While my peers complain about aching joints and fading energy, I'm running through the humid streets of Saigon at 70, feeling more alive than I did two decades ago — and the secret isn't what you'd expect.
Below is an adapted letter from a follower of VegOut who kindly wrote in to share their experience of life after 70 and the meaningful changes they've made along the way.
You know what's funny? While most people my age are settling into retirement routines and slowing down, I'm experiencing something completely different. My 70s have become the most vibrant, energetic, and fulfilling decade of my life.
I watch friends struggle with declining health, fading enthusiasm, and a general sense of winding down. Meanwhile, I wake up each morning with more energy than I had in my 50s. The difference isn't genetics or luck. It's about the choices I make every single day.
Movement is medicine, not punishment
Here's what I've discovered: consistency beats intensity every time. While my peers are either pushing themselves too hard at the gym once a week or avoiding exercise altogether, I've found a sweet spot.
I run regularly, even in the tropical heat when I'm traveling through places like Saigon or Singapore. But here's the thing: I don't run to prove anything or chase personal records. I run because movement is medicine for both body and mind.
Some days I run for 20 minutes, other days just 10. The duration doesn't matter as much as showing up. This approach has kept me injury-free while my friends who go all-out on weekends are nursing sore knees and bad backs.
The heat and discomfort have become my mindfulness tools. Instead of fighting the sensations, I use them to stay present. Each step, each breath becomes an anchor to the moment.
The meditation habit that changed everything
I meditate daily, though the length varies wildly. Sometimes it's 5 minutes while my coffee brews, sometimes 30 minutes in the early morning quiet.
Most people think meditation needs to be this perfect, hour-long practice in complete silence. That's why they never stick with it. I learned that meditating briefly every day beats doing it perfectly once a week.
This practice has given me something crucial: the ability to observe my thoughts without getting swept away by them. When my peers complain about anxiety, racing thoughts, or trouble sleeping, I realize how much this simple habit has protected my mental health.
Staying curious when others become set in their ways
Have you noticed how many people become increasingly rigid as they age? They stop learning, stop questioning, stop growing.
I've gone the opposite direction. I read more books now than I did in my 40s. I'm learning new technologies, exploring different philosophies, and constantly challenging my own assumptions.
Last month, I taught myself to use a new video editing app. The month before, I dove into quantum physics just because it fascinated me. This intellectual curiosity keeps my brain sharp and engaged.
Psychology Today recently published something interesting by licensed psychologist Michele Leno. She noted that "personality traits are nuanced, and they depend on you as a person." This resonates deeply with me. We're not locked into becoming a certain way just because of our age.
Building connections instead of withdrawing
Social isolation is a killer in later life. I've watched too many friends gradually withdraw from social activities, making excuses about being too tired or not feeling up to it.
I do the opposite. I actively seek new connections and nurture existing relationships. I join new groups, attend events, and make an effort to meet people from different generations.
Young people keep me current and energized. Their perspectives challenge my thinking and prevent me from getting stuck in outdated mindsets. Meanwhile, connecting with peers who share my active approach to aging creates a supportive community.
Dr. Leno also writes that "family dynamics, parenting styles, socioeconomic status, and individual characteristics also play significant roles" in shaping who we become. At 70, I'm still being shaped by the people I choose to surround myself with.
Embracing discomfort as growth
Comfort is overrated, especially as we age. The more we coddle ourselves, the weaker and more fragile we become.
I deliberately seek out manageable discomfort. Cold showers, challenging hikes, learning frustrating new skills. Each small challenge builds resilience and proves to myself that I'm still capable of growth.
When I struggle with something new, I remind myself that this discomfort is exactly what keeps me young. It's what separates me from peers who've chosen the easy path of least resistance.
Purpose beyond myself
Retirement shouldn't mean retiring from purpose. While many of my friends focus solely on leisure activities, I've found that contributing to something bigger than myself gives me energy.
I mentor younger professionals, volunteer for causes I care about, and continue writing to share what I've learned. This sense of purpose gets me out of bed each morning with enthusiasm rather than obligation.
Letting go of what doesn't serve me
One advantage of being 70? I've stopped caring about impressing people or meeting others' expectations. This freedom is incredibly liberating.
I've let go of grudges, toxic relationships, and activities that drain rather than energize me. Life's too short, and at this age, I'm acutely aware of that fact.
As Dr. Leno wisely points out, "Every individual is unique, and a complex interplay of various factors shapes their personality and behavior." I've stopped comparing myself to others and focus on my own unique path.
Final words
The difference between me and my peers who are slowing down isn't about superior genes or special circumstances. It's about daily choices and mindset.
Every morning, I choose movement over stillness, curiosity over complacency, connection over isolation. I choose to see aging as an opportunity for continued growth rather than inevitable decline.
Your 70s don't have to be about winding down. They can be about finally having the wisdom, time, and freedom to live fully. The key is refusing to accept the narrative that aging means diminishing.
Start where you are. Pick one area to focus on. Maybe it's daily movement, maybe it's meditation, maybe it's reconnecting with your sense of purpose. Small, consistent actions compound over time.
The best years of your life aren't behind you. With the right approach, they might just be happening right now.
