Core Principles

Every author writes from a core set of beliefs or principles, and regarding LiveLongAgeWell, here are mine:

•    Being able to “Dance In Your 90s” is something you deserve, and something you can accomplish with just a little luck and not too much work.
•    Getting older should not be a process of going downhill and slowly becoming weak and invisible. Even in your 90s you can be physically and mentally fully functional, and do most things you want to do.
•    Family history is just one factor in how well you age; most of it is under your control.
•    The goal is not to live forever, but to live as long as you can and still be engaged, contributing, and growing.
•    To age well a healthy body is not enough—you need to keep a youthful mind and spirit.
•    Most things good for your health are not that difficult, and whatever healthy habits you might find difficult, you can learn to do over time without much effort.
•    Don’t try to do too much too quickly—you can adapt to healthy habits at your own pace. Even then, there are some “healthy habits” that just won’t be right for you. That’s ok. There are plenty of other good habits you can follow. Do what’s reasonable for you. Even someone who does “everything right” won’t live forever.
•    Many things you thought were “bad” for you, are actually good.
•    Don’t unnecessarily deny yourself enjoyment and pleasure.
•    Medical research findings are often wrong; conclusions reverse and recommendations change over time.
•    Never think: “I’m too old to do this”. It doesn’t matter what your age…if you want to do something, try it. You will likely succeed.
•     One key to aging well is keeping mentally flexible; try new things as much as you can.  Learn to enjoy adapting to the changing world. Keep up to date with new technologies.
•    Don’t try to be perfect. Take some risks and make some mistakes along the way. Have fun.
•    Over time of course your body will not be as strong and your physical “beauty” will change, but in many ways you can get better as you get older—you can become wiser, happier, calmer, more generous, more able and wiling to teach and share what you know…and for these things you will always have value.
•    The best way to age well is to eat right and keep mentally, physically, and socially active, but you also need to take care of your style and personal appearance. Avoid stagnation: keep modern.
•    If you want to try advanced dermatology techniques and plastic surgery to look and feel younger, do it. Find procedures that give you the biggest benefit for the lowest cost and risk.
•    Try to not lie about your age. If you don’t want to say how old you are, then just don’t say…probably though, if you are doing a good job, you will be proud to tell your age, whatever it is.

Some of these might seem unrealistic or overly optimistic, but these are the principles (still an evolving work in progress) that have I learned over a number of years, and they form the basic fabric of my blog LLAW and of my book How To Drop Dead Dancing In Your 90s: Live Long Age Well.

All Content On This Site And Blog Copyright 2009, David Harsany, M.D.