16 Things You Need to Immediately Stop Doing Once You Turn 60

While we all agree that ‘Age is just a number’ regarding certain aspects of our lives, this famous saying is not always valid. Whether you like it or not, it is time to sit down and look at your lifestyle if you recently celebrated your sixtieth birthday.
Now is the perfect time to reevaluate your current situation and determine whether you should ditch certain habits and adopt others. This is a fundamental step to enjoying and making the most of this great decade! If you are looking for inspiration, here are 15 things we should all stop doing once we reach our 60s.
Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Skipping The Doctor

Going to the doctor is a necessary thing! We all know it takes time and effort, yet it’s a non-negotiable at a certain age. Even if you feel completely healthy, you should keep up with your annual general practitioner visits to ensure you are still strong and healthy. Your body is aging, and visiting the doctor is paramount to keep you feeling good. Never avoid the doctor, especially if you are over the age of 60.
Self Isolation

As you leave the workforce, you will have more time to spend alone. While it is okay to be on your own sometimes, complete isolation can be detrimental to your mental and physical health, so we should all try to avoid this. Loneliness can actually lead to depression. To avoid this, plan social activities with friends and family to stay engaged and connected.
Alcohol

Alcohol is considered to be okay in moderation at any age. However, as you get older, alcohol can have a more severe effect on your body. Alcohol can cause a rise in blood pressure, muscle weakness, a higher risk of stroke, and so much more. Plus, it can interact with many common medications among people over 60. It may be time to stop drinking or reconsider your drinking habits.
Junk Food

Junk foods, like chips, cookies, and fried snacks, have almost no nutritional value. They will fill you up but will not provide you with any benefits. Eating a healthy diet is especially important as you age, so avoiding junk food just makes sense. Of course, you can still enjoy a burger occasionally, but this will no longer be the norm. It’s time for a massive switch.
Risky Physical Activities

While you should definitely stay active after the age of 60, you should be a little smarter about the activities you choose. Rather than trying to run your first marathon or climb Mount Everest, go for a little jog instead. Injuries are more common as you age, so avoiding intense physical activity is best. This, however, doesn’t mean you should stop training!
Skip The Sleep

A regular sleep schedule is essential for people of all ages. It is important for emotional and physical well-being. Even after retirement, it is essential to have a regular sleep pattern for your body to function at its best! It is recommended that seniors get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. If this is challenging for you, devise a night and morning routine that can support you in your goals.
Ignoring Your Brain

By 60, you have learned a lot both from studying, working and real-world experience. You are probably pretty smart! Learning and exercising your brain is essential, even in your later years. Mental engagement will keep your brain sharp. Try doing a crossword puzzle, reading a book, or memorizing a new song’s lyrics. Other hobbies, such as playing an instrument or painting, are also great options.
Staying at Home

While it is great that you enjoy being in your comfortable home, it is also important to get out and see the world! Plan a trip, visit friends in different places, or just go for a walk in a new place. Don’t let your age stop you from exploring the world. While spending a day at home occasionally, you want to try your best to go outside at least once a day every day.
Strenuous Exercises

While staying physically fit after age 60 is good, the exercises considered beneficial will change as you get older. You should no longer do crunches to try to get a six pack of abs, bench press heavy weights or use pull weights that go behind your neck and back. These few exercises are examples of things that can seriously harm an aging body and may be dangerous rather than productive.
Grapefruit

This may sound weird, but eating grapefruits can be harmful to seniors who are on certain medications. Grapefruits can intensify medications and increase the side effects associated with those medicines. Your medication label should warn against eating grapefruits, but it may be best to just avoid this fruit altogether. When in doubt, also ask your general practitioner.
Television

Watching too much TV can be harmful to your health. One study found that moderate to high-level viewers experienced a 7% greater decline in cognitive function when compared to those who rarely watched TV. Turn off the TV and find a new hobby to keep you busy and active. Make sure to avoid this especially at night as staring at screen before going to sleep can make it extra difficult for you to fall asleep later on.
Ignoring Your Age

It is great to be over 60! You likely have more time with your family and friends and less time in the office. However, you should also acknowledge your age and make sure you are safe, responsible, and smart about getting older. Consider meeting with a lawyer to make an end-of-life plan or write a will. It may be uncomfortable to think about these things, but they are important!
Ignore Safety at Home

So many accidents occur at home, making it imperative that you prioritize safety inside your own house. There are some very simple things you can add or change to your home to make it safer for you as you get older. Consider adding a bar to your shower to help prevent slipping, make sure all your cords and wires are tied back so you will not trip, and think about getting motion sensor lights that turn on when you enter a room. Keep your home clean and organized as clutter can be dangerous. Simple things like this will seriously help you go into the later years of life in a safe way.
Smoking

Smoking is a terrible habit for all age groups. Unfortunately, however, most people think that if they smoked their whole life and never faced negative consequences, it is because they never will. There’s nothing further away from the truth. You never know when you will have to pay the price for your unhealthy habits. Remember that it is never too late to quit.
Ignoring Emotional Wellbeing

How is your emotional well-being going? Do you feel happy, safe, and satisfied with your life? Just like our physical well-being, taking care of our emotional well-being is crucial. It may be time to address the issue if you often feel down, frustrated, or irritated. You can fix the situation independently with mindful practices, such as journaling and meditation, or contact an expert.