Is 60 really the New 40?

I know my chronological age, but I’m not sure how young I’m supposed to be based on the most recent news story. I couldn’t find the last good article on Aging in my overwhelmed inbox. I gave up looking. I know it confirmed we are all benefiting from better diets, exercise, and technology! We’re living longer and maybe looking younger too.

I suddenly remembered a conversation with my doctor a few years ago. I asked about my life expectancy. He suggested I look at my general health, age at death of my parents, grandparents, and my larger community as a woman of color. My future looks bright with a healthy dose of discipline, intelligent prevention, and a great care team. Still, I was stunned when he surmised that I could be a centenarian. I thought he’d say I might live to 85 or 90.

The article I misplaced about Aging suggested that 125 years or more might be possible!  Crazy, huh! That gave me pause. For the first time, I wondered if such a long life makes sense for me. How many of my family members would be around at 125? What about my friends? How mobile and healthy could I possibly be at such an advanced age? Would medical technology remove severe disease and illness? Where and how would I live? I certainly didn’t work and prepare to live that long.

I could drive myself nuts with so many questions. Right now, I’ll hold on to what I know for sure: I’ll live the best life I can for as long as I can, God willing.

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