The 100 Years Club Installment #68: My 10 Ways to Stay Young

No. It doesn’t involve Botox and fillers.

I’m often told I don’t look 68, which is total bullshit because no one really knows in 2024 what 68 is supposed to look like.

What I DO like to hear is that I exude a youthful energy and that my smile is that of a young girl. We’re not talking about dental work here, but rather the glee I often exhibit when told a good joke, have a unique experience, get excited about a new adventure, or even just hear words of affirmation. (Check out the 5 Love Languages.)

My definition of “young” is having a head, heart, and mind filled with possibilities, not obstacles.

When we are kids, we live from day to day, believe that anything is possible, and get as much enjoyment from a day in the sprinkler as an embedded lucite award at a conference or a huge paycheck.

If you look at the next decades as the “slow end of life” and believe that your best days are behind you, you’ll approach the world with that headset.

You’re never too late to adjust your attitude and set a new course for yourself.

Here are 10 practices I incorporate in my own life to keep “young.”

1. Take care of your body. In addition to exercise and healthy eating, I also highly recommend periodic splurges like massages, mani/pedis, and haircare (and NO…I don’t believe in certain coifs for people >50!)
2. Take care of your mind. Read, watch random documentaries, hang out with people who are smarter than you in some way (see #4), and don’t stop working entirely if you can help it. I hear that many brain cells are lost on the golf course and constant pickleball indulgence.
3. Treat yourself to little things that make you smile. And if you don’t know what those things are, make a list.  I have a Google Doc of stuff that makes me happy and I look at that list when I’m feeling grumpy.
4. Meet new people. You never know who might pop into your life and make it better.
5. Hang out with people of all ages who bring you joy. My friends range from 20s to 80s. Each has something to add to my life experience and knowledge base.
6. Take risks. I’m not saying you should force yourself to jump out of a plane.  Just start asking yourself “Why not?” more often.  And be sure you’re not just listing excuses.
7. Analyze what you LOVE to do and do more of it. This is a tough one for many of us.  You may have forgotten over the years.  Or your passions may be evolving.  Get in touch with what you REALLY want to do with your days, weeks, and years.
8. Journal. It’s a great way to capture your changes and how you feel about them. Don’t be afraid to share your stories, wit, and wisdom with the world. I grudgingly started my podcast late last year and have been writing this blog consistently. Booking guests has expanded my social circle and I learn something from every episode. (See #2, #4, and #6.)
9. Live like you’ll live forever, but don’t procrastinate or talk yourself out of doing what you want to do.
10. RELAX! Try to remember those happy times of your youth and rid yourself of angst and self-limiting beliefs. Stress will age you faster and keep you up at night.  (And, although Warren Zevon believed you can sleep when you’re dead, why wait that long to get some restorative Zzzzs?)

So now, my fountain of youth is public!

Don’t pee in it, but feel free to add YOUR suggestions for turning the clock back in your head and heart!

(And a dollop of a great moisturizer can’t hurt!)

My latest podcast episode deals with 5 things on my mind these days. If you’d like to join the convo, e-mail me about appearing as a guest!