The World Health Organization (2025) reported that people worldwide are living longer, and by 2030, 1 in 6 people will be aged 60 or over. A recent international review of healthy aging recommended that we develop a new understanding of the factors that contribute to healthy aging (Catalano et al., 2025).
If you’re in the second half of life, you can take proactive steps to live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. In addition to eating a balanced diet diet and getting regular exercise, research shows that three ways you approach aging can give you more energy in the days to come.
1. Rethink the way you think about aging
A new study by Levy and Slade (2026) reveals the need to rethink our previous views on aging. Researchers have found that we can maintain and even improve our physical and cognitive function when we develop positive beliefs about aging. Instead of retreating into what was once called our “decline years,” you can focus on what you have. can to do – they will discover new opportunities in the coming days.
2. Have a sense of purpose
A study of older adults in rural Japan showed ikigaiA culturally based sense of purpose allows adults to develop and remain active members of their communities in their 90s and 100s. What was the name of the study?spirituality health” –mindfulness practice, community participation, will be continued educationmutual support and inclusion in meaningful social roles—serves as a foundation for a meaningful and fulfilling life (Ariji et al., 2025).
Betty Reed Soskin, America’s oldest park ranger, exemplifies a life of purpose. Born in 1921, Soskin led a life of public service throughout World War II, working in a shipyard and advocating for the rights of African American workers. At age 85, she began working as a ranger at Rosie the Riveter/World War II Historical Park. Soskin retired in 2022 at the age of 100. With a legacy of joyful service, he died in 2025 at the age of 104 surrounded by family and friends (Harvey, 2026).
One person I know who has made the same difference is my friend Gertrude Welch, who worked as a secretary at Santa Clara University for many years. When she retired, she said she could now “work full-time for peace and justice.” And he did. He has brought people of different faiths together in dialogues about peace, chaired a local human relations commission, and helped develop low-income housing and reduce hate in our community. For kindness, compassion and leadershipGertrude received many awards. His legacy remains an inspiration to his many friends and neighbors. In 2010, the San Jose Center for Peace and Justice established the annual Gertrude Welch Peace and Justice Award. memory.
3. Embrace your power to choose
Instead of succumbing to outdated definitions of aging and the expectations of others, you it can determine the season of life for yourself. what are you values and how you choose to live them?
In his book, You’re not too old and it’s not too late Psychologist Ilene Burns-Zare encourages us to reimagine our options in the second half of life. He provides strategies for developing a more thoughtful and deeper sense of purpose, relying on our strengths and living with growth mindset (Dweck, 2006).
Research has shown how choosing to engage in new activities can shape us stabilityexpand our social connections and open new opportunities for us (Luchetti et al., 2016; Staudinger, 2020).
Maintaining and building our social connections is also important to our well-being, especially in the second half of life, when many people lose their working communities. retirement. One beneficial way to achieve this is through volunteer work; Studies have shown that kindness can bring relief to others solitude, anxietyand depression (Cregg & Cheavens, 2022). In fact, researcher Alan Lukes (2001) found that people who help others are 10 times more likely to be in good health.
Today, more and more people are reaching out to their communities with their active choices. As I was writing this, a neighbor posted on Nextdoor that she was retiring soon and asked for recommendations for local volunteer opportunities.
About what? you If you are in the second half of life, how can you redefine yourself this season, find a greater purpose, and make choices about the shape of your life now and in the days to come?
This post is for informational purposes and should not replace it psychotherapy with a highly qualified specialist.
© 2026 Diane Dreher, All Rights Reserved.
