem more vibrant and engaged than folks half their age? While some 40-year-olds are already settling into rigid routines and closing themselves off to new experiences, there are 60-somethings out there learning new languages, starting businesses, and basically living like they've discovered the fountain of youth.
The secret isn't in expensive creams or trendy supplements. It's in the habits and mindsets they've chosen to maintain or develop. After years of observing people across different age groups, both professionally and personally, I've noticed distinct patterns that separate the mentally young from those who age themselves prematurely.
If you're over 60 and still doing these nine things, congratulations. You've cracked the code to staying mentally sharp and emotionally resilient in ways that many younger people haven't figured out yet.
1. You're still learning new skills just for fun
When was the last time you picked up something completely new, just because it sparked your curiosity?
The mentally young don't stop at "good enough." They're the ones signing up for pottery classes, downloading language apps, or teaching themselves to code. Not because they need to, but because their brains still crave that delicious feeling of discovery.
I met a woman at a trail running event last year who started learning the ukulele at 67. She told me, "Everyone thought I was crazy, but now I play at local coffee shops." The joy in her eyes was the same I see in kids discovering they can ride a bike without training wheels.
Research consistently shows that learning new skills creates new neural pathways, keeping our brains flexible and adaptive. But beyond the science, there's something deeply life-affirming about proving to yourself that you're still capable of growth.
2. You question your own beliefs regularly
Do you ever catch yourself thinking, "Maybe I've been wrong about this"?
That willingness to examine and potentially change your long-held beliefs is a hallmark of mental youth. While many people calcify their opinions by middle age, the mentally young understand that wisdom means staying open to new information.
This doesn't mean you have no convictions. It means you're secure enough to test them against new evidence and experiences. You read books that challenge your worldview. You engage in conversations with people who think differently. You're not threatened by the possibility of changing your mind.
3. You embrace technology without fear
"Technology is for young people" might be the most aging belief you can hold.
The mentally young over 60 don't let unfamiliarity intimidate them. They video call their grandkids, use apps to track their fitness goals, and aren't afraid to ask for help when they get stuck. They understand that technology is just a tool, not a generational dividing line.
Sure, you might not be on every social media platform, and you probably don't need to be. But you recognize that staying connected and informed requires adapting to how the world communicates now, not how it did 20 years ago.
4. You maintain genuine curiosity about younger generations
Instead of dismissing younger people with "kids these days," you actually listen to their perspectives.
You ask your younger colleagues about their experiences. You try to understand why they see the world differently instead of immediately judging. This curiosity keeps you connected to the evolving world around you rather than retreating into an echo chamber of your own generation.
When I made my career transition from finance to writing, some of my most valuable insights came from conversations with interns and junior staff. They saw possibilities I'd become blind to after years in the same environment.
5. You're willing to look foolish while trying something new
Remember when you were a kid and falling off your bike was just part of learning to ride?
The mentally young maintain that same relationship with failure and embarrassment. They take dance lessons and laugh when they step on toes. They join hiking groups where everyone else is faster. They start blogs even though they're still figuring out how WordPress works.
As researcher Brené Brown says, "You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot have both."
This willingness to be a beginner again, to fumble and figure things out, keeps you growing instead of stagnating in your comfort zone.
6. You invest in new friendships
Making friends gets harder as we age, but the mentally young don't use that as an excuse to stop trying.
You still put yourself out there. You join clubs, attend community events, strike up conversations with strangers. You understand that new friendships bring fresh energy and perspectives into your life.
Some of the most vibrant 60-somethings I know have friend groups that span decades in age. They're not limiting themselves to people who remember the same TV shows from childhood.
7. You plan future adventures
Your calendar isn't just filled with doctor's appointments and routine obligations.
You're planning that trip to Iceland. You're researching hiking trails for next summer. You've got tickets to concerts six months out. The mentally young always have something on the horizon to look forward to, something that makes them excited about the future rather than nostalgic for the past.
This forward-looking mindset creates a positive feedback loop. Anticipation generates energy, which motivates you to stay healthy and engaged so you can enjoy those future experiences.
8. You admit when you're wrong
Pride and stubbornness age us faster than wrinkles ever could.
The mentally young have learned that being right isn't as important as being connected. They apologize when they mess up. They acknowledge when someone else has a better idea. They change course when presented with better information.
This flexibility in thinking and relating to others keeps relationships fresh and honest. It also models emotional maturity that many people half your age are still struggling to develop.
9. You stay physically active in ways that bring joy
Exercise isn't just about maintaining your body anymore. It's about maintaining your sense of playfulness.
Maybe you've discovered pickleball, or you're taking salsa lessons, or you've joined a walking group that explores different neighborhoods each week. The key is that movement remains connected to pleasure and discovery, not just obligation.
Physical activity releases endorphins and promotes neuroplasticity, but beyond the biology, staying active in enjoyable ways reinforces your identity as someone who still engages fully with life.
Final thoughts
Mental youth isn't about denying your age or trying to act like you're 25. It's about maintaining the qualities that make life rich and meaningful at any age: curiosity, flexibility, courage, and connection.
If you recognize yourself in most of these habits, celebrate that. You've managed to avoid the mental calcification that claims so many people decades younger than you. If you don't see yourself here yet, remember that it's never too late to start. The brain's capacity for change doesn't have an expiration date.
The real fountain of youth isn't a place or a potion. It's a choice you make every day to stay engaged, stay curious, and stay open to all the possibilities that remain, no matter what the calendar says.
