Want to Live Longer? Here’s How to Add Life to Your Years

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There’s no denying that we’re all growing older, and scientists haven’t yet figured out a way to reverse the aging process. It’s also a fact that great strides have been made to extend life through exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining strong relationships.

But longevity isn’t just about adding years to your life. It’s also about adding life to those years. If we’re given the gift of a long life, how do we make the most of it? A happy, meaningful, and long life doesn’t happen by accident.

You have to put your mind to it.

I was reminded of this during aconversationwith my friend Alan Patricof. At 90, he still works full time. Two years ago, hecompleted the New York City Marathon, becoming the oldest person to do so. He also remarried at age 89 and promised his wife he plans to live to 114.

How does Alan work toward this milestone? He and his wife attend the theater and concerts as well as go for long walks every morning. More than anyone I know, he has eschewed the traditional mindset around turning 65, retiring, and withdrawing from society.

Alan’s story inspires us to think differently about growing older. We also have the power to change our mindsets and take steps – even tiny ones – to put a plan into action.

Staying active and curious

Another friend who is rethinking aging is Michael Clinton, who for years worked in the publishing industry. His latest company,ROAR forward, provides business intelligence, insights, and content for a community of people 50 and over who are redefining their careers, passions, and lifestyles later in life.

Michael walks the talk. He stays active as a photographer and practically always has a packed suitcase. He's explored over 100 countries, runs marathons, learned how to fly a plane, and co-owns a vineyard in Argentina.

Did I mention that Michael is in his 70s? He told me that staying active is critical to the goal of living life to the fullest, and it requires resetting what you’ve always thought about aging. He shares this story:

“I have a young nephew in his 20s, and he brags to all his friends that he has an uncle, in his 70s, who hiked to the Everest base camp, runs marathons, and travels the world, and they all look at him and say, ‘What?’

“That said, it’s not about my ego. It’s about making people rethink what you can do as you age. When younger people see what I can do, and others as well, it changes the perception of what aging is all about.”

Michael's advocacy for a pro-age culture, along with his personal accomplishments, challenges traditional views on aging. He inspires us to see growing older as a journey filled with opportunities for growth, adventure, and ongoing contributions.

Forging friendships at any age

If I had to pick one characteristic of a long, healthy life, it’d befriendship. As I’ve written in pastCelebrations Pulseletters, the relationships we have with other people are key to ourphysical and mental well-being. And that’s true whether you’re 20 or 80.

You can also develop meaningful connections at any age. The key is to find people with whom you have shared interests and ideas, whether that’s running marathons and adventure travel like Michael, orattending church servicesand baseball games for me.

Michael stresses the importance of having friends outside your own generation. He shares the story of his friendship with his high-school English teacher, who is now 92 years old!

“He remains nimble, curious, and engaged. He lives independently and continues to stay intellectually active. You want to be him when you see him. He can sit and talk about anything. He is such an inspiration."

We can't stay forever young, but we can make the most of the years we have by embracing a positive outlook on life and surrounding ourselves with like-minded people. Who's coming with me?

Younger friends, too!

Conversely, younger friends bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and energy, reminding us of the importance of staying curious and adaptable. I’m always looking to learn new things, and who better to teach me what’s new than the younger generation?

These diverse relationships help break down stereotypes associated with aging, fostering a more nuanced and positive view of growing older. By engaging with people at different life stages, we can break through our self-imposed limitations and expectations about what we can achieve as we age.

We cannot stay forever young. Instead, let’s maximize the years we have with a journey that starts with an outlook on life being a more positive one and spent with like-minded people. Who’s coming with me?

All the best,

Jim

How can we live longer, healthier lives through better nutrition?

On this week'sCelebrations Chatter, I sat down with nutritionist and entrepreneur Sophie Anson to explore the evolving landscape of nutrition, wellness, and longevity. Sophie brings a wealth of experience, from creating the first no-added-sugar Greek yogurt in the U.S. market to her current practice atEatStrong.

Sophie's insights highlight how nutrition impacts our well-being and longevity in ways we're only beginning to understand. As we live longer, it's crucial to consider not just how to extend our lives, but how to maintain our health and vitality throughout those years. Together, we explore the importance of gut health, the essential elements necessary for weight loss, and the building blocks of a healthy diet.

What steps are you taking to improve your nutrition and longevity? Watch the full episode and share your thoughts at\u202fchatter@celebrations.com.

Let’s “bee” mindful

Without honeybees, our company may not exist, which is why we celebrate these pollinators, along with beekeepers, on National Honeybee Day (Aug. 17).

This day highlights the crucial role honeybees play in agriculture and ecosystems because they are responsible forpollinating more than one-third of the food we consume, including many fruits, vegetables, and nuts: Without honeybees, there are no Royal Riviera^®Pears or Oregold^®Peaches. This pollination is vital not only for our food supply but also for maintaining biodiversity in our natural landscapes.

Bees are essential for the reproductive success of many flowering plants. As they collect nectar, they transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating fertilization. This process leads to the production of seeds and fruits, which are critical for plant reproduction and growth.\u202fAgain, no honeybees, no roses.

The health of bee populations is directly linked to nutritious food sources for humans and other species. Protecting and supporting bee populations through conservation efforts and sustainable agricultural practices is crucial for ensuring the resilience of our food systems and ecosystems.

And, of course, honeybees are responsible for that delicious combination of toast with honey drizzled on top!

Your favorite back-to-school traditions

As any school-age child will tell you, we’re in the throes of back-to-school season. This time can be an emotional roller coaster for children and parents alike. To help with the transition, many of us have various rituals and traditions that help us snap back into the classroom routine.

Let's make this back-to-school season a bit more fun! Please share with me how your family prepares for the return to school each fall. Do you have a favorite movie that sets the mood? Or perhaps a special treat while shopping for new clothes for the new year?

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Written by our Founder and CEO, our Celebrations Pulse Sunday Letters aim to engage with our community. From sharing stories to welcoming your ideas, we want to help you to express, connect, and celebrate the important people in your life.