Live Longer and love it!

We asked a bunch of seniors who are enjoying their here and now (along with experts in mental and physical health) for secrets to living happily into their 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond. They all agree: It's time to stop fearing older age and instead learn to thrive.

- LAMBETH HOCHWALD

Except for a downward blip during the COVID-19 pandemic, American life spans have been getting longer and longer men can expect to live to their mid-70s, while the average woman will be blowing out candles on her 80th birthday. But we all know that living long and living well are not necessarily the same thing. "One of the greatest gifts of the past century is the doubling of our life span," says Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D., a cognitive neuroscientist and chief director of the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas. But living to 100 may not seem so appealing if you picture yourself frail, homebound, and unable to do the things you enjoy or remember the people you love.

That's why it's just as important to focus on your health span-the number of years you remain in good health, sound of mind and body-with positive intentions. "We can take simple steps to optimize our brain health year by year, extending it into late life," Chapman says. In addition to being physically active, eating healthfully, and staying socially connected and intellectually stimulated, one key to aging well is finding something to feel joyful about every single day. For inspiration and sensible, actionable tips, we asked experts on aging-including some impressive seniors who are walking the walk right now-for their advice on a happy, meaningful older age.

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