Psychology says women who still receive compliments well into their 70s often display these 7 daily habits

Have you ever noticed how some women seem to glow with confidence well into their golden years?

I was at the farmer's market last weekend when I witnessed something beautiful. A woman, easily in her seventies, was selecting tomatoes when a younger vendor complimented her vibrant scarf. Her whole face lit up as she graciously thanked him, shared where she found it, and ended up in a delightful conversation about sustainable fashion. What struck me wasn't just that she received the compliment, but how naturally she accepted it, like she'd been doing it her whole life.

It got me thinking about the women I know who still turn heads and receive genuine compliments decades after society tells us we become "invisible." There's something different about them, something that goes beyond good genes or expensive skincare.

According to psychology research, women who continue to receive compliments well into their later years share certain daily habits that keep them vibrant, engaged, and magnetically confident. These aren't complicated routines or expensive treatments. They're simple, intentional practices anyone can adopt.

Let me share what the research reveals about these remarkable women.

1. They prioritize movement that brings them joy

Here's what fascinates me: these women don't punish themselves at the gym. Instead, they've found ways to move their bodies that actually make them happy.

When I discovered trail running at 28, it completely changed my relationship with exercise. Before that, I'd force myself through workouts I dreaded. Now, those 20-30 miles I run each week? They're my therapy, my adventure time, my connection with nature all rolled into one.

Research shows that regular aerobic exercise boosts the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. But here's the kicker: the benefits are strongest when we actually enjoy what we're doing.

These ageless women dance in their kitchens, swim in the ocean, practice tai chi in the park, or walk their dogs with genuine enthusiasm. They've learned that joyful movement shows on your face, in your posture, and in the energy you radiate. People notice that vitality, and yes, they comment on it.

2. They cultivate genuine curiosity about others

You know what's incredibly attractive at any age? Someone who's genuinely interested in other people's stories.

The women who receive compliments throughout their lives have mastered the art of being present with others. They ask follow-up questions. They remember details from previous conversations. They make people feel seen and heard.

This isn't about being nosy or gossipy. It's about authentic connection. When you show real interest in others, they naturally warm to you. They notice your engaged eyes, your animated expressions, your enthusiastic responses. And they can't help but comment on how wonderful you are to talk with.

I've noticed this in my own life. When I put down my phone and really listen to someone, when I ask about their passion project or their grandkids, the energy shifts. The conversation becomes richer, and often ends with them saying something like, "You're such a joy to talk to!"

3. They practice gratitude without making it a performance

Every evening, I write in my gratitude journal. I was skeptical at first, thinking it was just another self-help trend. But now? It's become as essential as brushing my teeth.

Women who age gracefully have this habit of noticing and appreciating life's small pleasures. They thank the barista for the perfectly made coffee. They notice the effort someone put into their outfit. They express genuine appreciation for everyday kindnesses.

This isn't toxic positivity or fake cheerfulness. It's a genuine practice of noticing what's good, even on tough days. And here's what happens: when you radiate genuine gratitude, people are drawn to your warmth. They compliment your positive energy, your infectious smile, your uplifting presence.

4. They maintain their personal style with confidence

These women refuse to become invisible. They don't dress to hide or apologize for their age. Instead, they've developed a personal style that feels authentic and makes them feel fantastic.

This doesn't mean wearing youth-oriented fashion or spending fortunes on clothing. It means knowing what colors make your skin glow, what silhouettes make you feel powerful, what accessories express your personality. It means wearing that bold lipstick if it makes you happy, or those funky earrings that spark conversations.

Psychology professor Karen Pine's research found that what we wear directly impacts our psychological processes. When we dress in a way that makes us feel confident, we actually become more confident. And confidence? That's something people compliment at any age.

5. They keep learning and growing

Nothing ages us faster than deciding we're done learning. The women who receive compliments into their seventies and beyond are perpetual students of life.

They join book clubs, take pottery classes, learn new languages, master new technologies. They're the ones asking their grandkids to explain TikTok trends, not because they need to be young, but because they're genuinely curious about the world.

I think about my daily meditation practice. My analytical mind initially rejected it as "too woo-woo," but I stayed curious. Now, that daily practice has transformed how I show up in the world. People often comment on my calm presence, something that definitely wasn't true in my corporate days.

6. They nurture their relationships intentionally

These women understand that relationships require tending, like gardens. They remember birthdays, check in on friends going through tough times, and make time for the people who matter.

But here's the crucial part: they also prune toxic relationships. They've learned to say no to energy vampires and yes to people who reciprocate their care. This selective nurturing means they're surrounded by people who appreciate them, see them, and yes, compliment them regularly.

A Harvard study spanning over 80 years found that the quality of our relationships is the strongest predictor of happiness and health as we age. These women instinctively understand this. They invest in relationships that uplift them.

7. They practice self-compassion daily

Perhaps most importantly, these women have learned to be gentle with themselves. They don't berate themselves for wrinkles or gray hair. They don't apologize for taking up space or having opinions.

When I take my photography walks, slowing down to notice details I'd normally rush past, I'm practicing a form of self-compassion. I'm giving myself permission to move at my own pace, to find beauty in unexpected places, to be present without productivity pressure.

Women who age beautifully talk to themselves like they would a dear friend. They celebrate their bodies for what they can do, not punish them for how they look. This self-compassion radiates outward. When you're at peace with yourself, others sense it. They're drawn to that self-assurance and often express it through compliments.

Final thoughts

After my father's heart attack at 68, I became even more grateful for leaving corporate stress behind. It reinforced something I'd been learning: how we live each day matters more than any anti-aging cream or procedure.

The women who receive compliments well into their seventies aren't trying to look thirty. They're fully inhabiting their age with grace, vitality, and joy. They've discovered that when you live with curiosity, gratitude, and self-compassion, when you move joyfully and connect authentically, you become magnetic at any age.

These seven habits aren't about receiving more compliments, really. They're about living in a way that makes you feel vibrant and engaged with life. The compliments? They're just a natural side effect of that radiance.

Start with one habit. See how it feels. Because the truth is, you're never too young or too old to begin cultivating the kind of presence that makes people stop and take notice.