Posted: April 26, 2024
Written By: Kelly O’Connor, Certified Senior Advisor® and legacy life coach
A topic of ongoing debate and speculation among scientists, researchers, and futurists is whether or not people will regularly live to 120 years old. While significant advancements in healthcare, medicine, and technology have extended human life expectancy over the past century, reaching 120 years and beyond is currently considered possible.
However, there are optimistic projections that with continued advancements in medical treatments, preventive healthcare, genetic interventions, and lifestyle changes, it may become more common for individuals to reach or even exceed the age of 120 in the future. There is also speculation that those who will regularly live to 100 years old have already been born. It’s an intriguing possibility that continues to inspire research and exploration into extending human lifespan. Many say they don’t want to live that long, but we must prepare ourselves that we will live much longer than we expected to in our younger years.
In my 2021 TEDx talk on Longevity, I mentioned that older adults today are social pioneers, trailblazing a way for us in terms of human potential and lifespan. In supporting nearly 2,000 clients and their families in my work as an elder care consultant, I’ve developed 10 key pillars of a contented Longevity Lifestyle.
1. PurposeWe all need a purpose in life, a motivator to keep us moving forward. As life changes, our purpose may need to change as well, to keep us engaged with the life around us. Having a sense of purpose in life gives meaning and direction, fueling motivation, resilience, and a deeper connection to one’s actions and goals. It provides a framework for decision-making, fosters personal growth, and contributes to overall well-being and satisfaction.
Having a supportive community around you provides a sense of belonging, and connection, enriching your emotional well-being and resilience. Through shared experiences, encouragement, and collaboration, a community offers valuable social support, empowering individuals to overcome challenges, celebrate successes, and thrive together. One of the biggest benefits to living in a senior living community is the community that’s built around you and the fellowship that it offers.
Advocating for yourself is crucial for asserting your needs, boundaries, and aspirations, ensuring that your voice is heard, and your rights are respected. By advocating for yourself, you take control of your own destiny, build self-confidence, and pave the way for personal and professional growth and freedom.
4. Lifelong LearningEmbracing lifelong learning fosters personal growth, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity. Continuously acquiring new knowledge and skills empowers individuals to navigate an ever-evolving world, unlock new opportunities, and cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Outliving your money is one of the greatest fears people have, especially here in the United States where the cost of healthcare continues to rise. Views on money vary widely among individuals, with some seeing it as a means of security, freedom, and fulfillment, while others perceive it as a source of stress and inequality. How people perceive and prioritize money often shapes their attitudes towards wealth accumulation, spending habits, and financial decision-making.
Most people who live a contented life has some sort of spiritual compass whether formal religion or a spiritual practice. A spiritual practice provides a sense of purpose, inner peace, and connection to something greater than oneself, contributing to overall emotional and mental well-being. Cultivating a spiritual practice, whether through meditation, prayer, or mindfulness, can foster resilience, compassion, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us.
7. Physical HealthPhysical health is essential for maintaining optimal functionality and vitality, impacting everything from daily activities to long-term wellness. Prioritizing physical health through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and preventive healthcare measures can enhance longevity, resilience, and overall quality of life.
Brain health is fundamental to overall well-being, influencing cognitive function, emotional stability, and quality of life. Investing in brain health through activities like mental stimulation, healthy diet, regular exercise, and social engagement can help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Maintaining a positive attitude or mindset is essential for resilience, problem-solving, and overall well-being, as it enables individuals to approach challenges with optimism and determination. Cultivating positivity not only fosters mental and emotional strength but also enhances interpersonal relationships, creativity, and the ability to adapt to change.
Strong mental health is essential for navigating life’s challenges with resilience, maintaining emotional balance, and fostering healthy relationships. Prioritizing mental health through self-care, therapy, and support systems promotes overall well-being, productivity, and a fulfilling life.
Here’s the good news. No matter where you are in life today, you can start anew. I hope that you will share this message with your family and friends, encouraging each other in living your best lives, one day, one step at a time.
Kelly O’Connor is a Certified Senior Advisor® and legacy life coach working with older adults who are looking to embrace their elderhood more fully. Throughout her years as an elder care consultant, she has supported nearly 2,000 individuals and their families as they navigate the elder care journey. Kelly can be reached at 720-507-5237 or Kelly@SeniorCareKelly.com.
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