The phrase “Golden Years” began in the late 1950s as an ad campaign for a retirement community and gained widespread popularity. It connoted a time of leisure and opportunity to enjoy the rewards following a lifetime of work. In today’s rapidly changing world, the true potential of our later years is being expanded and for many, the best is yet to come.
Our culture, obsessed with youth, often discounts the value and vibrancy of aging and this is a mistake. Science and technology continue to enhance not only our lifespan but also our “healthspan,” defined as the years of our lives free from chronic illness or disability that affect the quality of our lives. Now our “golden years” can extend beyond rest and relaxation and become some of our most treasured.
In the 1950s, the average lifespan was approximately 65 years. Today, with an average life expectancy of around 80, we are gifted with the possibility of many additional “golden years.” With the average age of retirement at 66, many of us will have decades to explore other interests. This elongation invites us to view aging as an opportunity and a chance to reinvent ourselves and embrace the possibilities that come with more time, more freedom and often more money. David Bowie optimistically proclaimed, “Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you should have been.”
Examples abound of people thriving in what I call “the last third,” ages 60 to 90. My Aunt Mikki loved to say, “My highest-earning years were my 80s.” Speed walker Stephanie Singer, at 78, just finished the women’s Nike half-marathon, and has completed 17 marathons since turning 60. Ira Glick, at 88, plays full-court basketball four times a week. When Eli Levy’s son asked him if he was going to slow down his full-time psychology practice now that he turned 80, Eli shot back, “No, the opposite, I need to speed up. I have so much to do.” And, just this week, actress Kathy Bates, 77, made Emmy history by becoming the oldest nominee in the category of actress in a lead drama.
Advances in medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle choices can play a crucial role in how our later years are experienced. Recent research published in Nature (2024) reveals that those who engage in regular aerobic exercise and maintain a Mediterranean diet can extend the length of their cellular telomeres. These telomeres are the protective caps on chromosomes and are linked to aging. The length of our telomeres may actually be a better predictor of health and longevity than our birth date.
The landscape of aging is being revolutionized by technological innovations. AI-enabled health monitoring devices now track vital signs, detect early risks, and help manage chronic conditions, predicting potential issues with remarkable accuracy. Digital tools like brain-training apps and virtual reality programs help maintain cognitive function, delaying decline and keeping our brains sharp. Social robots, such as ElliQ and PARO, provide companionship, reducing loneliness and enhancing emotional well-being. Meanwhile, breakthroughs in genomics enable personalized prevention plans based on individual genetic risks, opening new horizons for tailored healthcare.
With more time for self-care, studies show around 40% to 50% of those over 60 engage in regular physical activity. Roughly 20% to 25% do muscle-strengthening activities that have shown to be crucial to combat age-related decline. Rates of smoking, drinking and drug use all decrease as we get older, reducing health risks.
Psychological and emotional growth often flourishes with age. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, 80% of Americans aged 65 and older report feeling more emotionally calm and confident than in their earlier years. Hormonal highs and fluctuations diminish in later years, often leading to more peace and tranquility.
Many older adults report a renewed sense of purpose. A 2022 AARP survey noted that 75% of retirees felt more engaged and fulfilled as they embraced activities that had previously been sidelined. With years of experience, accepting change becomes easier. Letting go of control, forgiving others, and trusting in one’s judgment nurture a peaceful outlook. Greater mental flexibility lets us see solutions from multiple perspectives, and independent thinking empowers us to follow our passions without undue influence.
Older adults often report that people are kinder and more willing to help, a reflection of societal respect and the richness of matured relationships. This support system, combined with an improved ability to assess risks and prioritize self-care, creates a foundation for living joyfully and intentionally.
Lastly, spirituality increases and often becomes a vital coping mechanism as we grow older. We may move from the more materialistic phase of life when we are acquiring and building, to a more reflective time where we seek a deeper understanding of our lives and the role we play in the universe.
Certainly challenges abound as we grow older and you may recall, Mae West famously quipped, “Aging isn’t for sissies.” Yet, as our wisdom and resources have multiplied, we can demonstrate equanimity and resilience that might have eluded us during our younger years in the face of increasing challenges. Having encountered loss and illness as we age can also deepen our appreciation for life.
As we look forward to a future where longevity is paired with increased vitality, let us remember that every day is a gift offering us a chance to grow and live our fullest lives. If we strive to maintain our optimal health over the years, we can continue to enjoy our best years yet.
“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
Beverly Hills Courier columnist Dr. Eva Ritvo is a psychiatrist with more than 30 years’ experience practicing in Miami Beach. She is the author of “Bekindr-The Transformative Power of Kindness” and the founder of the Bekindr Global Initiative, a movement to bring more kindness in the world. She is the co-author of “The Beauty Prescription” and “The Concise Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy.” She is also the co-founder of the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit that pairs women with disabilities with award-winning photographers creating art exhibitions to raise awareness. Dr. Ritvo received her undergraduate and medical degrees from UCLA, and psychiatry residency training at Weill Cornell Medicine.
