Hey there, Tina Fey here (no, not that Tina Fey—though I still think I’m pretty funny). I’m the founder of Love Connection and a proud full-time writer at Blog Herald.
Over the years, I’ve thrown myself into researching psychology and self-improvement because, let’s face it, life’s more fun when you’re on a constant quest to become the best (and most youthful-looking) version of yourself.
Some people just have this glow, right? You look at them and think, “No way are they 60! They must be 40… tops.”
Often, these individuals swear they haven’t discovered the Fountain of Youth. They just maintain a few key daily habits that keep them mentally and physically spry, no matter what the birth certificate says.
So, I’ve gathered nine of these golden daily rituals for you. And yes, I may or may not have tried all of them myself—and on my mother, my neighbor, and one time, even my dog-sitter (although her youthful sparkle probably has more to do with her endless amounts of coffee).
Let’s dive in!
1. They Make Sleep a Non-Negotiable
We’ve all heard it before: “Get your beauty sleep!” There’s a reason people call it that, especially those who still get mistaken for a 40-year-old when they’re inching into their 60s. They really prioritize restful, high-quality sleep.
I’m talking about a good 7 to 8 hours of shut-eye, consistently. Not the “fall asleep with Netflix still running” kind of thing. They set a bedtime routine—dim lights, maybe some light reading or gentle music (or in my case, re-runs of The Golden Girls, volume super low)—and, crucially, no screens right before bed. That helps them drift into a deep, dreamy snooze.
From my research, I’ve learned that consistent sleep not only helps our bodies repair themselves (cue fresh-looking skin), but it also keeps our minds sharp. And a sharp mind and rested body are total game changers in the quest for that “you must be younger than you say” vibe.
2. They Never Forget to Hydrate
Ever wonder how some people just seem to glow? Part of their secret is astonishingly simple: they drink enough water.
I know, I know—water is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But trust me, folks who look decades younger keep that hydration game strong, from dawn till dusk.
Think of water as the ultimate, natural “plumping serum” for your skin. When you’re well-hydrated, your skin cells stay happy and bouncy, reducing the look of fine lines.
Plus, hydration helps you feel more energetic, which means you’re less likely to drag yourself around like a zombie (zombies, incidentally, always look their age, if not older).
I personally carry around a giant water bottle like it’s my best friend, and it has definitely helped me maintain a more vibrant complexion.
Give it a try—you might be surprised how quickly your skin thanks you.
3. They Keep Moving, Even If It’s Just a Little
We all know regular exercise is good for our bodies, but it also works wonders for our faces (no, you don’t need to do weird facial yoga—though if that’s your thing, go for it).
People who hold onto that youthful spark typically have some form of daily physical activity. It doesn’t have to be anything heroic like training for a marathon or pumping iron like The Rock.
It can be as mellow as a brisk walk around the neighborhood, a short dance session in the living room (Zumba, anyone?), or even gentle stretching in front of the TV.
The key is to keep everything from stiffening up. Regular movement encourages blood flow, flushes out toxins, and helps maintain muscle tone—so your body still has that sprightly energy.
And hey, if exercise’s only side effect is lowering stress and improving mood, sign me up!
4. They Remember That Laughter Is Medicine
I know it sounds cliché, but trust me on this: laughter truly is the best medicine. I’ve spent years in comedic writing, and one thing I’ve learned is that laughter can help release endorphins, reduce stress hormones, and trigger that elusive state of genuine happiness.
Older folks who seem younger typically have a light-hearted approach to life. They share jokes, watch silly movies, or hang out with people who make them giggle.
When you’re actively seeking reasons to smile, your mind and body can’t help but respond with a certain radiance. I’ve seen this in my own family—my Aunt Judy is well into her 70s, but she still cackles at every pun and silly meme I send her. People regularly assume she’s at least 15 years younger.
5. They Feed Their Bodies with Good Stuff
I’m a total foodie, so I get it—temptation is everywhere (especially when your favorite bakery releases a new line of donuts). But people who look 20 years younger than their driver’s license says usually have learned that healthy eating is a daily, conscious choice.
They’re not crash-dieting. Instead, they fill their plates with whole foods, like fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
This helps maintain a stable weight and reduces inflammation, which is a huge contributor to looking (and feeling) older.
And yes, they still enjoy treats—I’ve seen my youthful-looking 60-year-old friend devour a slice of chocolate cake—but it’s all about moderation.
And guess what else helps? Antioxidants. They’re like little superhero molecules that fight off free radicals, which can cause cell damage and accelerate aging.
Berries, nuts, and green tea are often part of their daily routine. It might not be as fun as living off potato chips, but the payoff is real.
6. They Nourish Their Minds with Positive Self-Talk
Okay, let’s get a bit psychological for a moment. My research into self-improvement has shown me that how we speak to ourselves matters big time.
People who perpetually look younger are often optimistic and quick to give themselves a break. When they mess up, they don’t beat themselves up with mean words.
Their inner voice is basically a loving coach rather than a critical dictator. With time, that positive self-talk seems to reduce stress, anxiety, and all the negative emotional baggage that can manifest as lines on our faces.
Stress is a known accelerator of aging, so turning down the mental drama dial does wonders for preserving that fresh, youthful energy.
7. They Protect Their Skin (with Sunscreen and a Smile)
Skincare routines can be super fancy or super basic. But no matter the level of complexity, sunscreen is practically non-negotiable. People who look younger than their birth certificates are generally the same folks you see rubbing sunscreen on their faces—even on cloudy days.
Here’s why: the sun is glorious, but it can speed up wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of aging if you bask in it unprotected. A daily SPF helps stave off that damage.
Couple that with a gentle cleanser, a decent moisturizer, and maybe the occasional face mask (sheet masks make you look like a ghost, but your skin will thank you)—and you’re golden.
Oh, and that “smile” part? A cheerful facial expression can actually make you look younger. It’s like a mini face-lift that costs zero dollars. Go figure.
8. They Stay Curious and Mentally Active
There’s something undeniably youthful about people who are lifelong learners. You know the type: They’re 65, but they’re picking up a new language, learning the latest TikTok dance (even if they look hilariously out of sync), or tackling a new hobby like painting or calligraphy.
A curious mind is a youthful mind. It keeps you adaptable, open to new experiences, and engaged in the world. This daily habit of exploration—reading books, playing puzzles, attending online workshops—stimulates the brain, helps form new neural connections, and staves off mental decline.
Plus, it’s pretty hard to feel “old” when you’re in the middle of a riveting new skill that’s got you buzzing with excitement.
9. They Connect with Others (and Maintain Healthy Boundaries)
Finally, people who age gracefully never do it alone. They’re social creatures, even if they aren’t the life of every party. Whether it’s maintaining a close-knit circle of friends, volunteering, or just keeping family bonds strong, they prioritize meaningful connections.
I’ll let you in on a personal anecdote: I once met this spunky group of ladies in their 60s who got together every Thursday for a “cooking club.”
In reality, they’d all known each other since high school, and they used these gatherings to share stories, laugh at each other’s kitchen disasters, and keep up with each other’s lives.
They exuded this glow you could practically see from a mile away. That sense of belonging and shared joy, I believe, is the real anti-aging potion.
But here’s the kicker: They also know how to set boundaries. Being social doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you or piling on stress from toxic relationships.
Positive relationships can be a fountain of youth, while toxic ones can suck you dry. So, they strike a balance between staying connected and preserving their own mental and emotional well-being.
Putting It All Together
So, there you have it—nine daily habits that people who look 40 when they’re actually 60 have in common. No magical elixirs, and definitely no deals with vampires (I checked). It all boils down to simple, consistent habits practiced over the long haul: prioritize sleep, hydrate like a champ, keep moving, laugh often, eat well, talk kindly to yourself, protect that lovely skin, stay curious, and cherish your connections.
I don’t know about you, but writing this has given me a renewed sense of motivation. I’m off to refill my water bottle, slather on some sunscreen (even though I’m currently indoors), and maybe send a goofy joke to my cousin—because hey, every bit of positivity counts.
