Who Wants to Live Forever is one of Queens biggest hits—a song that contemplates mortality and the transient nature of life and love.

There's no chance for us

It's all decided for us

This world has only one sweet moment

Set aside for us

Who wants to live forever?

Who wants to live forever?

Who?

The song was written for the 1986 film Highlander, inspired by a scene in the film where the protagonist's immortal character has to watch his wife die of old age. The line, "Who wants to live forever, when love must die," speaks to the pain of saying goodbye to a loved one, one drawback of a long life.

Longevity and the U.S. Healthcare System

America is failing its older adults. We spend more on healthcare than any other wealthy nation, yet we die sooner. In 2023, life expectancy in the U.S. was 78.4 years (75.8 for men and 82.2 for women), more than four years shorter than countries with far smaller healthcare budgets. While they spend about $7,393 per person, we shell out an eye-watering $13,432—for outcomes no one should be satisfied with. According to data from the United Nations, the U.S. ranks 55th for life span among nations of the world; just below Panama and Albania.

The reasons are complicated but not a mystery. In many parts of the country we have:

• less access to quality, affordable healthcare, including a significant and worsening shortage of primary care physicians

• high mortality rates from drug overdoses, firearm violence, chronic diseases, obesity, and accidents: all preventable!

• high levels of poverty and weaker social safety nets

• high-stress work environments

• a diet high in processed foods

These factors also account for the difference in longevity among the 50 states. Residents of Massachusetts (tied with Hawaii) have the longest life span at 79.6 years while people who live in Mississippi have a life span of 70.9.

We should have a healthcare system that rewards prevention and supports longevity. Instead we have a healthcare system that is overpriced, underperforming, and often structurally unfriendly to healthy aging.

Secrets of a "Super-Ager"

The demographic known as super-agers are people over age 80 whose memory functions at least as well as that of someone in their 50s or 60s. The term was coined by neurologist Marsel Mesulam at Northwestern University and is the subject of intensive research at several major medical centers.

Why do some of us maintain memory, independence, and psychological well-being into our 80s, 90s, and beyond? In what ways do genetic, biological, and lifestyle factors shape our health as we age? What simple changes—such as walking more or staying socially connected—benefit our independence? And how can our healthcare system provide better support for older adults?

Secrets—Not Really!

In the 1980s, groundbreaking research from the MacArthur Foundation Study on Aging identified key factors contributing to successful aging and showed that we have significant control over how we age through lifestyle choices. The study was one of the first that challenged outdated views of aging as a period of inevitable decline. Current research at the University of Chicago, Northwestern, Harvard and UCLA, among others has verified the original MacArthur study findings. And they have identified several lifestyle habits that are common among super-agers:

Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity is one of the strongest predictors of healthy aging. You don’t need to run a marathon or make it to 10,000 steps everyday— even brief walks can make a difference.

Keep Your Mind Sharp: Engaging in problem-solving activities, lifelong learning, or hobbies reduces cognitive decline. Join a book club, enjoy a lecture at the Falmouth Senior Center or library, take an online class, and play games that challenge your thinking, like chess or puzzles.

Nurture Social Connections: Strong social networks are essential for successful aging and can help to diminish loneliness and isolation, known risk factors for depression and cognitive decline. Stay connected with family and friends through regular calls, video chats, or social events.

Build Resilience By Adapting to Challenges: Psychological resilience, flexibility and adaptability are vital for independence. It’s important to be open to using assistive devices, modifying your home for safety, or accepting support when needed from others when needed,

Cultivate and Maintain a Sense of Purpose: Having a reason to get up each morning is closely linked to well-being. Continue working or participate in meaningful activities as long as possible. VOLUNTEER! VOLUNTEER! VOLUNTEER! There are numerous volunteer opportunities in Falmouth—not only will you help your neighbors, you might also enjoy some additional health benefits. According to research from the Mayo Clinic and Stanford University, older adults who volunteer have reduced risk of hypertension, delayed physical disability, enhanced cognition and lower rates of depression.

Prioritize Preventive Health Care: Routine medical check-ups, screenings, and preventive care are critical. Make sure to get treatment for any chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis. Learn measures to prevent your risk of falls and follow a balanced diet, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, and get enough sleep.

So, to all my fellow super-agers and super-ager wannabes, keep moving and staying engaged!

“In spite of illness, in spite even of the archenemy sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways.”  ~Edith Wharton

Neighborhood Falmouth is a community-based non-profit membership organization whose mission is to help seniors live independently, safely, and comfortably at home for as long as is practical by providing support, information and services. To learn more about Neighborhood Falmouth visit our website www.neighborhoodfalmouth.com. If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a volunteer call our office at 508-927-1678