Older Women Reveal the Little Habits They’ll Never Quit
Older women often carry years of wisdom packed into small, consistent routines that give structure to their lives. These little habits fly under the radar but help maintain physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance well into their 60s, 70s, and beyond.
Always Carrying Tissues In Their Bag
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This habit might seem old-fashioned, but it’s rooted in practicality. A study by the Mayo Clinic highlights how older adults often experience increased nasal dryness, which means tissues are a daily necessity. Plus, tissues come in handy for impromptu spills or sticky fingers, and even when offering help to someone else.
Wearing House Slippers Indoors
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House slippers help protect aging joints from cold tile and wood floors. The National Institute on Aging says keeping feet warm can improve circulation and reduce the risk of falling. For many, they’re also a symbol of home comfort. Soft soles with memory foam are especially popular among women over 60.
Taking Their Coffee Black
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Women over 60 often skip sugar and cream for a reason. Research from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that black coffee is associated with lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Doing The Crossword Puzzle Every Morning
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Daily brain challenges like crosswords help maintain cognitive function to the point that it stays equivalent to someone 10 years younger. It’s mental floss, and plenty say they feel off without it.
Keeping A Hard Candy In Their Purse
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Many older women keep peppermints or fruit drops on hand because dry mouth becomes more common with age. Medications often cause this, and sucking on candy stimulates saliva. Bonus: it’s a quick way to freshen breath.
Writing Grocery Lists By Hand
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Typing lists into a phone? Not likely. The majority of older women still prefer pen and paper. Handwriting activates more memory centers in the brain than typing. Moreover, writing it down often helps them remember the list even if they forget to bring it.
Saving Plastic Containers From Takeout
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This one’s almost a trademark move. Many women over 60 reuse plastic containers for leftovers, sewing kits, drawer organizers, and more. The mentality behind “why throw away something useful?” is both sustainable and good for the Earth.
Watering Plants Before Breakfast
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Tending to plants isn’t just a relaxing hobby. That daily interaction with greenery can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost memory. Doing it before breakfast makes it a meditative ritual, and plants on a windowsill act like tiny co-workers you can talk to.
Using Cloth Napkins At Meals
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Many older women keep cloth napkins in regular rotation because they’ve never liked the waste of paper. After all, Americans discard over 13 billion pounds of paper towels annually. Using cloth makes meals feel a bit more civilized, even if it’s just toast at the kitchen table.
Keeping A Landline Phone
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There’s something reliable about a landline. It works even when power goes out or cell phones die. That’s why 25% of seniors still use a landline as their main phone. For many, the sound quality is better and the calls feel more deliberate.
Wearing A Watch Instead Of Checking The Time On A Phone
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Smartphones are fine, but a wristwatch doesn’t require swiping, unlocking, or notifications. Older adults often say a watch helps them feel punctual and grounded. If it’s a gift from a loved one or a piece they’ve had for decades, it carries real sentimental value.
Cutting Coupons From The Sunday Paper
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Despite apps like Honey and RetailMeNot, many older women prefer clipping actual coupons. It’s tactile, a mini treasure hunt, and according to Money Magazine, coupon users save an average of $1,465 annually. They like seeing the savings add up at checkout.
Using Vicks VapoRub For Everything
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Some swear by it for chest congestion, others rub it on their feet to stop a nighttime cough. While not FDA-approved for all these uses, Vicks VapoRub contains menthol and camphor, which Johns Hopkins Medicine says can trick the brain into feeling relief. It’s a passed-down favorite, often kept in a bedside drawer.
Keeping A Journal Beside The Bed
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Journaling at night is a hobby that helps older adults process the day and reduce stress. Writing about feelings improves mental clarity and mood. Even a few lines before sleep can make tomorrow feel more manageable.
Refusing To Eat In Front Of The TV
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Many seniors grew up in households where dinner was a sit-down event. Eating in front of the TV has been known to disrupt digestion and lead to overeating. A table, a plate, and conversation—or even silence—is the preferred setting.