My family just returned from an epic celebration for my Dad’s 90th birthday in Dallas. It has been in the planning stages for many months and was well attended by 82 family members from 6 states! Our family now includes 5 generations of relatives that go from age 94 to 2 months. What is the secret to longevity and living life to its fullest? I recently posed this question to my Father and here are some of the “secrets” he shared with me.
I recently interviewed my SuperAger Dad and asked him to share some of his advice to living a healthy, happy, and long life. He confirmed my theory that I had already put together on his formula for success. My Dad lives in a cottage next to my brother and he sees my brother, grandchildren and great-grandchildren every day. He is socially connected which fuels him on a daily basis. In addition, he still works part-time for my brother on his property as a handyman, so he is physically active daily and feels he has a purpose. Some of his favorite pastimes include working Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, reading, playing his guitar, and cheering on his favorite football teams. He never forgets a birthday or anniversary of his 4 children, their spouses, and his 18 grandchildren, sending cards and gifts on these occasions to all of us. He can engage with you on any topic, from world politics to sports to cooking and baking tactics.
In my book, The Healing Power of Girlfriends, there is a chapter on happiness and longevity in which I share about the concept of “SuperAgers” from a 2017 study out of the Northwestern University School of Medicine. In this study, Dr. Emily Rogalski shared her findings which reported that slower cognitive decline is linked to maintaining strong social networks. The actual definition of a SuperAger is a person who is 80 years or older who demonstrates cognitive abilities that are at least as good as people who are in their fifties or sixties. In this study these SuperAgers reported having more high quality and satisfying relationships as compared to their cognitive average, same age peers.
In a world that is still suffering from the effects of a post- COVID more isolated “new normal,” we know people are reporting feeling lonely and disconnected. This is especially true of those who are seniors. Research has shown that health implications correlated with loneliness are detrimental. So, what can we as a culture do to make an impact on this current epidemic? If you have neighbors, family, or friends who you know are not connected to people on a regular and frequent basis, it is essential to reach out to them. We know the best form of connection is still the “in-person” option, but even a phone call, Facetime call, or a text message can help people to feel more connected and less isolated. A “lost art” today is sending a note or card in the mail but it can also provide another avenue for staying in touch with those who are isolated. Checking in on those who live alone only takes a minute out of the day but it could be the only connection that person receives all day. I recently heard a tragic story of an elderly man who had passed away in his home and was not discovered for 3 weeks. How heartbreaking it took that long for him to be missed. As a nation, it is our responsibility to each do our part in combating this epidemic of loneliness and promote connection in our communities to the most vulnerable who live alone or are elderly seniors. It is about making a difference – one life and one connection at a time!
We know the research now supports the theory that we live our happiest, healthiest and longest lives when we stay involved and connected with others on a regular basis.
SuperAgers are living proof of this concept and my sweet Dad is the poster child for this theory. I am so grateful to still have a wonderful and vibrant Father in my life at 90 years old! Each day is a gift and I aspire to one day be a SuperAger just like him!!
Blessings and Love, Deborah
