Getting To A Healthy 90.
Forget green juice and step counters. The secret to aging well might be simpler—and more powerful—than any diet or exercise plan.
If you’ve ever wondered how to live longer or which habits actually impact healthspan, this story might surprise you.
My mother just turned 90.
She walks daily. Hosts guests. Drives. Texts her grandchildren.
She’s vibrant, independent, and sharp.
She never smoked. Never drank. Eats clean and modestly.
But if you ask me what truly kept her well all these years, I’d say this:
Or her genes.
It wasn’t a multivitamin.
It was her deep and lasting social connections.

Longevity isn’t just a matter of biology — it’s deeply social.
As a physician, I’ve treated thousands of patients, including many at the end of life.
The ones who thrive into their 80s, 90s, and beyond share one overlooked trait:
They remain meaningfully connected to others.
In this essay, I explore:
- What the Harvard Study of Adult Development revealed about connection and lifespan
- Why loneliness increases risk of death as much as smoking or obesity
- How my mother’s life offers a blueprint for aging well — rooted not in biohacks, but in love and reciprocity
If you’re interested in:
- Non-genetic aging factors
- Habits of healthy elderly people
- Or understanding what actually matters most as we age
Read the full story:
👉 The Hidden Habit All Healthy 90-Year-Olds – https://medium.com/beingwell/the-hidden-habit-all-healthy-90-year-olds-share-its-not-a-diet-it-s-not-exercise-it-s-this-4440ebc685f1?sk=de83f2c98fc83e93bdf1a77dd7bcb9fd
And if you’re ready to go deeper into the science and daily choices that support a long, meaningful life, I just released my latest ebook:
📘 Extending Life and Healthspan — Click to explore it now
Getting To A Healthy 90. A celebration of mom.