23 Comments
User's avatar
Janice Walton's avatar

For those of us wishing to age well, longevity is about extending the healthy part of our lives rather than just surviving to an old age.

Sharron Bassano's avatar

Well said, my friend. SO much food for thought -- I better get busy!

Wrennah Gabbert's avatar

Thank you for your positivity and recommendations for concrete action to take… love the title/headline.

TURBO GOTH's avatar

It’s truly about the life in the years. That’s the true measure. May we tune into what makes us alive each moment. Sending love and peace 🫶

MHB's avatar

Wise words! Thanks.

Lynn Stewart's avatar

Thank you for this.

Erika Andersen's avatar

100% agree! Thanks for being a consistent voice in the growing chorus that's shifting the stereotypes about aging. xox

Donna McArthur's avatar

We need these myths turned upside down, thank you Janice!

Janice Walton's avatar

That we do - they certainly get in the way.

Robyn Everingham's avatar

I’m glad you mentioned financial longevity. So many people will outlast their money. Good planning is essential.

Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Robyn, It's so true - good planning is essential. I was very fortunate in that regard; my husband was an interested and outstanding financial planner. I thank him every day.

Adrienne Erlick's avatar

Thank You, I love your articles

I am 83, happily healthy, social and very much engaged in my life

I too hope to live to my Hundreds

I pray to stay healthy and I work at it. Walking, diet and community is what it’s all about

Deep graditude Janice

Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Adrienne, it sounds like you have a sound plan in mind.

Catherine Ann's avatar

Concise & to the point. Appreciating the gift of life matters as well.

Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Catherine, it doesn't seem as if we have put so much thought into that as we could.

Michael Patrick's avatar

At 80 years of age... I too am more interested in "healthspan" verses "lifespan". That's why I walk 6 miles a week, lift weights 3 times a week, and practice yoga 3 times weekly. I'm also shooting for "100" but hope to slide into the finish line verses limping across it! My Substack articles and notes on sunshine0805@substack.com (Patsy's Gardens) also keeps my mind and interest levels active.

Janice Walton's avatar

Hi, that's my goal as well to "slide into the finish line versus limping across it.

Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Great info. The quality of life as we age is so important.

Janice Walton's avatar

Hi CK, I couldn't agree more. We have a 93-year-old family member who, for the past year, has gone for dialysis three times a week. In addition, just before Christmas, she fell and broke her back, so she is now bedridden - that doesn't seem like quality of life at all and is a constant reminder that I want to do everything I can to avoid being in such a situation.

Alan's avatar

Yes, physical health is key to longevity but what about mental health? How can we maintain a positive attitude knowing that our best days are probably in the past?

Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Alan, Mental health is at least as important as physical health - it's what I struggle with the most. My theory is that now we focus on our quality of life. What makes us happy and pleases us as best we can - one of mine happens to be writing the newsletter, but also spending time with my great-granddaughters, reading a book, and watching baseball games.