Whenever I register for something online where date of birth is required, scrolling down the list of years actually seems like they go by that quickly. When I was young, 70 seemed ancient, but with better information, better health care, and preventive medicine, that perspective has changed. For many, the seventh decade of life can be very productive. Here’s my plan for making that true for myself:

1. Stay Healthy

Eating right and exercising present a greater challenge since metabolism slows down. I don’t need to eat as much, so eating less means I need to make better choices about what I do eat. When it comes to exercise, I find it isn’t so much about increasing muscle as it is maintaining it. Lighter weights and a slower pace are just fine. Studies have shown that being active, getting enough sleep, and eating right also help prevent cognitive decline. For me, staying fit will help me enjoy life and remain productive.

2. Prioritize Relationships

Studies on aging show a connection between good social relationships and living a happier, longer life. However, as Christians we should not pursue such relationships for selfish reasons. Rather, our goal should be on the interests of others (see Philippians 2:3-4). As an introvert, this means actively making more time not only for those in my social sphere but reaching out to connect with people I don’t know. I heard a wise woman say that your true legacy is the lives you’ve touched along the way.

3. Keep Learning

One of the great joys of my life is communicating God’s Word and teaching it to others. According to a Harvard study, advanced education keeps memory stronger, and challenging yourself mentally actually helps maintain brain cells. I never want to be one of those pastors that coasts on past learning and virtually stops studying. As deep and vast as the Scriptures are, it would be a sin to ever stop digging.

4. Never Stop

Retirement isn’t something I’m planning for myself. Now, I’m not against people retiring as long as it means ceasing to do one thing in order to do something else. We’ve all heard of guys that retire to do nothing and end up dying too soon. I may not always be a pastor, but I certainly plan to serve my Lord Jesus in some kind of active ministry till the day I die--even if it means leading devotions at the nursing home!

So that’s the plan for my seventies. What’s yours? What’s the plan for your forties, fifties, your sixties? I hope it will include these same goals and that like me, you’ll enjoy the rest of the journey.