There’s a narrative in our culture that aging automatically means you’re going to succumb to illness and decline.

A few months ago, I was talking to my Aunt Mary Anne, who is turning 90 this week. She’s mentally sharp, stands up straight, and walks several miles a day—you wouldn’t guess she’s 90.  

She and my uncle, who is also turning 90, live independently and fully care for themselves.  They still travel far and wide.

She does the obvious, taking care of herself by eating well and taking an online exercise class. 

What stands out to me is her mindset.

She stays very engaged in the world by traveling, reading, and spending time with her kids and grandkids.  She nurtures relationships with her friends and family.

By nature, she’s a very curious person and asks a lot of questions.  She’s interested in people and the world around her.

She’s been a lifelong learner and teacher.  She’s still asked to speak to groups.

She spends time in meditation and prayer and is deeply grounded in her religious faith.  She writes a lot.  She stays open and curious.

When we spoke, she told me how important it is for her to keep growing.  It really struck me that at 90, she’s still invested in expanding and learning.

I believe her mindset keeps her physical body well. As she’s aged, she hasn’t given energy to the thought of illness and declining health. She focuses on what she can do to stay engaged in life and healthy.

The foundations of aging well begin now - in midlife.  Laying down the habits of eating well and moving your body will pay huge dividends.  You can age like Mary Anne if you choose.

If you’re seeing signs of high blood pressure and cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, or blood sugar, these are like the check engine light in your car.  

Addressing these issues through nutrition and lifestyle changes will set you up to thrive as you age, like my aunt.  You get to decide how you age.  

I love David Bowie's quote: “Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.”

Who will you be as you age?  I can help you age well.  Let’s chat about it.