I'm Traveling The World At 84. Here Are My Secrets To A Long, Healthy Life.

"I can’t say for certain why I'm in such good shape, but I attribute it to certain routines I have followed over the years."

Advancing age and the accompanying decline in mental acuity and physical strength have been discussed a lot lately — especially when the 2024 presidential election featured two of the oldest candidates in history until President Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy in July.

However, many senior citizens are leading active and productive lives. I am 84 years old and in good health, both mentally and physically. I can’t say for certain why I’m in such good shape, but I attribute it to certain routines I have followed over the years.

I have stayed pretty self-sufficient and don’t like people prejudging what I can and cannot do because of my age. A few years ago, when I was in my late 70s, my daughter’s childhood friend visited us with her husband. One day, we needed to take something down from a high shelf. I walked to the garage and brought out a stepladder. The husband immediately reacted as if I had done something wrong.

“Uncle,” he said, “you should not be doing this at your age.” I told him I was perfectly capable, but he proceeded to take the ladder from me and get the item.

Two Decembers ago, a young relative stayed with us for a few days. One morning, I made tea and brought it to her at our breakfast table.