In September 26, 2026, my next-door neighbor passed away last year, just a few weeks before her 100th birthday. Up until the day she passed, her mind was very clear, able to recite the name of every grandchild and their stories all in one breath, just like people half her age.
When I asked her about the secret to staying healthy, her response surprised me: she had never intentionally exercised in her life. She also mentioned she wasn’t good at cooking and loved snacks. When I inquired if she made an effort to eat healthily, she chuckled and said, “Oh, no, I never did that.”
Not everyone is as fortunate. The reality is, on average, most people’s aging process more or less aligns with expectations, depending on their life choices and how they take care of themselves.
I’m not an expert in aging, but I have always been interested in longevity, believing that by observing elderly individuals and public figures, one can learn a lot.
Based on my observations, the following five habits seem to be associated with individuals who maintain sharp minds in their later years:
I gradually came to believe that the stronger the sense of purpose, the longer one can go. The scientific principles behind it must be complex, but the connection seems simple. Those with a strong life mission, who know deeply why they exist, approach life differently from those who drift aimlessly. Finding a mission and pursuing it wholeheartedly is the advice I most want to emphasize in this list.
Simply seeking novelty is not enough. Those who remain mentally active in their later years engage in activities that may seem challenging but bring them joy. They step out of their comfort zone, embracing the challenges of new activities. I often see children try new things, fail, then try again, but as people age, they tend to stick to what is familiar. Perhaps the key to staying young is to embrace a bit more of a childlike curiosity.
My neighbor had a close relationship with her family, who visited her often. She took the time to understand her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, participating in their lives as much as her physical condition allowed. Even my young children enjoyed visiting her because she always had snacks and toys, creating a warm atmosphere in her home. Being able to integrate oneself into a community is a common trait I observed in gracefully aging individuals.
A sharp mind requires ongoing stimulation to stay in good condition. Before retirement, many people’s jobs provided daily mental “exercise.” However, after retirement, they may not realize that their brains are faced with fewer challenges. Those who can slow down the aging process often choose one of two paths—either never fully retire or engage in hobbies and interests that provide a similar level of mental exercise. Regardless of the path chosen, the old saying “use it or lose it” still applies.
A healthy body is essential for maintaining good mental health, which is almost self-evident. Although my neighbor claimed she never exercised in her life, she was still very active, frequently tending to her garden outdoors well into her 90s. She rarely slowed down, often using a walker until her final days, suggesting a close relationship between physical endurance and mental acuity.
Not everyone desires to live to 100. Even my cheerful neighbor admitted feeling weary and ready to depart this world, as her faith assured her that better days lay ahead. Regardless, we all hope to make the most of the years we are given and strive to maintain mental clarity until the very end. While one cannot guarantee good health, like any investment, you can increase the odds by making wiser choices. In my view, the habits listed are a good starting point.
**Translation from original article:**
5 Habits of People Who Stay Sharp as They Age