There are several synonyms that can be used for the phrase "lives in the past." These include being nostalgic, sentimental, traditionalist, old-fashioned, and conservative. A person who is nostalgic often dwells on memories of the past, while someone who is sentimental attaches emotional value to events or objects from the past. A traditionalist is someone who strongly adheres to and believes in past customs and ways of life, while an old-fashioned person has beliefs or values that are no longer considered modern. Lastly, a conservative person tends to maintain traditional values and beliefs and resists change. All of these synonyms illustrate a tendency to focus on the past rather than the present or future.