Add LIFE to Years, Not Years to Life!

On this International Day of Older Persons, let’s celebrate the incredible journey of life and the wisdom that comes with age. It’s not just about living longer—it’s about living better. Let’s strive to add LIFE to years, not just years to life. As we grow older, it’s not just about counting the years but making the years count!

Why Do We Age?

Aging is a natural biological process resulting from the accumulation of cellular damage over time. Factors like genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences contribute to how we age. But did you know that global average life expectancy has more than doubled since 1900, rising from about 31 years to over 72.6 years in 2019, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)?

Longevity and Health Span

Visionaries like Peter Diamandis believe that with advancements in biotechnology and medicine, the average human lifespan could reach 100 years or more within the next few decades. If whales like the bowhead whale can live over 200 years and Greenland sharks can reach ages of 400 years or more, why not us?

What Limits Our Longevity? Is It a Hardware Problem or a Software Problem?

Peter Diamandis raises an interesting question: Is aging a hardware problem (our biological bodies) or a software problem (the way our genes and cells operate)?

• Hardware Problem: Our bodies, like machines, degrade over time due to wear and tear. Organs fail, cells stop dividing properly, and systems begin to malfunction. In this view, aging is largely a biological issue tied to the hardware of our physical bodies. The concept of cellular senescence—where cells lose their ability to divide—contributes significantly to the aging process. As Diamandis points out, telomere shortening (the protective caps on our chromosomes) is one of the key culprits in this hardware failure, as cells can only divide a limited number of times before they start to deteriorate.
• Software Problem: On the other hand, aging could be seen as a software issue—a matter of how our genetic code is expressed and regulated over time. As Diamandis explains, DNA damage and the miscommunication between cells could be akin to corrupted software running on hardware. Epigenetics, which studies how behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect how genes work, is central to this perspective. If we can reprogram the “software” (the way genes function), we could potentially slow down or reverse aging processes.

Building a Longevity Mindset

Beyond the hardware and software debate, longevity also lies in the mindset. Research shows that the battle for longevity is often fought in the mind. Dr. Deepak Chopra, a well-known advocate for mind-body medicine, suggests that a positive mindset and resilience are critical factors in living a long and healthy life. According to Dr. Chopra, “Our cells are constantly eavesdropping on our thoughts.” This means that our mindset, beliefs, and emotions directly affect how our bodies age.

Studies also back this up. A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that people with a positive outlook on aging lived 7.5 years longer than those who viewed aging negatively. The research suggests that individuals who mentally embrace the aging process, rather than resist or fear it, may slow down their physical decline.

Moreover, there are countless stories of individuals who have fought life-threatening diseases and have lived longer simply because they refused to give up. Dr. Bernie Siegel, in his book Love, Medicine, and Miracles, recounts stories of patients who were told they had months to live but survived for years because they adopted a fighting spirit and a positive attitude toward life. As Dr. Siegel emphasizes, “Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.”

This Longevity Mindset is about embracing life, believing in your ability to overcome challenges, and staying mentally active. By cultivating this mindset, we can enhance not only the length of our lives but also the quality.

Can We Reverse Aging?

Scientists are exploring ways to slow down or even reverse aging:

• Telomerase Activation: Research into extending telomeres to prolong cell life.
• Senolytics: Drugs that target and eliminate aging cells to improve tissue function.
• Stem Cell Therapy: Using stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissues.
• Gene Editing (CRISPR): Potentially correcting genetic defects associated with aging.

Is 60 the New Middle Age?

With life expectancy increasing, many believe that 60 is becoming the new middle age. In countries like Japan, Switzerland, and Singapore, life expectancy already exceeds 83 years. The United Nations projects that the number of people aged 65 and over will double from 703 million in 2019 to 1.5 billion in 2050.

Leading a Meaningful Life After Retirement

As we anticipate longer lifespans, it’s crucial to focus on our health span—the period of life spent in good health. Here’s how to lead a fulfilling life as we age and continue to add LIFE to our years:

• Stay Active and Healthy Yoga and Mindful Movement: Incorporating practices like yoga offers a balance of flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. Yoga, which originated in the East, has been shown to reduce stress, increase vitality, and improve overall well-being. It complements the Western focus on exercise, and many studies highlight its benefits in maintaining physical and mental health, especially as we age. Regular Physical Exercise: In the West, recommendations like those from the American Heart Association suggest at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. A combination of Western cardio and Eastern yoga practices can help maintain a strong body and mind as we age.

Age is only a number

• Balanced Diet Ayurvedic Recommendations: The Ayurvedic approach to diet emphasizes balance through food that supports your body type, known as doshas. It promotes consuming fresh, seasonal, and natural foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and spices such as turmeric and ginger, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Mediterranean Diet: From a Western perspective, the Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, fish, nuts, and fresh produce, has been linked to better heart health and longevity. By combining the Ayurvedic principles with Mediterranean dietary habits, individuals can create a holistic approach to long-term health.
• Spirituality Spiritual Growth: Spirituality is a key aspect of aging well, providing a sense of peace, purpose, and connection. Engaging in spiritual practices—whether through meditation, prayer, or community worship—can bring a sense of fulfillment and mental tranquility. Research has shown that individuals who practice spirituality tend to have lower levels of stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to a longer life.
• Purpose Strong Sense of Purpose: Research consistently shows that having a strong sense of purpose is linked to longer life. A study published in JAMA Network Open found that individuals with a greater sense of purpose had a significantly lower risk of death than those without. Purposeful living can include engaging in meaningful work, volunteering, or contributing to family and community well-being. Living with purpose helps keep the mind sharp, the body active, and the spirit strong.
• Lifelong Learning Cognitive Engagement: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can delay cognitive decline. A study published in Neurology found that such activities can slow memory loss.
• Social Connections Community Involvement: Strong social ties can increase longevity by 50%, according to research in PLOS Medicine. Family Engagement: Close relationships enhance emotional well-being and life satisfaction.
• Give Back to Society Volunteering: The Corporation for National and Community Service reports that volunteering leads to lower mortality rates and less depression.
• Have Fun Laughter and Play: It’s important not to become too serious as we age. Many people forget to have fun after middle age, which can have a negative impact on their well-being. Laughter and joy are essential for maintaining a positive outlook on life. A study published in Aging found that laughter therapy can improve emotional health and even boost immune function. Having fun is not only about physical health but mental rejuvenation. Laugh often, play, and embrace the lighter side of life!

• Embrace Technology Stay Connected: Use technology to keep in touch with loved ones and stay informed. Digital Literacy: Learning new tech skills can open up opportunities for remote work or new hobbies.
• Contribute at the Workplace : Age doesn’t define capability. You can still add immense value through your experience, wisdom, and ability to mentor younger generations. Many corporations are recognizing this, and job fairs for senior citizens are becoming increasingly common. For example, Bengaluru recently hosted a vibrant job fair for seniors, where companies sought to leverage the vast experience of older professionals Nightingales Job Fair for Seniors.
• Financial Planning : Secure Your Future: Proper financial planning ensures independence and the freedom to pursue interests without financial stress.
• Reinvent Your Career : Second Careers: Many are starting new careers post-retirement. The Kauffman Foundation notes that individuals aged 55-64 make up 26% of new entrepreneurs in the U.S.
• Set New Goals : Purposeful Living: Having goals and a sense of purpose can add years to your life. As previously mentioned, a study in JAMA Network Open found that a strong life purpose is associated with decreased mortality. Setting new goals in retirement—whether through volunteering, pursuing hobbies, or contributing to society—helps keep life meaningful and fulfilling.
• Travel : Travel is a powerful way to add richness to life after retirement. Exploring new places, cultures, and experiences not only broadens perspectives but also keeps the mind engaged and curious. Many retirees find fulfillment in revisiting nostalgic destinations or discovering new ones, which can be both relaxing and intellectually stimulating. Studies show that traveling can reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and even boost longevity. Whether it’s short trips or extended journeys, travel offers a sense of adventure, learning, and connection with the world, making it an essential part of a meaningful post-retirement life.

The future holds immense promise. With advances in science and technology, we may soon see a world where we not only live longer but enjoy a higher quality of life throughout our extended years.

Remember, it’s not just about adding years to life—it’s about adding LIFE to years. Every stage of life is an opportunity for growth, contribution, and joy. Let’s make every moment count, stay curious, embrace spirituality, and continue to grow—no matter our age!

References:

• World Health Organization (WHO). “Global Health Observatory Data Repository.”
• United Nations. “World Population Ageing 2019 Highlights.”
• American Heart Association. “Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults.”
• PLOS Medicine. Holt-Lunstad, J. et al. “Social Relationships and Mortality Risk.”
• JAMA Network Open. Alimujiang, A. et al. “Association Between Life Purpose and Mortality.”
• Dr. Deepak Chopra, “The Healing Self.”
• Dr. Bernie Siegel, “Love, Medicine, and Miracles.”
• Psychosomatic Medicine. Levy, B. et al. “Longevity Increased by Positive Self-Perceptions of Aging.”
• Kauffman Foundation. “2018 State of Entrepreneurship Address.”