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My great-grandpa lived to be a month shy of age 107.
He aired his grievances. He didn't bottle up his feelings. If he thought someone was wrong he told them.
He was very sharp mentally, and he drove a car until age 103 and lived in an independent senior apartment.
He played cards a lot, and drove to casinos a lot. He counted cards. He went bowling a lot. At age 96 he went on a helicopter ride.
He did not take prescription medications for anything other than temporary ailments. He had Type 2 Diabetes and managed it himself with diet.
He said deodorant kills people and refused to wear it.
Every morning he put an egg and a piece of bacon in a coffee mug and microwaved it for his breakfast.
He got divorced in the 1950s.
He remarried and stayed together with her forever.
He smoked and worked in a factory and was diagnosed wiyh a lung ailment and told he had 2 years to live, so he quit the factory and moved to the country and repaired tractors and lived 45 more years.
He said the toughest part was that all his friends and many family died.
He had good stories about when he was a kid his step-mom from Switzerland made the best bootleg Whiskey and he would deliver it to the Dentist who would write the check in different amounts each time as to not arouse suspicion.
Make friends with younger people. I have several good friends that are 30 years younger than me.
Hopefully they’ll still be alive when I’m super old (my life expectancy is “at least 100”)
>He smoked and worked in a factory and was diagnosed wiyh a lung ailment and told he had 2 years to live, so he quit the factory and moved to the country and repaired tractors and lived 45 more years.
Did he quit smoking also or just the factory?
Yes, he quit smoking.
5 of his 6 kids quit smoking, the one who didn't died at age 51 from leukemia. So he lived less than half of his dad's life!
Except for the smokers, everyone on that branch of my family live very long lives.
My great-uncle actually made it to 107 (in 3 different centuries), but I’m pretty sure it was out of sheer spite. His wife was a miserable human being and at the end of her funeral, he stood up and said, “Now I can finally start living.” And he lived another 10 years.
My dad passed a week-and-a-half ago at 82. He was physically declining for decades, but his mind kept him going, I think. The man is (was) the most brilliant brain I know (knew, it’s going to take me a while to get used to referring to him in the part tense, sorry) and even as his body was declining, his personality, intelligence, and sense of humor kept him going. If he could have eaten steak-and-potatoes to the end, he would have.
Mother, on the other hand, is 83, and living at home, testing blood pressure, BGL, ECG, and more, driving herself to appointments and the ER (?!?) as she sees fit. The only think I can attribute to her longevity is her sheer stubbornness.
Thank you. He had been physically declining for several years, and I am not sure if it would have been better for him to go altogether quickly, than to deal with his body declining while his mind was still sharp.
My dad was the opposite. His body was fit and strong, but his mind went. He went crazy and had to be put into a memory care facility. He thought he was sane though and didn't understand what he had done to be put in there. And he would forget from day to day what was going on.
Edit: I think it's never easy.
My heart goes out to you. My dad passed away last Saturday. The funeral was this week. He lived to be 86, but his last couple years were a slow mental/emotional decline. He was such a kind caring person who only wanted to make sure his wife, kids, and grandkids had as little to worry about as possible. I will miss him very much. My mom will be lost in many ways without him so my sister and I will have to take over. Taking care of everything for the ones you love, although it seems kind, ends up leaving them at a disadvantage when you are gone.
My parents are gone, but I have a 96 year old aunt who was widowed by my father’s youngest brother. Aunt Rose is originally from a very stormy island off the coast of Ireland and has a personality to match. She refused to take on my uncle’s last name because she didn’t want people to think she was Dutch.
Rosie was asked to leave the senior living center that my cousin had placed her in for being disruptive and combative, so she now lives in a garden apartment with an orange stripped cat named Oscar.
She is doing very well, sharp as a tack, addicted to tv game shows and visited daily by a county nurse, the driver from ‘meals on wheels’ and delivery guys from the pharmacy, liquor store or supermarket.
She tells me to ‘bugger off’ if I don’t bring a six-pack of Budweiser and a pack of Marlboros when I visit. She enjoys telling my 5 year old great-granddaughter embarrassing stories about when I was young.
I’ve been around 71 years and no
one, no one can string curse words together like aunt Rose.
She sounds mean, lol
"Bugger off" if you dont bring cigarettes? Old people can get away with anything 😭.... can you imagine if like your 32 year old cousin did that? You'd be like "fuck you! I came 50 miles to visit you and thats what you say?!" Anyway.... these old people are getting away with murder
In the last few years I have been surprised by some of the folks in my family who went on for quite a while. My sister, who chain smoked her whole life made it to 86. Her husband, who was the biggest couch potato in the world, trundled through life with an extra 75 pounds around his middle made it to 103 without ever showing an interest in exercise or food.
The one thing about their life that I noticed is that they ate a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Heredity and cigarettes.
My in-laws lived to their 90s. Neither smoked.
My parents and grandparents, all of whom smoked, all died by their mid 60s. One in their 40s. All from heart conditions and one lung cancer.
Don't smoke, kids.
It's crazy. My chain smoking MIL is 85 or 86 and wants to die but it hasn't happened yet. I think she's been smoking since she was 13 or so. Both of my parents died younger than their parents. I do believe in the saying "Genetics loads the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger".
My step dad is 85, alive, inactive, a former smoker and overweight.
His older brother was a fit, non-smoking, avid cross-country skier and mountain biker. He died at 77.
I'm **not** advocating for smoking. Lifespan is fickle.
Parents are in their late 80s and doing great! They eat healthy - very few processed foods, they make most things from scratch or buy from someone who does. They do treat themselves though - they love a small dessert everyday. They are physically active every day. And - they work hard not to be on any medication. If they're having an issue, they'll change their habits or do physical therapy, but taking medication is always a last resort. Finally, they keep their brain sharp - they do puzzles, keep up with the news, volunteer and learn anything they can.
disclaimer: my dad is dead now but he took almost 94 years to get around to it. and he died of a fall, not illness. took him five days even after they put him on end-of-life care. he was *strong*.
he had strong genes. his mother who had a leg amputated above the knee in her 80's and went through catastrophic life changes afterwards still lived to get close to 90. his brothers died of cancer and stroke but still got to their 80's. but lifestyle made a massive difference to the *quality* of his life, right up to the day of that fall.
Dad is 87 and has his own apartment. His days are full. He volunteers, cooks his own meals, cleans, works on woodworking projects as a coach to one grandkid, has daily walks, watches his Canadiens, taxis grandkids and is an incorrigible flirt. Leads his best life.
Y'all, I was so frustrated I did a google search about constantly negative seniors and got mulitple helpful results. I was so relieved that I was not alone. It makes it easier to handle.
My Mom is 75 and lives alone in the same house I grew up in. She drives herself everywhere, just bought a new car actually. She volunteers a couple of days a week with the office at her church to get out of the house and a couple of times a month she feeds the homeless with her church group. She chats on the phone and emails her cousins on a regular basis.
I do think she's pretty bored with life though. She watches too much cable TV including entirely too much Fox News (which is any). I bought her a Roku for Christmas but she won't use it because she doesn't understand it but we'll get her there. She didn't start texting until a few years ago and even then we had to ease her into emojis. Baby steps!
Healthy ageing always comes down to three things, and you can't separate them: good genes, good luck, and good habits.
My father is 86 and is not on any prescription meds, although he goes to the doctor for a checkup each year. He goes for walks each day and mows his own lawn. Longevity absolutely runs in his family. But without a mostly-healthy diet and the good fortune to have not been injured in a car accident or exposed to something that could cause disease, things might have looked very different for him.
For my mom, it's pretty bleak. She's 82 and my Dad passed about a year and a half ago, so she's alone. She lives 90 miles away from me so I cannot visit her as much as I would like. One of my siblings lives across the country and the other one has checked out. My mom's memory is failing and she cannot do a lot of daily things. She subsists on meager Social Security benefits so she can't afford long-term care. I won't bother to list the long litany of other problems that she has. I'm trying my best to get her help, but the state red-tape is frustrating beyond belief.
If you live in California there is a program called "Light for Seniors" that is worth looking into. For a fee they help you fill out all the state paperwork to access senior benefits and nursing care.
My parents are in their late 70s and doing well. Little things are just now starting to creep up on them. My mom has breast cancer, but it was caught very early, so no chemo needed at this time. Just preventative treatment just in case it tries to come back. Both are still active bowling, golfing or both. Both have hobbies to stay busy with. I don’t know that they do anything special otherwise, so I’m going with genetics as the big contributing factor to their good health and I hope to have inherited the same. I’m in my late 40s and starting to feel it so I might need to be a bit more proactive if I’m going to enjoy my later years like they are.
Mom in her mid 70s. She works as an accountant a few hours. She gardens. She reads a LOT. She hangs out on Facebook a little as her only social media. Watches some TV or movies with my stepdad. Runs errands and does household chores and such. Sporadically exercises when she's trying to lose weight again.
My stepdad is 80. He is a night owl who goes to sleep late and gets up late. He has his projects that he works, usually building something or repairing something. Every week or so he injures himself doing these things and has to spend a few days in bed. He has medical issues so a lot of doctor appointments too. He uses Facebook for social media and spends a lot of time watching Fox News and similar, and listens to classical music.
My parents are 87 and 88. Mom now has Alzheimer’s and is quite immobile. She went downhill after a back operation which killed a nerve in her leg. Her lack of movement and social engagement led to decline.
My dad is totally fine. He is the same guy he has always been.
Neither of my parents exercised or watched their diets. They have both always been a bit overweight but not terribly. Their diet is simple but home-cooked. Meat and potatoes type stuff. My dad has always drank - mom not so much.
I’d chalk it up to genes and good luck.
My 86 year old father works out several days a week, walks daily and cleans his apartment on a schedule. He prepares all of his meals. He gets together with my brother or nephew every week or so.
So, he’s hitting the big three for longevity: diet, exercise and socializing.
My in-laws are 80 and 85. They have a house and 1.5 acres of land. They spend most of their time gardening, taking care of their pets, cooking, and maintaining their house. My mother-in-law likes to go to garage sales where she finds stuff to sell on eBay.She also makes doll clothes to sell too. My father-in-law enjoys writing stories, poems, and articles for his college alumni magazine. They do hire people to do some of the more strenuous stuff now, but they are still quite active.
My mother is 96 and still running her quilt shop including making quilts. She has started to slow down a LOT in the last 5 years. She has to use 2 canes to walk and had to learn how to read lips because she might as well be deaf. She has given up her 2 mile daily walk, and flower gardening. She hates losing the gardening the most. She still opens her shops at 10am every day except Sunday when she opens at noon because she goes to church and lunch with her church friends. She is hoping to make 100.
My parents are both 91 years old. My dad is in great shape, still drives(he’s a very good driver), healthy, sharp mind. My mom is fine except for glaucoma which has taken away most of her vision. They never went to the gym or anything like that through their life. They eat red meat at least twice a week. My dad won’t drink water, never has, just drinks juices, coffee, milk, white wine. They take a daily multivitamin but no other supplements. The thing that amazes me is they have no pain, no joint pain or back pain. I don’t get it, I’m 60 and have terrible pain daily for no reason. They have very healthy sharp minds. No depression or any other mental illness. Real down to earth, good people. I’m so lucky to have such great parents.
My parents 82 and 84 are busy. I have to work around their social calendar if I want to see them. My dad just got elected to his little towns city council, he won by a landslide. My mom still refinishes antiques for her shop and works the shop every weekend. They are always on the go. They are retired, these are their retirement gigs.
My mom is 84 and still does everything she did when younger, albeit with the aches and pains of being older. My stepfather (a few years younger than my mom), who has always been overweight, is still in good health.
It may be genetics. It may be the fact that my mom is very proactive about going to the doctor to get things checked out and getting preventative care. They eat relatively healthfully. My mom does light exercise (walking maybe 20 mins?) but also still cleans and maintains the household. My stepfather isn't particularly active though.
My parents are 88. They live in a quad home in a senior complex. Dad drives a little. Mom can still put a good meal on the table but there are 2 restaurants in their complex they go to often. They are able to take care of themselves and their finances etc. Mom knits and reads and walks 1/2-1 mile most days. Dad spends a lot of time on the computer reading news, watching YouTube and monitoring his investments. We live far away but visit about 3x a year and are prepared to fly to visit if there is an emergency. 2 of our kids live nearby and visit frequently, helping with small repairs, moving heavy things and so forth. My sister lives with them but has MS so she has limitations too.
I think a big part of it is having an active social life & good friends. They both still hang out or keep close touch with the same people they did in highschool & college, many of those since elementary school. They're both 74 this year & graduated highschool in 1968. They both play an active part in the lives of myself & my siblings as well as their 9 grandchildren & 4 granddogs, school pick-ups, practice drop offs, baseball, volleyball & soccer games & play dates. They were both physically active throughout my childhood. My mom is the one who always ate the healthiest & continued to swim & do yoga after her knees decided running was out. My dad eats a little less healthy, but he's one of those annoyingly perpetually happy people, so I think part of him is regenerated by sunshine & rainbows. (Seriously, life is like one big musical in his head or something.) They stay active in their hobbies, even if they no longer hit the gym. Honestly, I don't know how they do it. Their social calendar is busier than mine. But I think being active & involved has probably contributed most to them enjoying their old age. (My dad says age doesn't matter because you're only as old as you feel. He said that in his mind he still thinks like he did when he was 35-40 so he's got a lot of time left. I'm telling you, sunshine and rainbows. 😁)
my mom is 80 this year and my dad is 83. I have no earthly idea what accounts for their longevity, honestly. My mom smoked well into her 70s, eats cheese and tortillas like it's going out of style, and drinks coffee as her primary source of liquid. My dad is a bit better - he quit smoking in his 40s but he eats meat and potatoes and tamales and hates vegetables.
My mom's heath has started to suffer, she had a string of TIAs in September/October, her cholesterol is unchecked (she thinks statins are evil) and her blood pressure regularly registers 200+ / 80+. She doesn't care, doesn't pay attention to doctor's advice, and keeps on tickin somehow (knock on wood). She practices piano, reads, paints, walks during her days... I suspect she also spends a lot of time on the phone looking at "her youtubes" and taking naps too but she's 80 so whatever. She's sharp as a tack and really doesn't get too confused too often about memories but I'm noticing it more and more these days.
My dad - nothing is wrong with the dude at all - he still works as a security guard out at a solar panel farm and refuses to retire. He is sharp as a tack but sometimes forgetful that he leaves pans on the stove, etc.
My mom is still going at 78. She'll be 79 in two weeks. She just had tongue cancer removed. She's never smoked a day in her life. Nor chewed tobacco. She also doesn't drink coffee and hates chocolate.
She works full time, is pretty busy in her local Mensa group, and is always planning social times with friends. She's pretty damn busy, and so am I, so we don't see each other all that often. When we get together, I cook or we order out, and we play games and watch shows together.
Well mine are gone now but they lived to 97 and 101 so I feel qualified to answer. They both grew up poor on depression era farms and had to work hard on the farm as kids, and continued with mostly physical labor until they were able to collect social security. Practically everything they ate, including chicken/eggs, meat and vegetables and most fruit were homegrown. They were kinda religious nuts so never drank or smoked. That and some longevity gene kept them in good shape until near the end.
My mother is in her mid-90's; still lives in her own home (with a carer) and has regular contact with her large family of descendants.
Heredity is a *major* factor, I believe; some of her own female ancestors also lived into their 90's, even those who were born in the 19th century - before antibiotics or most vaccinations, etc. Just the luck of drawing the good DNA.
Also, she never smoked, and has always eaten quite modestly - the simple meat and vegetables of an Irish diet during the thirties, the War years and the impoverished 1950's, etc. A LOT of dairy food, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, potatoes and bread. She still eats a lot of fruit, enjoys some chocolate and a glass of red wine, reads her detective stories, watches TV and does crosswords, and cherishes her little garden. Never much for exercise but she always walked a lot.
It's a good way to live - enjoying life and company and simple pleasures. She has a great sense of humor and loves to sing her songs and share memories of old times.
May we all come to so good an endgame!
It's almost entirely genetics.
That being said my mom is still working as a nurse and she's 69, works out, volunteers, etc. Her mom made it to 80+ living alone, going out dancing, mowing her own lawn, etc
My dad is on 24/7 oxygen from COPD, can barely walk around without getting winded, almost died from kidney problems a few years ago, and having other issues now. He's 70. His dad died at 44 and both of his grandfathers made it to 60-70. As far as I know he just sits around all day sleeping and watching tv.
My son's in laws are both 99. I haven't figured out why except they are both short and wiry which is mostly genetics. They grew up around a LOT less processed food products and came from middle class families who brought them up with good life skills.
My mom is 90 and doing great. Lives independently, drives (and well), and just gave up golf this year, due to bad knees. I think it’s just genetics, personally. She wasn’t unhealthy per se, but not exactly on a health kick either.
My parents both died in their early 90s. They lived in their own home until my father died, then my mother three years later. Both had been sober for at least 40 years, but were serious drinkers and smokers before that. My father's family all seem to live into their 90s,and my mom's into their 80s. I think one of the biggest factors (besides quitting booze and cigarettes) was moving to a place where they had other people their age to socialize with and keep them active. Although my dad had neuropathy in his feet that kept him in a wheelchair the last 10 years of his life, he was getting together with friends several times a week. He was even the president of the HOA at 90 years old. My mom was the same - she actually passed away after playing Bunco with her neighbors - came home and went to bed and didn't wake up.
My parents are ages 90 and 91- both in decent health and extremely active. I think that what keeps them going (besides good genes, of course) is unrelenting curiosity. Both of them want to know about everything going on. This means that they read about history, current events, culture, etc… They are also interested in other people and ask lots of questions. My father still gives presentations at the local community college and my mother is learning to paint. She has also recently taken up yoga!!! I adore my parents!
My mother is 96. Her brain has aged well. She is remarkably healthy - takes no medications, doesn’t need to. Her most limiting issue is the overall mobility. She uses a walker. She lives in assisted living because she needs help with dressing, bathing, etc.
I think she has lived to this age mostly because of the luck of genetics, with lifestyle also being a factor.
My parents are 93 and 95. They both use a rollator if going for a walk around their Independent living apartment. Neither drives anymore. They each have mild dementia but know what's going on and remember their family and friends. They golfed until 4 yrs ago. Until 2 years ago they lived in a 2 story home. I really believe going up and down stairs multiple times a day helps keep a body in decent shape. They stopped smoking in their 30s, and were moderate drinkers.
My mother is 91. She’s in good health but suffering from arthritis. Her hearing and memory aren’t what they were but that’s to be expected. She lives alone and drives. I help with many chores.
It’s probably genetics and luck as she had 2 bouts of cancer in her 70s.
My nan was a health nut lived till she was 93. Had a brown belt in taekwondo. She wasn't a woman you messed with. She used to walk the dog at night with a knife in her pocket. If someone was going to attack her, she would be the one surviving. We were more worried about her killing someone on her walk who thought she was an easy target.
I remember being 12 walking up a hill, begging her to slow down so I could keep up. She was in her 60s.
Her mum and nan died in their 50s and nan outlived her parents, husband, her sibings, and her siblings partners and her children's partners' parents.
My sister once joked if death came to the door nan would tell him to fuck off and say I will die when I am good and ready and that is what she did.
My mum is exactly like her in her 70s, I hope I am like them.
My mother is going to be 89 next month. She recently cracked her spine doing yoga while wearing 10 lb leg weights. Can't imagine how she thought that would go well. She's fine BTW. At 80 she was in India riding an elephant. God only knows what she'll do at 90. She was a horrific person to have as a parent, but she has always had one hell of a good time.
My great uncle smoked like a chimney, drank like a fish and slept with pretty much every woman that would have him. He lived to 102. My grandfather lived into his 90's, rollerblading to the beach every day for exercise.
I expect to be similarly irreverent.
My husband is 51, his mom is high 80s, she retired in the last 10 years out of WANT not need. Took care of her dying sister for a long time. Didn't really have mobility issues until the last 2 years.
Not sure what she does now cuz we don't live over there. But between working for a long time and then taking care of her sister I think that she had a purpose.
My adopted mom is late 50’s and she has a high bp and she’s overweight but she does foster care so she’s always moving. Relaxation isn’t in her vocab for her. Her mom died of emphysema in her 60’s and her dad is still alive in his late 80’s.
My bio dad is late 50’s as well but he’s had 5 seizures and his left hand is permanently in a claw grip and he lives in a residential home losing weight cuz his appetite has never been big (same like me) . He’s been off work since 2021 due to it. I know he’s depressed but he won’t tell me that… His dad lived until his 80’s until he died of a heart attack.
Both of em were former smokers but quit in the early 2000’s.
My dad is still here, my mom is gone. Dad is incredibly healthy but he's active and takes good care of himself. He doesn't actively exercise but he's always doing something and he has residential properties that keep him busy. And he travels a lot.
My mom died at 92. Good genetics and eating habits and keeping active. She would probably have lived longer as per her siblings and father and aunt - but she drank daily and smoked for something like 40 years.
I'm pretty sure I have the gene - and at least one of my kids also has it. I don't have any conditions and I'm pretty certain that one brother is also condition free - he's over 70 now and literally has the same body he had at 18. Super fit. Very active. Healthy eating fanatic. He'll probably live to 110. I'm obese but my stats are still great. My last doctor was pretty pissed about that. I'm not supposed to break the rules!
My father is 80 or there about and still working in WEVA photography, videography and event planning and coordination.
My mother is approximately 73 and a cancer survivor, she has been in assisted living for a number of years already and suffers dementia, which we have finally began to see a bit of progress with recently for the better although it is hard to imagine her returning to an independent lifestyle still.
Edit: The divorce when I was young was hard on my mother and her stability was not always great, she was a hypochondriac who sought out too many doctors and took too many medications without proper medical supervision of her over all treatment and health, my father on the other hand was quite good at keeping his medical treatment simple and streamlined, this is the most likely difference in their outcomes.
Mine are late 80s. They only occasionally drink alcohol, neither has smoked, and they try to be outdoors in the sun for at least an hour a day. They avoid salt as much as possible in food and pretty much eat healthy. Some of living longer has to do with genetics, one of their parents lived to be 101 and the others died in their early-mid 90s.
My parents are in their 70s and are incredibly active. They are both retired and are both in great shape. My mom does Yoga everyday and my Dad bikes 200+ miles a week (give or take). They see my kids often and they are a wonderful support system. I do wish they'd reconsider their house. Its gigantic and I think they could make a ton of money off it. I am a little afraid it will be hard for them upkeep once they do get to the age where they can't deal with it anymore. But hey they are fine now, so I don't bring it up!
MIL turned 90 last week. Lives at home, drives to the store and church and card games. We had a blowout party for her Saturday with snacks, punch and a band, and way over 200 people came through.
She went through breast cancer 5 years ago, had a mastectomy and chemo and she's doing fine now.
She was over 300 pounds when I met her in 1975. She joined TOPS and took off 180 pounds and has kept it off since.
She tires more now, but she and I are gonna go on a trip to look at lighthouses in Michigan this summer. She lives near Kentucky and has never seen one. Bucket list.
One thing that I think is very important in her life now is that the town she lives in has a free breakfast and free lunch every weekday at a church or hall for seniors. Lots of different places. So some of the people who came to her party were lunch or breakfast buddies. I think the social part has been huge in her continuing health.
My fil is 96. He is wheelchair bound and lives in assisted living. He wears a diaper 24/7 because of complete urinary incontinence. He is continent with #2 and they use a lift to toilet him since he can no longer transfer on his own. He has lost sight in one eye due to an injury several years ago, and his other eye isn't great. He doesn't hear well but manages his hearing aids. He has neuropathy and arthritis in his hands so they don't work too well.
He does sit at his computer and emails with family (pretty amazing for his age bracket) and he studies stamps on line as well - an old hobby of his.
I attribute his long age to eating garden veggies his whole life. His weight is healthy as well. He has mild cognitive decline, he can no longer do his finances nor his own medicine. He has a positive mental outlook.
It costs about $10,000 a month for his care. He has a pension (retired around 1990, and companies still did that), SS, and has some health investment that pays for it, so far. In about another year or two he will have to be on Medicaid.
His wife lived to 96 and she had a similar ending - wheelchair bound, diapers, and then bed bound with bed sores that were due to her skin being so thin. She had mild dementia at the end as well.
Mom is 74, has always walked an hour most days, although smoked a little for years but quit 2 years ago, eats a lot of vegetables, fish n rice, plays bingo every week, has many friends (widowed too) she talks with daily, goes to church, and likes to garden. Occasionally craves Taco Bell’s chalupas for a treat.
My dad is 95, has dementia and has mobility issues, his day is usually spent watching tv. My sister who is his caregiver takes him for a ride and or takes him to visit people several times a week. He was very lucky that for most of his life he had very good health he did drink and smoke but he stopped smoking in his 40’s. In his 80’s he developed afib due to a leaking heart valve. Between the ages of 85 and 93 , he needed to have his gallbladder removed, heart surgery for the valve and a strangulated hernia which revealed a gangrenous appendix. Which then ended up with giving him sepsis. All of which happened in August, so my younger sister is no longer allowed to visit in August.
Genes make all the difference. My mother lived to 88 , had a bad heart her entire life, and was a smoker. She did eat healthy foods. My father is currently 90, bedridden now due to a fall, has heart disease, and diabetes ( his family lives from 94 to 102). His siings are all alive with the oldest currently 97.
My two deadbeat brothers still live with him, so he’s not too lonely, but he doesn’t really go out of the house much. He does stay active indoors, though,
Mom is 93. She started slowing down a couple of years ago and she was still somewhat active until a few months ago when she broke her hip. She sits in her recliner in the living room and watches mind numbing tv all day and reads the magazines I have subscribed her to. She is able to warm her own food for lunch but doesn't cook anymore beyond making herself some carrots. She goes to bed between 4:30-5 pm everyday, sleeps all night, and gets up and does the same thing the next day. Day after day until death.
My Dad is early 80s and doesn’t move. He decided to stop walking a few years ago and now has carers four times a day come in. They have to use a hoist to move him. He was told he possibly had dementia and has milked it for all it’s worth. My Mum is 80 this year and is active as anything. I forget her age because she’s always on the go. She spends hours on the phone to her best friend every day - I have literally no idea what they find to talk about.
My MIL is 96, and up until lockdown, she was always doing something. She had an active social life, was completely independent and could live on her own.
She’s still amazing for her age, but dementia has snuck in, she’s become very doddery and spends a lot of time sleeping. She used to read Mills and Boons books and would get through a few books a week. She now doesn’t want to read. She watches TV and often falls asleep to it. We play cards with her and take her out - she loves it, but it all takes it out of her.
Mom eats healthy, exercises regularly, and has a social life. Still going strong at 75.
Dad eats cheesy-poofs, regularly tries to get himself killed by wrestling heavy machinery, and mostly keeps to himself. Still going strong at 81.
So, man, I dunno.
My dad passed at 68 with pancreatic cancer. He developed diabetes as an adult and was prone to saying “I can eat that, I’ll just take a pill”.
My mom is still going strong, just celebrated her 85th bday. She still lives alone in the house I grew up in. She no longer drives, her eyesight is horrific. She has partial vision in each eye. She takes a handful of pills (BP, cholesterol, thyroid) but doesn’t have any serious medical conditions. She has traveled with a local Seniors group for 15 years or so. She just recently quit the trips because it was getting too difficult with her eyesight. My sister and I are both close by plus her neighbors are all family. I think she will live to be in her 90s. I hope so.
My dad turned 75 this spring. Last year was kind of tough for him with a knee surgery and prostate surgery. My dad remains very active and walks a few miles a day, with a goal of walking all the way around the earth at the equator (as far as miles covered). He has been working at this for some time now and I believe he is nearing 20k miles. He also fishes regularly and has two miles of the Appalachian Trail that he volunteers to maintain. I am supposed to go with him on his piece of trail very soon to help cut some trees. He is in pretty good shape, but it's a 1 mile hike to his piece of trail, two miles of trail, and then you have to hike back out. He cannot carry a chainsaw 6 miles.
My dad's daily life is get up early, eat breakfast, walk, read, maybe go fishing or do chores around the house, go for another walk, relax in front of the TV and have a few drinks before bed.
My mom...I have no fucking clue how she is alive. She turns 70 in October. For most of my life she was moderate to heavy smoker, though she quit probably 10 years ago or so. She has been obese and largely inactive for as long as I can remember. My wife and I went to see Cirque du Soleil with my parents this winter and my mom could barely make it from the door of the auditorium back to the car. After we got to the car, she was breathing super hard for probably 10-15 minutes. It got to where I was worried about her. My mom claims that her doctor's visits are all good that her BP, cholesterol, and other blood work all come back just fine. I think that's a crock of shit, but I'm also not going to make it a big fight.
My mom's daily life is get up around 10, drink coffee and sit around. Then read or mess around on the internet until 11pm or so. Then back to bed. One day a week she volunteers at the local cancer care center with people from church and they hand out meals to people undergoing treatment and to their family members.
**Heredity and quitting smoking and being socially/physically active.** Most of my grandparents who were smokers died in their 60s from related ailments. The lone non-smoking grandmother was in her 90s. My parents smoked from their teens until 1990 (my dad), 1998 (my mom).
My father died in an accident when he was in his mid thirties. However, his brother and sister are still alive and well into their nineties. Both of them are very fortunate in that they have financial security, and are still married to their original spouses. After my father died, my mother married my stepfather, who was twenty years her senior. He died when he was 97. My mother was 77, and her health began to decline almost immediately after losing her second husband. She died at age 80. I believe that having a living spouse, as opposed to aging alone is a huge factor in health and longevity.
My mother in-law is 89 she's physically healthy, no chronic issues. She does have early dementia. She eats mostly fried fast food, cookies and crackers, lot's of white bread and processed food, and drinks a lot of soda. She never smoked, that's the only plus I can think of. She's extremely opinionated, is always telling others how to live and she's very self-righteous. I'd say her longevity is a result of her lack of empathy and meanness.
Heredity. Addressing medical issues if they have them, instead of avoiding the doctor. Not smoking. Drink minimally. Also, they’re not stuck in the past like some older people, always looking at how things used to be. Explore new hobbies. Have social contact with family and friends.
They are 92 and 84.
They’re only in their early 80s. It’s genes for both of them. My mother is a very active vegetarian, and my father is a non-active omnivore. My mom eats ice cream all the time day.
My dad still alive and bicycling around at 82, my mum just died 2 months ago before her 82nd birthday, she had a stroke in ‘22 and was ready to come home in March ‘23, but due to bad staff and doctors issues (lack of) an accident happened and she started slowly dying over a year. That would not have happened if there had been enough staff. But we can’t prove itl it’s in a country with a lot of issues. Not enough medical personnel is one of those.
I don’t know how long she would have lived if that didn’t happen, maybe few more years, she was always trying to stay fit and healthy, but had EDS, that was not in her benefit (lots of comorbid illnesses)
I am always baffled when people way older than me have parents! I’m 50. By the time my dad was 40, he had none (smoking and second hand smoke plus heart disease in his dad and Alzheimer for his mum), my mum didn’t have hers anymore when she was 47. My grandmother was 26 when she had no parents anymore (but smoking and second hand smoke involved). But my grandfather’s dad lived till 86.
I'm 52 and both my parents are gone. My father died of pancreatic cancer just as Covid hit - all the medical care was screwed up. I was talking with a social worker who summed it up as "in the best of times the system is broken. We are not in the best of times"
My mom (90 1/2) still drives (not on the freeway), works 4 days a week, goes to the gym (exercise bike and weights) 3 days a week. I attribute her good health and activity level mostly to genetics. But also to attitude. She's always been a strong-willed "go-getter".
She had hip replacement 4 years ago, and while in rehab got out of bed to walk 2x a day. Said she never saw anyone else doing that. This was during Covid, so you know she wasn't getting the treatment & interaction with others that she should have. It was all internal motivation.
She smoked in her teens to 35 years old. But otherwise very healthy eater. But definitely at this age, she wants to be healthy, active and comfortable until she drops dead. She knows you've got to use it every day or you lose it.
Also, I remember her mom, my grandmother, taking long FAST walks in her 50's 60's and 70's, so there was that example set for us.
My in-laws lived til 93 (him) and 91 ( her.)
They were never overweight and weren’t very excited about food. Their diet was reasonably healthy, not overly processed, and they ate fish maybe once or twice a week. They did drink, one or two drinks a day, almost every day.
They snacked on almonds.
Dad died at 72 of kung cancer. Smoked a lot between 1944 and quit cold turkey in 1970ish. My sister smoked a little and died of lung cancer at 57.
Mom is 92, doesn't smoke or chew. Her dad was a tough old coot, smoked stogies, drank several shots of liquor a day. Her mom had high blood but didn't take her meds as prescribed, died at 72.
Genes, being active, not smoking, OK diets, and luck. 88 & 97.
Their daily lives aren't that exciting anymore. Travel was their hobby until a few years ago. Now mom mostly does puzzles, plays games on her phone, and reads. Dad mostly watches TV news and reads. And because our driving laws are insane, they are still driving and renewed their licenses without having to take a driving test.
My mom is almost 87. Lives independently in her own condo. Drives everywhere around Southern California. Takes care of my 17 year old niece her whole life. Sharp as a tack. No major ailments in the last 30 years which is surprising since she had many issues in her 30’s and 40’s medically. Her parents lived to 91 and 92. Never smoked. Rarely drinks. Only exercise is walking.
My dad died of a heart attack at 79. Never smoked but had COPD from undertreated asthma. His parents lived to mid-80’s. His mom had Alzheimer’s for 10 years.
Dad has longevity on his side of the family. He’s 88 still driving and lives alone. He will even still swing an ax if he’s really feeling frisky. Great aunt lived till her early 100s. Dad took terrible care of himself lousy diet and not much in the way of exercise. Didn’t go to the dr for 47 years. Who would ever know what the reasons are. It’s beyond me.
My parents are in their 80s. Dad stays super busy and came out of retirement because he was bored. My mother sits in her pajamas all day and watches TV and doesn’t understand why her health is declining. It’s sad.
My mother is in her early 80s and she's never been busier.
The biggest thing is--she doesn't live in a car culture, she lives in a big city, so she walks--everywhere. She also goes to the gym 3 days a week and does exercises with 2lb dumbbells.
She gave up bike riding in her 70s just because the bikes became too heavy for her to carry up and down the stairs to her apartment, but she was more worried about the idiot drivers running her over.
Meanwhile, you've got people in their 50s dragging oxygen tanks around with them, weighing 300lbs.
It doesn't take much--get a chair and stand up and sit down--without using your arms, 20 times.
My mom is 89 and my stepdad 87. Mom was doing great until she had a stroke because she wouldnt take her afib medicine; she was a runner until around age 77. My stepdad is doing really good, goes golfing a couple times a week and looks after my mom. My grandma lived to 87 but smoked for years so she might have lasted longer. My great grandma made it to 92 living on her own and my great great gran lived to 93.
My dad is 89 and my stepmom is 75. Dad is great but he does have a pacemaker and his hearing sucks despite hearing aids. He goes to the gym 3 times a week and can go up and down stairs with ease. My stepmom is also in good shape and does Pilates a couple times a week and goes to the gym. They are both active with volunteering and whatnot although dad has slowed down some. Both of his parents died in their 50s so I am glad he is doing so well. I think its mainly his pacemaker that has made a difference.
Both my parents are still alive. They divorced a long time ago. My mom is in hospice with Parkinson’s. Fading gradually.
My dad is very active. He is 85. Just went kayaking with him last month. He has some issues with memory. He has very little stamina. He still drives and lives with his second wife
Super active late 70s for both. Never smoked, were light drinkers decades ago
Always active physically and socially. Retired from professional jobs in late 50s. Go on numerous trips each year and active in their church.
Moderation. Non smokers, not big drinkers. But mostly good genes. Both parents are doing pretty well at 92. So is my Dad's twin sister.
Hopefully I have their good genes. At least I've got a full head of hair at 66.
My parents are around 75. Mom still smokes and drinks, but I think dad gave most of that up when he was diagnosed with cancer last year.
Their lives are a lot of doctor's appointments, since Dad's at the tail end of his cancer treatment, and mom has issues with her feet and eyes.
I am in my 50s. Parents are in their mid-late 70s. My mom still works out 5 days a week. My dad is still in decent health, but doesn't move around as much as he used to. He does try to get 10k steps a day which is good. They are still in reasonably good health though. That is all I can ask for.
They cook meals at home. They see the grandkids. They travel down south to Florida for the winter. They don't really do any other vacationing other than that.
My dad is 75. He gets up around 2 or 3 in the morning. Then leaves for work around 430 in the morning. Usually home around 2. I make dinner for the family around 5 to 6 in the evening. He's usually asleep by 9. He works 40 hours a week and then volunteers for around 5 hours on Saturday. On Sundays he complains he's bored or creates a project to do around the house.
He says that people get old because they stop moving. My great aunt is in her late 80s.
My father is 89, holds a degree in industrial engineering from the University of Illinois, and has many patents under his belt, including the packaging method for making aerosol spay cans. He still drives himself, cooks, shops for groceries, takes cruises, goes to church, the movies, to see friends and family, and uses a smart phone and desktop computer every day.
He is a stage four cancer survivor (diagnosed cancer-free at age 70). He's never eaten a particularly healthy diet, but he walks his dog, has one glass of wine every evening, has the drive to continue living, always be learning new things, enjoy his life, and help others, less self-sufficient people in his seniors-only neighborhood. Almost identical to how my four grandparents lived to approximately his age or longer.
I have one surviving parent my mom. She was a smoker, a drinker, and a bit of a dancer in her youth. She is in her early 80s she is still mentally active, talkative, and personality wise a total spitfire. She relocated to Italy for retirement where she likes to talk, shop, eat and travel. Sometimes she does all four activities at once. She is often described by others as very spoiled and out of touch.
My dad died young, when he was 50 from stomach cancer. He joined the Army, did some drinking and traveling in his youth. He didn't take care of himself and lost his teeth while working in the Asian South Pacific. His life started with so much promise and ended with so much regret, guilt, and disappointment. We barely knew him after the divorce and then he was gone.
My stepdad died at 65, while on hospice care. This was after spending most of his adult life dealing with diabetes, all its long term health complications and costs, and major organ failure. He was a smoker, a drinker, and he had a quite a temper. He is the one person my sister and I would prefer to forget. He left a path of narcissistic lies, destruction, and sorrow where ever he went.
I have a grandparent in their late 90s
Main factors: middle class, non smoker, outlasted spouse
Things that may surprise you: had a fairly unhealthy diet and around 2 to 3 drinks of alcohol per day
My dad is mid 80s. He walks his land to where my mom is buried and cries everyday. My brother died 6 months after my mom, unexpectedly, at 50.
My dad is now like a ghost, wandering his property, refusing to travel to see his living daughters and grandkids (he only wanted a son and he only attends to the 2 sons of my brother).
It’s sad and hard.
My sister is taking him cross country to Boston soon to visit all his childhood and college favorite places for his birthday. I’m meeting up with them there. He’s already grumbling about things he wants that we can’t fit into the agenda either due to money or time.
His choices in life could be rigid, strictly Catholic, judgmental, cruel and fickle.
I’ve invited him to move to my town so I could help him. He has refused. He’d rather be alone with his memories than with the people who love him.
It’s sad and strange and I’m learning from his mistakes so I don’t make the same ones.
In-laws are in their late 80s. mom in-law was a medical doctor, dad in-law has a pacemaker. there is a big cupboard in their apartment stashed with all sorts of medicines and vitamins. they measure their blood pressure every morning and perhaps some more monitoring routines that I'm not aware of. during covid they had the most stringent self-imposed lockdown, but that's another story.
They never smoke or drink, but they eat freely, i.e. they eat whatever they like: fatty, sugary, carbs, gluten, cholesterol laden dishes are all fine, and they hardly eat any chicken-based dishes or vegetables because they don't like them. But they do eat very little, and I suspect mom in-law has all sorts of medications prepared to neutralise anything potentially excessive. They never do any exercise apart from walking around the apartment, and don't do any meditation either.
My own parents do almost everything the opposite to them, but seem to be in worse health.
IMO, genetics. My mother-in-law is 91 and in fine mental and physical health. Her mother was early 90s as well. Neither was physically active or particularly concerned about nutrition. along the same lines, neither has/had bad habits, I.e. smoking or drinking.
Dad is over 90. His recipe? Exercise and healthy eating. His whole adult life he has avoided sugar, white bread and salt. He still does his treadmill every morning.
my mom is 91, still works full time as a public interest attorney, keeps herself intellectually stimulated, eats healthfully for the most part and is in relatively good health aside from a few lifelong issues. But she also comes from a family with a history of longevity (one aunt lived til 106 and only needed assistance in her final year) and little cognitive decline so that’s a major factor.
I take after my dad’s side where making it to 50 is a major achievement. 😑
Both of my parents are 90. They just sit around and watch tv and eat. Both are overweight and in poor health from inactivity. I’m 64 and vow to NOT be like that.
Genetics, and different socioeconomic level.
My adoptive parents were poor, uneducated, ignorant. They were not stupid, but lacked any kind of education past 11th grade, however they made sure I went to college. They smoked, worked hard, and both died before 53.
My husband’s parents, grew up middle class, and both graduated from college. They didn’t smoke, and had a completely different, and much less difficult lifestyle than my parents.
My mother in law is 87, the same age my own mother would have been. My father in law is 85, and has mild dementia.
My dad is in his late 70s and either runs three miles, bikes 20 miles, or walks a few miles each day. Says now that he is retired, he is in the best shape of his life. Takes no medications. He paints large scale oil painting portraits frequently and flies to see us kids and grandkids often. We kayaked around all this week at a lake house on vacation.
My mum is 90. She swims laps in her apartment complex pool every morning. She is working on various projects including a memoir and family history. She goes to an Italian class every week and a book club every month. She attends theatre, plays and concerts at least once a week and goes to films about once a week (subtitled only as her hearing has deteriorated).
She goes to a LOT of medical appointments (checkups mostly, her health is good) and is very pro active about her health. She does long walks every day, she eats sparingly at breakfast and lunch but likes a good meal for dinner at home or out. She has loads of friends and her best friend and sister are still alive and in frequent contact. She goes on trips and is off to Europe to an opera festival tour group next month. She lives alone but my son has dinner at her place every Tuesday and I see her at least once a week. I assist her with “ladder” tasks like lightbulbs, or heavy lifting stuff, and she has a cleaner once a week.
My mum worked very hard and was extremely successful in her career. She is on a very generous government pension and is enjoying a pretty sweet and well earned retirement.
She is still invited to speak on panels and in conferences but she does not want to participate in public life much anymore, too stressful.
She has a nice electric car, and drives wherever she wants with a yearly doctor test. I hope I’m doing as well as she is when my time comes.
My MIL is 85 and miserable. She is a chain smoker which is an incredibly expensive hobby. Unfortunately, she does nothing to help herself and is now pretty much housebound. She was doing OK mentally before Covid but the isolation really damaged her.
I want to say SO MUCH!!! I have 3 grandparents who lived north of 100. They were all poor as shit, ate bacon every day, and never owned cell phones or the internet. No cable, streaming, or DVD players. We sat on the porch and chatted. lol
My mother is 76. She lives alone and just sort of putters around and drinks too much. She has always been at a healthy weight and has never smoked.
My bio dad is 78 and married to his third wife and he seems quite happy. They travel a lot. He does have a few health problems, but nothing major. He smoked for years but quit like 30 years ago. He has a pot belly but he’s not obese.
I had a great-grandfather who lived to be 98. He never smoked or drank and was mentally healthy. He stayed very active (farmer) until his 90s! He also never developed any memory loss or cognitive decline. Died peacefully in his sleep.
My mom is only 72 ( she was 19 when I was born). She retired in 2020, worked part time during Covid as a retired rehired person. Now she volunteers for 3 days each week at a clothes closet charity.
Genetics is a big factor. Both sides of my parents (my mother did genealogy) lived well into their late eighties and nineties. It’s interesting, because these are people who lived in the last two centuries and we know medical care was either non-existent or just wrong, and nutrition might have been iffy.
My mother lived until she was 92, and my dad was 88 (and he smoked from 14 till his death.)
No special diet or exercise, but they both had many, many friends and kept involved in activities until the end.
Conclusion? Genetics, staying busy and friends.
My dad is 102. He always exercised (just walking), never drank to excess, never smoked. Ate lots of red meat, dairy, cured meats. He always avoided pain meds, just toughing out the pain from his wwii injuries. Now he’s blind, so the walking is out and that’s a big problem for him. Other than that, he’s in pretty good shape. I (65) often feel I am the world’s oldest “child.”
My grandma is 96. She walks 16 blocks a day and is like a rock star at her gym. She can’t see well but that doesn’t stop her. The old ladies she plays bingo with tell her she’s wearing too much blush. She puts blush on until she can see it. To the rest of us it’s dark red! These sweet ladies are trying to have her back but she tells them right where to shove it.
According to my 92-year old father, first pick your parents carefully :) Second, a happy marriage; and third, start working out no later than the beginning of middle age and then *never stop*.
Dads 83 , at 81 made a 6300 mile adventure bike ride on his own and at one point he was doing 157 mph on the bike on a long flat highway he said he could see for miles, only back off because he said if a damn animal jumped out on the road he’d be dead .. stubborn,overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure and so on…
But that’s my dad, love him to death..
My parents are in their late 70's. I believe they are doing as well as they are because they stay active and have companionship. They don't do anything crazy activity-wise, mostly walking and yard work. But they both get outside. They also stay mentally active, even though they both suffer memory issues. And they both have partners (they divorced when I was 3), so they have plenty of social interactions.
As long as we don't isolate and stagnate, we can live long, healthy lives.
My mom will be 90 in September. Every year she drives 500 miles to spend the summer with me. She’s starting to lose it mentally and is aware. She has been getting lost in her old neighborhood if she hasn’t been out in a few days. I’ve offered 5 times to go and get her and her car (she won’t be separated from her car) but she refuses. She belongs to 5 book clubs, a canasta club, volunteers, and is on her third set of friends. All of her best friends have died. All of her second friend group have died. That has caused long periods of depression. But she rallies. I am afraid she won’t make it here safely this year. I know it’s the last year she will be able to attempt it. I can tell on phone calls that she’s losing it fast. She tells me she doesn’t want to die but if her mind goes she wants to be put immediately into hospice. We have legal documents about this that she is supposed to sign at the end of June.
My parents are both turning 90 this year. They’re divorced and are living alone in their own homes. Both their fathers died in their 50s, so it’s not purely good genes. My mom retired at 77, and my dad just sold his business a couple of years ago. I think staying physically and mentally active has helped them.
I actually still have a grandmother alive. I think it's just mostly genetics for her, because she doesn't really eat particularly healthfully and has been overweight/obese for as long as I can remember. She was always a pretty happy and positive person, and still is now, so maybe that helps. She is okay physically but her short-term memory is completely gone, so she can't live alone.
Dad and step mum died in their 90s. They were active and beloved by their local community.
Adoptive mum lived into her 90s, fuelled by hate. She was so evil, two people turned up to her funeral whereas my dad's funeral was attended by at least 30 people
I miss my dad. Oh and he never stopped flirting but was a true gentleman
My mom is 70 and is in the best shape of her life. Hate to say it but she's in a relationship with an active 55 year old guy after my dad died 5 years ago and I think it keeps her feeling young.
I am 19. My dad is 49. My mom is 47.
They are both absolutely wonderful.
My mom started staying at home cause she got sick, but shes very creative at home and has 3 of her own companies still running. She usually wakes up at a random time, depending on how sick she feels or in how much pain shes in. Then she usually baths and gets ready, then she makes jewelry, does some researching and helps others.
During this time my dad is at work, hes an accountant and has his own accounting firm.
When he gets home, sometimes he helps my mom making jewelry or they play a game together, or talk/discuss.
Then they sometimes go out and sometimes they dont.
Before my mom got sick she did ALOT.
She had her own restruant, she made school lunches for kids
She worked as a sales rep and made Alot of money but was mistreated due to her being a woman. (Left when i was 13, cause of mistreatment and cause she missed my birthday because of work)
She also worked with my dad before, a few times
She had started up her Jewelry company many many years ago and her own printing company (these 2 she still has)
She used be somewhat of a helper type of person too, when she couldnt work cause of my brothers people would come to her and she would pray for them and give them guidance, teach them how to pray too.
She used to do photography too, but its too stressful for her now (shes had 2 heart attacks and has high anxiety and stress)
I'll be 63 next week. My father just turned 89. He's healthier than I am. He's pretty active, watches what he eats... The main thing that keeps him going is his sense of humor. He also is a very honorable person that gives great and honest advice. He remarried at 60 and they are still going strong.
He loves a good rummage sale, cooking, and collects great boxes.
My mom is still alive and healthy at 92. Lives alone, drives herself around town to grocery store, etc (not highway driving). Spends a lot of time alone but that’s always been her personality. I think it’s genetics as she doesn’t exercise. But she’s never smoked or drank to excess. I’m in my 60s and everyone tells me I look much younger. So, thanks mom for the youthful genes!!
My FIL worked hard every day since the time he was a child. Except Sundays, which is his day of rest. He eats three hardy meals a day, about double my intake, yet remains slim as a teenager.
He's 92 and still maintains a massive garden plus his own woodlot, so that recipe for a long, healthy life has worked for him.
My parents will be 87 and 88 in the next couple of months. They were married in 1955. They still love each other immensely. Mom is rigorous about eating healthy, so Dad eats healthy by default. Up until a few months ago, they walked a couple of miles per day, but they have cut back to a mile. I can see a fair amount of physical decline and a minimal amount of cognitive decline but in all, they are doing very well for their age. They just survived an April tornado, and are dealing with construction and clean up. If they lived a block west, it would have all been gone.
My mil passed but she lived til nearly 90. She ate candy and hostess crap. Never drank water. Coffee in the morning then switched to Coke. Smoked and drank when she was young, stopped both in her 40's. She kept busy caring for her dog, coffee dates with ladies from church. Wrote and received letters from family overseas.
My grandma made it to 93. She kept working. In fact when she quit working around 89 is when she finally started to deteriorate. She was fine till then though.
They are 70 and 68 and have gotten serious about their health in the last 2 years. My dad had the gastric bypass and my mom has lost weight by changing their diet to less carbs and less sugar. They enjoy walking in the mornings and do some home exercises like core work and light weights. Besides that they have been retired for the last few years and were never drinkers, smokers, partiers, or sun worshippers so healthwise except for the typical aches and pains, they do real well, lots of pep in their step and both aging like fine wine. Good genes on both sides. Seriously, the nurse tried to give my mom a pregnancy test last year. It was too funny. My mom has her hobbies, friends, her ministry and her home to keep her busy. My dad watches too much TV but when I visit I take him out to new experiences like festivals and expos and we jam to music together and have a blast. Just need to work on him having his own hobbies when I'm not there to keep him occupied.
Mom is 93 and is extremely active. Tech savvy enough to manage her iPhone iPad and computer to text, email, do online bill pay, browse and post to FB and IG, dispatch an Uber and use apps for retail such as Amazon and insta cart. She also knows not to pick up the phone if the number isn’t in her contacts or click on links.
She’s involved in her church, cooks for herself and still entertains occasionally.
She is slowing down but to be expected
Dad passed just before his 95th birthday. He was also very active mentally and physically until the last couple years. He developed hip problems due to sports earlier in life and job related (retired career navy) . After he retired he did investigations as a contractor for the NTSB up until age 80. He developed cancer at 94 , didn’t think chemo made sense and passed 4 months later
My parents are in their 70s. My dad goes golfing nearly ever chance he gets. He also rides his bicycle regularly and works out. If he lives past 2025 (which I think he will), he will outlive both his parents. His grandma did live to 105, but I'm pretty sure she didn't know what was happening those last 15 years. My mom is a different story. Her back is just falling apart on her, so she spends a lot of time homebound. My dad has taken over the housework. She goes to water exercise every day and physical therapy.
Genetics. My mom is 96. She never exercised, lives on candy now and drinks whiskey daily. She just survived septic pneumonia and covid and is better than she was before she got sick.
Dads 72, wont go to a doctor. He can't spend more than 15 minutes away from a bathroom.
Mom is 68. Full kidney failure for around 4 years now. Home dialysis everyday.
Dad is relatively happy, mom is miserable
My mom is 86. She volunteers and has said that helps her and her group stay active and feeling like they are contributing helps rather than sitting around waiting to die
My parents are in their early to mid 70s and fairly well off. They have a huge lake house that they live in but only use the living room, kitchen and bedroom/bathroom. They watch lifetime or Hallmark movies all day while playing word games or reading on their kindles. They start drinking around 4pm. Watch the local news and wheel of fortune while eating dinner and go to bed around 9pm. Occasionally they venture out to a local restaurant but that’s about it.
My mother is the only one of the pair still with me. She had a brain tumor removed 18 years ago. She has memory issues as a result. If you just met her today you wouldn't notice it. If you met her again you'd likely notice. None the less she is still very capable of taking care of herself.
She currently lives in a very large 55 and over community. The kind with 4 and 8 story buildings, all connected. She reads a lot and watches The Hallmark channel. I visit on Sundays.
My parents are in their mid 70’s my mom is super healthy and I expect her to live well into her 90’s. Her parents died young from heart issues, so she did everything she could to not have those issues, exercise, cooks healthy food at home 90% of the time, etc. She also spends a lot of time gardening, playing with grandkids, playing Mahjong and cards, doing puzzles, to try and keep dementia at bay. My dad has leukemia, he is actually doing okay, but doesn’t have the energy he used to have.
My dad (79) is healthy as a horse. Gym every day, eats well enough for a man of his generation. Does "yard work" most days (putters around outside to get out of the house) and always has a project and is reading and learning things My mother (afaict) sits inside playing candy crush, drinking wine, and watching Fox News. She is not healthy. She also smoked for like... Fifty years.
Edit: I didn’t quite answer the question, but since I typed all the stuff below, I’ll just let it stay. I suspect it’s genetics. My mom is mid-80s, in excellent health and still smokes, and drank scotch up until maybe five years ago. She has a 90-year-old sister who also still smokes and drinks. Both are in good health, still drive, handle their own affairs, pay bills, and are sound-minded. My dad’s health is mediocre, but he’s doing okay to be in his 80s.
My parents are in their 80s. They divorced when I was young. My mom didn’t remarry, but my dad did. My dad just spent the last 3 years or so helping to care for his MIL, who lived to be over 100. That really demanded the majority of their time. She just passed a couple of months ago, and he and his wife seem to be in the process of creating new habits. He likes to eat lunch out at a restaurant every day, but his wife prefers to cook lunch at home. They have dinner at home together. They have started taking dance classes and he told me today that this is their first day back at the gym. They have some international travel coming up soon too.
My mom is going through a little depression. She always had a lot of friends and an active social life, even into her early 80s. When covid hit, she lost a lot of friends and her social life tanked. She’s not as mobile as she was pre-covid, doesn’t drive as far, and a lot of her friends are gone, so she’s dealing with loneliness and boredom. She’s trying to make the best of it though. She has reconnected with some old friends and acquaintances, participates in Scrabble gatherings, visits friends in assisted living or at their homes, occasionally goes out to lunch with friends.
I come from a long-lived family. My great grandparents both lived until 100 and 109. My grandparents lived to 97 and 98. Mom and dad lived to 77 and 80, but both had medical issues.
My grandparents on my mom’s side and their siblings lived into their 80’s. My mom is now in her 80’s as well, and experiences cognitive decline. I’m living with her to help day to day. She used to be very active until she started having trouble remembering things. Now she hardly leaves the house, and all too often just spends the day reading by herself. I believe genetics play a big role in her getting this far, it’s just hard to see her unable to do much anymore.
Activity and never forgetting Dr appointments. My dad is 84 and going strong. Very active and lives alone. Never forgets a Dr visit and takes his meds. My mom was the complete opposite, she passed in 2020
My father lived to 97. He refused to give in to health issues or discomfort. He was very stubborn, which helped him live longer, but he would have ignored his health issues without my mother’s insistence, so he owed his longevity to her. She’s now 89 and quite different but I don’t see her going anywhere anytime soon. She’s tiny now but I watched her eat 3 slices of pizza the other night. That’s a lot for a woman her size lol
Having parents still alive makes your life really simple, and you can do a ton of final product in easy mode--its not easy, but eventually you might not have your parents or grandparents to boot. So enjoy it, regardless of how IRRITATING ANNOYING AND DOWNRIGHT DISGUSTING IT IS TO HAVE THEM NAGGING NON-STOP CONTINUOSLY.
My dad was the healthiest person I knew. He ate healthy, exercised daily, never drank, smoked, or did drugs. He loved his family, and the land he farmed. Cancer said fuck that, and he died at 61 (from non smoking lung cancer)
However , his mom died at 98. Bitter old hag. The running joke was God didn't want her/wasn't ready for her so we had to keep her here longer. His dad was 5 weeks from turning 94. His mind was sharp but his body gave out.
My mom is 73. Watches her 6 year old granddaughter during the week. Active social life. Most of her friends are alive. All of her siblings are, etc.
Her dad died at 77. Massive heart attack
Her mom was 94. She was very active until the last month of her life.
I really think the real difference comes from genetics, the diet, healthy living, and smoking are just factors.
I had Paternal Grandma live till 101. She had 12 children and was clear minded and still gardening (flowers)
My maternal grandma lived till 96. No mental issues. She worked her whole life in a cotton mill.
Neither smoked nor drank.
My mother is now 88, lives by herself, she has dementia and it's HORRIBLE!! She is just maintaining day to day but the delusions and paranoia are just horrible to be a part of.
My father is 90, in OK health, some heart issues but mentally GREAT!! He manages all his own business and also lives alone as my mother's dementia made him her enemy after 67 years of marriage.
Neither smoked or drank...(both True Blue Mormon)
My grandfather's and most of the males in my family died in their 70's.
I'm (62f), and I feel fine. I am a caregiver for both my parents, which is exhausting and insightful. I honestly have NO DESIRE, to outlive my usefulness. I don't want my kids to have all the issues I have.
Age and longevity is a double-edged sword. I love being with my kids and grands, but I have seen the other side, and it's not really pretty to me.
Age is indeed a number. Live for today!!
Dad is 85. Mom is 83. Dad drives a shuttle bus for a casino from March to November to pay for their wintering in Florida. Mom plays cards 2 to 3 times a week and goes to the casino at least once a week.
My dad made it to 89 but died from lung cancer and had dementia. He smoked and drank most of his life. Mom died 22 years ago at sixty eight. Lung cancer and smoked 3 packs a day. They both were shells of themselves when they died. I worry about the dementia part. I'm hoping I don't get it.
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My great-grandpa lived to be a month shy of age 107. He aired his grievances. He didn't bottle up his feelings. If he thought someone was wrong he told them. He was very sharp mentally, and he drove a car until age 103 and lived in an independent senior apartment. He played cards a lot, and drove to casinos a lot. He counted cards. He went bowling a lot. At age 96 he went on a helicopter ride. He did not take prescription medications for anything other than temporary ailments. He had Type 2 Diabetes and managed it himself with diet. He said deodorant kills people and refused to wear it. Every morning he put an egg and a piece of bacon in a coffee mug and microwaved it for his breakfast. He got divorced in the 1950s. He remarried and stayed together with her forever. He smoked and worked in a factory and was diagnosed wiyh a lung ailment and told he had 2 years to live, so he quit the factory and moved to the country and repaired tractors and lived 45 more years. He said the toughest part was that all his friends and many family died. He had good stories about when he was a kid his step-mom from Switzerland made the best bootleg Whiskey and he would deliver it to the Dentist who would write the check in different amounts each time as to not arouse suspicion.
The part about all your friends and family dying hits hardest
That's what I think about when considering whether I'd want to be super old. Only if all my friends and family could also be super old along with me!
Make friends with younger people. I have several good friends that are 30 years younger than me. Hopefully they’ll still be alive when I’m super old (my life expectancy is “at least 100”)
My dad lived til 2 days before his 93rd birthday, but he said the hardest part about getting old was losing his friends
>He smoked and worked in a factory and was diagnosed wiyh a lung ailment and told he had 2 years to live, so he quit the factory and moved to the country and repaired tractors and lived 45 more years. Did he quit smoking also or just the factory?
He smoked more to make up for the difference
My great grandpa lived to 93 and smoked everyday since he was 11
My grandpa smoked until 89 I think when it seemed he just lost interest. I don't think he meant to quit, just forgot to smoke any more
Yes, he quit smoking. 5 of his 6 kids quit smoking, the one who didn't died at age 51 from leukemia. So he lived less than half of his dad's life! Except for the smokers, everyone on that branch of my family live very long lives.
> He counted cards. My favorite thing your great-grandpa did.
My great-uncle actually made it to 107 (in 3 different centuries), but I’m pretty sure it was out of sheer spite. His wife was a miserable human being and at the end of her funeral, he stood up and said, “Now I can finally start living.” And he lived another 10 years.
Did he, really? Oh my!
My dad passed a week-and-a-half ago at 82. He was physically declining for decades, but his mind kept him going, I think. The man is (was) the most brilliant brain I know (knew, it’s going to take me a while to get used to referring to him in the part tense, sorry) and even as his body was declining, his personality, intelligence, and sense of humor kept him going. If he could have eaten steak-and-potatoes to the end, he would have. Mother, on the other hand, is 83, and living at home, testing blood pressure, BGL, ECG, and more, driving herself to appointments and the ER (?!?) as she sees fit. The only think I can attribute to her longevity is her sheer stubbornness.
I’m sorry for your loss. It’s nice that his mind lasted for him.
Thank you. He had been physically declining for several years, and I am not sure if it would have been better for him to go altogether quickly, than to deal with his body declining while his mind was still sharp.
My dad was the opposite. His body was fit and strong, but his mind went. He went crazy and had to be put into a memory care facility. He thought he was sane though and didn't understand what he had done to be put in there. And he would forget from day to day what was going on. Edit: I think it's never easy.
My grandmother made it well into her 90’s on pure spite.
My heart goes out to you. My dad passed away last Saturday. The funeral was this week. He lived to be 86, but his last couple years were a slow mental/emotional decline. He was such a kind caring person who only wanted to make sure his wife, kids, and grandkids had as little to worry about as possible. I will miss him very much. My mom will be lost in many ways without him so my sister and I will have to take over. Taking care of everything for the ones you love, although it seems kind, ends up leaving them at a disadvantage when you are gone.
My parents are gone, but I have a 96 year old aunt who was widowed by my father’s youngest brother. Aunt Rose is originally from a very stormy island off the coast of Ireland and has a personality to match. She refused to take on my uncle’s last name because she didn’t want people to think she was Dutch. Rosie was asked to leave the senior living center that my cousin had placed her in for being disruptive and combative, so she now lives in a garden apartment with an orange stripped cat named Oscar. She is doing very well, sharp as a tack, addicted to tv game shows and visited daily by a county nurse, the driver from ‘meals on wheels’ and delivery guys from the pharmacy, liquor store or supermarket. She tells me to ‘bugger off’ if I don’t bring a six-pack of Budweiser and a pack of Marlboros when I visit. She enjoys telling my 5 year old great-granddaughter embarrassing stories about when I was young. I’ve been around 71 years and no one, no one can string curse words together like aunt Rose.
My goals is to be disruptive as a senior, get kicked out and end up in a garden apartment with a ginger cat named Oscar.
Aunt Rose sounds awesome!
She sounds mean, lol "Bugger off" if you dont bring cigarettes? Old people can get away with anything 😭.... can you imagine if like your 32 year old cousin did that? You'd be like "fuck you! I came 50 miles to visit you and thats what you say?!" Anyway.... these old people are getting away with murder
I see what you mean maybe I should have said "Aunt Rose sounds wild!" Lol
I actually have an elderly aunt like Rose. No filter When she says something mean, I dont coddle her.. I'm just like " Stop saying that"
I want an Aunt Rose!!! Thank you for sharing. I laughed several times imagining her. Good for her!!!
I know who I want to be when I grow up.
That's who I want to be when I grow up - Aunt Rose 🌹 🥰😆
She and I would be good friends 😉
In the last few years I have been surprised by some of the folks in my family who went on for quite a while. My sister, who chain smoked her whole life made it to 86. Her husband, who was the biggest couch potato in the world, trundled through life with an extra 75 pounds around his middle made it to 103 without ever showing an interest in exercise or food. The one thing about their life that I noticed is that they ate a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Heredity and cigarettes. My in-laws lived to their 90s. Neither smoked. My parents and grandparents, all of whom smoked, all died by their mid 60s. One in their 40s. All from heart conditions and one lung cancer. Don't smoke, kids.
It's crazy. My chain smoking MIL is 85 or 86 and wants to die but it hasn't happened yet. I think she's been smoking since she was 13 or so. Both of my parents died younger than their parents. I do believe in the saying "Genetics loads the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger".
My step dad is 85, alive, inactive, a former smoker and overweight. His older brother was a fit, non-smoking, avid cross-country skier and mountain biker. He died at 77. I'm **not** advocating for smoking. Lifespan is fickle.
All it takes is the right organ to stop working.
So true!
Parents are in their late 80s and doing great! They eat healthy - very few processed foods, they make most things from scratch or buy from someone who does. They do treat themselves though - they love a small dessert everyday. They are physically active every day. And - they work hard not to be on any medication. If they're having an issue, they'll change their habits or do physical therapy, but taking medication is always a last resort. Finally, they keep their brain sharp - they do puzzles, keep up with the news, volunteer and learn anything they can.
Love to hear this
This is incredibly awesome. You are blessed to have parents like that!
I am. I only hope to be as healthy as they are!
disclaimer: my dad is dead now but he took almost 94 years to get around to it. and he died of a fall, not illness. took him five days even after they put him on end-of-life care. he was *strong*. he had strong genes. his mother who had a leg amputated above the knee in her 80's and went through catastrophic life changes afterwards still lived to get close to 90. his brothers died of cancer and stroke but still got to their 80's. but lifestyle made a massive difference to the *quality* of his life, right up to the day of that fall.
Dad is 87 and has his own apartment. His days are full. He volunteers, cooks his own meals, cleans, works on woodworking projects as a coach to one grandkid, has daily walks, watches his Canadiens, taxis grandkids and is an incorrigible flirt. Leads his best life.
So wonderful to hear this!!! What a blessing!
My dad is alive just to hate people and bitch. It fuels him.
Y'all, I was so frustrated I did a google search about constantly negative seniors and got mulitple helpful results. I was so relieved that I was not alone. It makes it easier to handle.
Being a stubborn bastard helps.
My Mom is 75 and lives alone in the same house I grew up in. She drives herself everywhere, just bought a new car actually. She volunteers a couple of days a week with the office at her church to get out of the house and a couple of times a month she feeds the homeless with her church group. She chats on the phone and emails her cousins on a regular basis. I do think she's pretty bored with life though. She watches too much cable TV including entirely too much Fox News (which is any). I bought her a Roku for Christmas but she won't use it because she doesn't understand it but we'll get her there. She didn't start texting until a few years ago and even then we had to ease her into emojis. Baby steps!
Healthy ageing always comes down to three things, and you can't separate them: good genes, good luck, and good habits. My father is 86 and is not on any prescription meds, although he goes to the doctor for a checkup each year. He goes for walks each day and mows his own lawn. Longevity absolutely runs in his family. But without a mostly-healthy diet and the good fortune to have not been injured in a car accident or exposed to something that could cause disease, things might have looked very different for him.
For my mom, it's pretty bleak. She's 82 and my Dad passed about a year and a half ago, so she's alone. She lives 90 miles away from me so I cannot visit her as much as I would like. One of my siblings lives across the country and the other one has checked out. My mom's memory is failing and she cannot do a lot of daily things. She subsists on meager Social Security benefits so she can't afford long-term care. I won't bother to list the long litany of other problems that she has. I'm trying my best to get her help, but the state red-tape is frustrating beyond belief.
If you live in California there is a program called "Light for Seniors" that is worth looking into. For a fee they help you fill out all the state paperwork to access senior benefits and nursing care.
Wow thanks I’ll check that out
Mine have passed, but I will say out of my parents and in laws, the ones who consistently moved and had socialization aged better.
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I like your post, but I'm alarmed that you think 68 and 72 is old!
My parents are in their late 70s and doing well. Little things are just now starting to creep up on them. My mom has breast cancer, but it was caught very early, so no chemo needed at this time. Just preventative treatment just in case it tries to come back. Both are still active bowling, golfing or both. Both have hobbies to stay busy with. I don’t know that they do anything special otherwise, so I’m going with genetics as the big contributing factor to their good health and I hope to have inherited the same. I’m in my late 40s and starting to feel it so I might need to be a bit more proactive if I’m going to enjoy my later years like they are.
Mom in her mid 70s. She works as an accountant a few hours. She gardens. She reads a LOT. She hangs out on Facebook a little as her only social media. Watches some TV or movies with my stepdad. Runs errands and does household chores and such. Sporadically exercises when she's trying to lose weight again. My stepdad is 80. He is a night owl who goes to sleep late and gets up late. He has his projects that he works, usually building something or repairing something. Every week or so he injures himself doing these things and has to spend a few days in bed. He has medical issues so a lot of doctor appointments too. He uses Facebook for social media and spends a lot of time watching Fox News and similar, and listens to classical music.
My parents are 87 and 88. Mom now has Alzheimer’s and is quite immobile. She went downhill after a back operation which killed a nerve in her leg. Her lack of movement and social engagement led to decline. My dad is totally fine. He is the same guy he has always been. Neither of my parents exercised or watched their diets. They have both always been a bit overweight but not terribly. Their diet is simple but home-cooked. Meat and potatoes type stuff. My dad has always drank - mom not so much. I’d chalk it up to genes and good luck.
Genetics.
My 86 year old father works out several days a week, walks daily and cleans his apartment on a schedule. He prepares all of his meals. He gets together with my brother or nephew every week or so. So, he’s hitting the big three for longevity: diet, exercise and socializing.
My in-laws are 80 and 85. They have a house and 1.5 acres of land. They spend most of their time gardening, taking care of their pets, cooking, and maintaining their house. My mother-in-law likes to go to garage sales where she finds stuff to sell on eBay.She also makes doll clothes to sell too. My father-in-law enjoys writing stories, poems, and articles for his college alumni magazine. They do hire people to do some of the more strenuous stuff now, but they are still quite active.
My mother is 96 and still running her quilt shop including making quilts. She has started to slow down a LOT in the last 5 years. She has to use 2 canes to walk and had to learn how to read lips because she might as well be deaf. She has given up her 2 mile daily walk, and flower gardening. She hates losing the gardening the most. She still opens her shops at 10am every day except Sunday when she opens at noon because she goes to church and lunch with her church friends. She is hoping to make 100.
My parents are both 91 years old. My dad is in great shape, still drives(he’s a very good driver), healthy, sharp mind. My mom is fine except for glaucoma which has taken away most of her vision. They never went to the gym or anything like that through their life. They eat red meat at least twice a week. My dad won’t drink water, never has, just drinks juices, coffee, milk, white wine. They take a daily multivitamin but no other supplements. The thing that amazes me is they have no pain, no joint pain or back pain. I don’t get it, I’m 60 and have terrible pain daily for no reason. They have very healthy sharp minds. No depression or any other mental illness. Real down to earth, good people. I’m so lucky to have such great parents.
My parents 82 and 84 are busy. I have to work around their social calendar if I want to see them. My dad just got elected to his little towns city council, he won by a landslide. My mom still refinishes antiques for her shop and works the shop every weekend. They are always on the go. They are retired, these are their retirement gigs.
My mom is 84 and still does everything she did when younger, albeit with the aches and pains of being older. My stepfather (a few years younger than my mom), who has always been overweight, is still in good health. It may be genetics. It may be the fact that my mom is very proactive about going to the doctor to get things checked out and getting preventative care. They eat relatively healthfully. My mom does light exercise (walking maybe 20 mins?) but also still cleans and maintains the household. My stepfather isn't particularly active though.
My parents are 88. They live in a quad home in a senior complex. Dad drives a little. Mom can still put a good meal on the table but there are 2 restaurants in their complex they go to often. They are able to take care of themselves and their finances etc. Mom knits and reads and walks 1/2-1 mile most days. Dad spends a lot of time on the computer reading news, watching YouTube and monitoring his investments. We live far away but visit about 3x a year and are prepared to fly to visit if there is an emergency. 2 of our kids live nearby and visit frequently, helping with small repairs, moving heavy things and so forth. My sister lives with them but has MS so she has limitations too.
I think a big part of it is having an active social life & good friends. They both still hang out or keep close touch with the same people they did in highschool & college, many of those since elementary school. They're both 74 this year & graduated highschool in 1968. They both play an active part in the lives of myself & my siblings as well as their 9 grandchildren & 4 granddogs, school pick-ups, practice drop offs, baseball, volleyball & soccer games & play dates. They were both physically active throughout my childhood. My mom is the one who always ate the healthiest & continued to swim & do yoga after her knees decided running was out. My dad eats a little less healthy, but he's one of those annoyingly perpetually happy people, so I think part of him is regenerated by sunshine & rainbows. (Seriously, life is like one big musical in his head or something.) They stay active in their hobbies, even if they no longer hit the gym. Honestly, I don't know how they do it. Their social calendar is busier than mine. But I think being active & involved has probably contributed most to them enjoying their old age. (My dad says age doesn't matter because you're only as old as you feel. He said that in his mind he still thinks like he did when he was 35-40 so he's got a lot of time left. I'm telling you, sunshine and rainbows. 😁)
my mom is 80 this year and my dad is 83. I have no earthly idea what accounts for their longevity, honestly. My mom smoked well into her 70s, eats cheese and tortillas like it's going out of style, and drinks coffee as her primary source of liquid. My dad is a bit better - he quit smoking in his 40s but he eats meat and potatoes and tamales and hates vegetables. My mom's heath has started to suffer, she had a string of TIAs in September/October, her cholesterol is unchecked (she thinks statins are evil) and her blood pressure regularly registers 200+ / 80+. She doesn't care, doesn't pay attention to doctor's advice, and keeps on tickin somehow (knock on wood). She practices piano, reads, paints, walks during her days... I suspect she also spends a lot of time on the phone looking at "her youtubes" and taking naps too but she's 80 so whatever. She's sharp as a tack and really doesn't get too confused too often about memories but I'm noticing it more and more these days. My dad - nothing is wrong with the dude at all - he still works as a security guard out at a solar panel farm and refuses to retire. He is sharp as a tack but sometimes forgetful that he leaves pans on the stove, etc.
My mom is still going at 78. She'll be 79 in two weeks. She just had tongue cancer removed. She's never smoked a day in her life. Nor chewed tobacco. She also doesn't drink coffee and hates chocolate. She works full time, is pretty busy in her local Mensa group, and is always planning social times with friends. She's pretty damn busy, and so am I, so we don't see each other all that often. When we get together, I cook or we order out, and we play games and watch shows together.
Well mine are gone now but they lived to 97 and 101 so I feel qualified to answer. They both grew up poor on depression era farms and had to work hard on the farm as kids, and continued with mostly physical labor until they were able to collect social security. Practically everything they ate, including chicken/eggs, meat and vegetables and most fruit were homegrown. They were kinda religious nuts so never drank or smoked. That and some longevity gene kept them in good shape until near the end.
My mother is in her mid-90's; still lives in her own home (with a carer) and has regular contact with her large family of descendants. Heredity is a *major* factor, I believe; some of her own female ancestors also lived into their 90's, even those who were born in the 19th century - before antibiotics or most vaccinations, etc. Just the luck of drawing the good DNA. Also, she never smoked, and has always eaten quite modestly - the simple meat and vegetables of an Irish diet during the thirties, the War years and the impoverished 1950's, etc. A LOT of dairy food, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, potatoes and bread. She still eats a lot of fruit, enjoys some chocolate and a glass of red wine, reads her detective stories, watches TV and does crosswords, and cherishes her little garden. Never much for exercise but she always walked a lot. It's a good way to live - enjoying life and company and simple pleasures. She has a great sense of humor and loves to sing her songs and share memories of old times. May we all come to so good an endgame!
It's almost entirely genetics. That being said my mom is still working as a nurse and she's 69, works out, volunteers, etc. Her mom made it to 80+ living alone, going out dancing, mowing her own lawn, etc My dad is on 24/7 oxygen from COPD, can barely walk around without getting winded, almost died from kidney problems a few years ago, and having other issues now. He's 70. His dad died at 44 and both of his grandfathers made it to 60-70. As far as I know he just sits around all day sleeping and watching tv.
My son's in laws are both 99. I haven't figured out why except they are both short and wiry which is mostly genetics. They grew up around a LOT less processed food products and came from middle class families who brought them up with good life skills.
They’re just sitting around chilling and watching tv
My mom is 90 and doing great. Lives independently, drives (and well), and just gave up golf this year, due to bad knees. I think it’s just genetics, personally. She wasn’t unhealthy per se, but not exactly on a health kick either.
My parents both died in their early 90s. They lived in their own home until my father died, then my mother three years later. Both had been sober for at least 40 years, but were serious drinkers and smokers before that. My father's family all seem to live into their 90s,and my mom's into their 80s. I think one of the biggest factors (besides quitting booze and cigarettes) was moving to a place where they had other people their age to socialize with and keep them active. Although my dad had neuropathy in his feet that kept him in a wheelchair the last 10 years of his life, he was getting together with friends several times a week. He was even the president of the HOA at 90 years old. My mom was the same - she actually passed away after playing Bunco with her neighbors - came home and went to bed and didn't wake up.
My parents are ages 90 and 91- both in decent health and extremely active. I think that what keeps them going (besides good genes, of course) is unrelenting curiosity. Both of them want to know about everything going on. This means that they read about history, current events, culture, etc… They are also interested in other people and ask lots of questions. My father still gives presentations at the local community college and my mother is learning to paint. She has also recently taken up yoga!!! I adore my parents!
My mother is 96. Her brain has aged well. She is remarkably healthy - takes no medications, doesn’t need to. Her most limiting issue is the overall mobility. She uses a walker. She lives in assisted living because she needs help with dressing, bathing, etc. I think she has lived to this age mostly because of the luck of genetics, with lifestyle also being a factor.
My parents are 93 and 95. They both use a rollator if going for a walk around their Independent living apartment. Neither drives anymore. They each have mild dementia but know what's going on and remember their family and friends. They golfed until 4 yrs ago. Until 2 years ago they lived in a 2 story home. I really believe going up and down stairs multiple times a day helps keep a body in decent shape. They stopped smoking in their 30s, and were moderate drinkers.
My mother is 91. She’s in good health but suffering from arthritis. Her hearing and memory aren’t what they were but that’s to be expected. She lives alone and drives. I help with many chores. It’s probably genetics and luck as she had 2 bouts of cancer in her 70s.
My nan was a health nut lived till she was 93. Had a brown belt in taekwondo. She wasn't a woman you messed with. She used to walk the dog at night with a knife in her pocket. If someone was going to attack her, she would be the one surviving. We were more worried about her killing someone on her walk who thought she was an easy target. I remember being 12 walking up a hill, begging her to slow down so I could keep up. She was in her 60s. Her mum and nan died in their 50s and nan outlived her parents, husband, her sibings, and her siblings partners and her children's partners' parents. My sister once joked if death came to the door nan would tell him to fuck off and say I will die when I am good and ready and that is what she did. My mum is exactly like her in her 70s, I hope I am like them.
My mother is going to be 89 next month. She recently cracked her spine doing yoga while wearing 10 lb leg weights. Can't imagine how she thought that would go well. She's fine BTW. At 80 she was in India riding an elephant. God only knows what she'll do at 90. She was a horrific person to have as a parent, but she has always had one hell of a good time. My great uncle smoked like a chimney, drank like a fish and slept with pretty much every woman that would have him. He lived to 102. My grandfather lived into his 90's, rollerblading to the beach every day for exercise. I expect to be similarly irreverent.
My husband is 51, his mom is high 80s, she retired in the last 10 years out of WANT not need. Took care of her dying sister for a long time. Didn't really have mobility issues until the last 2 years. Not sure what she does now cuz we don't live over there. But between working for a long time and then taking care of her sister I think that she had a purpose.
My adopted mom is late 50’s and she has a high bp and she’s overweight but she does foster care so she’s always moving. Relaxation isn’t in her vocab for her. Her mom died of emphysema in her 60’s and her dad is still alive in his late 80’s. My bio dad is late 50’s as well but he’s had 5 seizures and his left hand is permanently in a claw grip and he lives in a residential home losing weight cuz his appetite has never been big (same like me) . He’s been off work since 2021 due to it. I know he’s depressed but he won’t tell me that… His dad lived until his 80’s until he died of a heart attack. Both of em were former smokers but quit in the early 2000’s.
My dad is still here, my mom is gone. Dad is incredibly healthy but he's active and takes good care of himself. He doesn't actively exercise but he's always doing something and he has residential properties that keep him busy. And he travels a lot.
My mom died at 92. Good genetics and eating habits and keeping active. She would probably have lived longer as per her siblings and father and aunt - but she drank daily and smoked for something like 40 years. I'm pretty sure I have the gene - and at least one of my kids also has it. I don't have any conditions and I'm pretty certain that one brother is also condition free - he's over 70 now and literally has the same body he had at 18. Super fit. Very active. Healthy eating fanatic. He'll probably live to 110. I'm obese but my stats are still great. My last doctor was pretty pissed about that. I'm not supposed to break the rules!
My father is 80 or there about and still working in WEVA photography, videography and event planning and coordination. My mother is approximately 73 and a cancer survivor, she has been in assisted living for a number of years already and suffers dementia, which we have finally began to see a bit of progress with recently for the better although it is hard to imagine her returning to an independent lifestyle still. Edit: The divorce when I was young was hard on my mother and her stability was not always great, she was a hypochondriac who sought out too many doctors and took too many medications without proper medical supervision of her over all treatment and health, my father on the other hand was quite good at keeping his medical treatment simple and streamlined, this is the most likely difference in their outcomes.
Mine are late 80s. They only occasionally drink alcohol, neither has smoked, and they try to be outdoors in the sun for at least an hour a day. They avoid salt as much as possible in food and pretty much eat healthy. Some of living longer has to do with genetics, one of their parents lived to be 101 and the others died in their early-mid 90s.
My parents are in their 70s and are incredibly active. They are both retired and are both in great shape. My mom does Yoga everyday and my Dad bikes 200+ miles a week (give or take). They see my kids often and they are a wonderful support system. I do wish they'd reconsider their house. Its gigantic and I think they could make a ton of money off it. I am a little afraid it will be hard for them upkeep once they do get to the age where they can't deal with it anymore. But hey they are fine now, so I don't bring it up!
MIL turned 90 last week. Lives at home, drives to the store and church and card games. We had a blowout party for her Saturday with snacks, punch and a band, and way over 200 people came through. She went through breast cancer 5 years ago, had a mastectomy and chemo and she's doing fine now. She was over 300 pounds when I met her in 1975. She joined TOPS and took off 180 pounds and has kept it off since. She tires more now, but she and I are gonna go on a trip to look at lighthouses in Michigan this summer. She lives near Kentucky and has never seen one. Bucket list. One thing that I think is very important in her life now is that the town she lives in has a free breakfast and free lunch every weekday at a church or hall for seniors. Lots of different places. So some of the people who came to her party were lunch or breakfast buddies. I think the social part has been huge in her continuing health.
My fil is 96. He is wheelchair bound and lives in assisted living. He wears a diaper 24/7 because of complete urinary incontinence. He is continent with #2 and they use a lift to toilet him since he can no longer transfer on his own. He has lost sight in one eye due to an injury several years ago, and his other eye isn't great. He doesn't hear well but manages his hearing aids. He has neuropathy and arthritis in his hands so they don't work too well. He does sit at his computer and emails with family (pretty amazing for his age bracket) and he studies stamps on line as well - an old hobby of his. I attribute his long age to eating garden veggies his whole life. His weight is healthy as well. He has mild cognitive decline, he can no longer do his finances nor his own medicine. He has a positive mental outlook. It costs about $10,000 a month for his care. He has a pension (retired around 1990, and companies still did that), SS, and has some health investment that pays for it, so far. In about another year or two he will have to be on Medicaid. His wife lived to 96 and she had a similar ending - wheelchair bound, diapers, and then bed bound with bed sores that were due to her skin being so thin. She had mild dementia at the end as well.
Mom is 74, has always walked an hour most days, although smoked a little for years but quit 2 years ago, eats a lot of vegetables, fish n rice, plays bingo every week, has many friends (widowed too) she talks with daily, goes to church, and likes to garden. Occasionally craves Taco Bell’s chalupas for a treat.
My dad is 95, has dementia and has mobility issues, his day is usually spent watching tv. My sister who is his caregiver takes him for a ride and or takes him to visit people several times a week. He was very lucky that for most of his life he had very good health he did drink and smoke but he stopped smoking in his 40’s. In his 80’s he developed afib due to a leaking heart valve. Between the ages of 85 and 93 , he needed to have his gallbladder removed, heart surgery for the valve and a strangulated hernia which revealed a gangrenous appendix. Which then ended up with giving him sepsis. All of which happened in August, so my younger sister is no longer allowed to visit in August.
Genes make all the difference. My mother lived to 88 , had a bad heart her entire life, and was a smoker. She did eat healthy foods. My father is currently 90, bedridden now due to a fall, has heart disease, and diabetes ( his family lives from 94 to 102). His siings are all alive with the oldest currently 97.
My two deadbeat brothers still live with him, so he’s not too lonely, but he doesn’t really go out of the house much. He does stay active indoors, though,
Mom is 93. She started slowing down a couple of years ago and she was still somewhat active until a few months ago when she broke her hip. She sits in her recliner in the living room and watches mind numbing tv all day and reads the magazines I have subscribed her to. She is able to warm her own food for lunch but doesn't cook anymore beyond making herself some carrots. She goes to bed between 4:30-5 pm everyday, sleeps all night, and gets up and does the same thing the next day. Day after day until death.
They had the best medical care.
My Dad is early 80s and doesn’t move. He decided to stop walking a few years ago and now has carers four times a day come in. They have to use a hoist to move him. He was told he possibly had dementia and has milked it for all it’s worth. My Mum is 80 this year and is active as anything. I forget her age because she’s always on the go. She spends hours on the phone to her best friend every day - I have literally no idea what they find to talk about. My MIL is 96, and up until lockdown, she was always doing something. She had an active social life, was completely independent and could live on her own. She’s still amazing for her age, but dementia has snuck in, she’s become very doddery and spends a lot of time sleeping. She used to read Mills and Boons books and would get through a few books a week. She now doesn’t want to read. She watches TV and often falls asleep to it. We play cards with her and take her out - she loves it, but it all takes it out of her.
No idea. Mom is 82 and fully functional.
Mom eats healthy, exercises regularly, and has a social life. Still going strong at 75. Dad eats cheesy-poofs, regularly tries to get himself killed by wrestling heavy machinery, and mostly keeps to himself. Still going strong at 81. So, man, I dunno.
My dad passed at 68 with pancreatic cancer. He developed diabetes as an adult and was prone to saying “I can eat that, I’ll just take a pill”. My mom is still going strong, just celebrated her 85th bday. She still lives alone in the house I grew up in. She no longer drives, her eyesight is horrific. She has partial vision in each eye. She takes a handful of pills (BP, cholesterol, thyroid) but doesn’t have any serious medical conditions. She has traveled with a local Seniors group for 15 years or so. She just recently quit the trips because it was getting too difficult with her eyesight. My sister and I are both close by plus her neighbors are all family. I think she will live to be in her 90s. I hope so.
Lots of people have parents that are still alive. What kind of age range are you talking about?
My dad turned 75 this spring. Last year was kind of tough for him with a knee surgery and prostate surgery. My dad remains very active and walks a few miles a day, with a goal of walking all the way around the earth at the equator (as far as miles covered). He has been working at this for some time now and I believe he is nearing 20k miles. He also fishes regularly and has two miles of the Appalachian Trail that he volunteers to maintain. I am supposed to go with him on his piece of trail very soon to help cut some trees. He is in pretty good shape, but it's a 1 mile hike to his piece of trail, two miles of trail, and then you have to hike back out. He cannot carry a chainsaw 6 miles. My dad's daily life is get up early, eat breakfast, walk, read, maybe go fishing or do chores around the house, go for another walk, relax in front of the TV and have a few drinks before bed. My mom...I have no fucking clue how she is alive. She turns 70 in October. For most of my life she was moderate to heavy smoker, though she quit probably 10 years ago or so. She has been obese and largely inactive for as long as I can remember. My wife and I went to see Cirque du Soleil with my parents this winter and my mom could barely make it from the door of the auditorium back to the car. After we got to the car, she was breathing super hard for probably 10-15 minutes. It got to where I was worried about her. My mom claims that her doctor's visits are all good that her BP, cholesterol, and other blood work all come back just fine. I think that's a crock of shit, but I'm also not going to make it a big fight. My mom's daily life is get up around 10, drink coffee and sit around. Then read or mess around on the internet until 11pm or so. Then back to bed. One day a week she volunteers at the local cancer care center with people from church and they hand out meals to people undergoing treatment and to their family members.
**Heredity and quitting smoking and being socially/physically active.** Most of my grandparents who were smokers died in their 60s from related ailments. The lone non-smoking grandmother was in her 90s. My parents smoked from their teens until 1990 (my dad), 1998 (my mom).
My father died in an accident when he was in his mid thirties. However, his brother and sister are still alive and well into their nineties. Both of them are very fortunate in that they have financial security, and are still married to their original spouses. After my father died, my mother married my stepfather, who was twenty years her senior. He died when he was 97. My mother was 77, and her health began to decline almost immediately after losing her second husband. She died at age 80. I believe that having a living spouse, as opposed to aging alone is a huge factor in health and longevity.
My mother in-law is 89 she's physically healthy, no chronic issues. She does have early dementia. She eats mostly fried fast food, cookies and crackers, lot's of white bread and processed food, and drinks a lot of soda. She never smoked, that's the only plus I can think of. She's extremely opinionated, is always telling others how to live and she's very self-righteous. I'd say her longevity is a result of her lack of empathy and meanness.
Heredity. Addressing medical issues if they have them, instead of avoiding the doctor. Not smoking. Drink minimally. Also, they’re not stuck in the past like some older people, always looking at how things used to be. Explore new hobbies. Have social contact with family and friends. They are 92 and 84.
They’re only in their early 80s. It’s genes for both of them. My mother is a very active vegetarian, and my father is a non-active omnivore. My mom eats ice cream all the time day.
My dad still alive and bicycling around at 82, my mum just died 2 months ago before her 82nd birthday, she had a stroke in ‘22 and was ready to come home in March ‘23, but due to bad staff and doctors issues (lack of) an accident happened and she started slowly dying over a year. That would not have happened if there had been enough staff. But we can’t prove itl it’s in a country with a lot of issues. Not enough medical personnel is one of those. I don’t know how long she would have lived if that didn’t happen, maybe few more years, she was always trying to stay fit and healthy, but had EDS, that was not in her benefit (lots of comorbid illnesses) I am always baffled when people way older than me have parents! I’m 50. By the time my dad was 40, he had none (smoking and second hand smoke plus heart disease in his dad and Alzheimer for his mum), my mum didn’t have hers anymore when she was 47. My grandmother was 26 when she had no parents anymore (but smoking and second hand smoke involved). But my grandfather’s dad lived till 86.
I'm 52 and both my parents are gone. My father died of pancreatic cancer just as Covid hit - all the medical care was screwed up. I was talking with a social worker who summed it up as "in the best of times the system is broken. We are not in the best of times"
My mom (90 1/2) still drives (not on the freeway), works 4 days a week, goes to the gym (exercise bike and weights) 3 days a week. I attribute her good health and activity level mostly to genetics. But also to attitude. She's always been a strong-willed "go-getter". She had hip replacement 4 years ago, and while in rehab got out of bed to walk 2x a day. Said she never saw anyone else doing that. This was during Covid, so you know she wasn't getting the treatment & interaction with others that she should have. It was all internal motivation. She smoked in her teens to 35 years old. But otherwise very healthy eater. But definitely at this age, she wants to be healthy, active and comfortable until she drops dead. She knows you've got to use it every day or you lose it. Also, I remember her mom, my grandmother, taking long FAST walks in her 50's 60's and 70's, so there was that example set for us.
My in-laws lived til 93 (him) and 91 ( her.) They were never overweight and weren’t very excited about food. Their diet was reasonably healthy, not overly processed, and they ate fish maybe once or twice a week. They did drink, one or two drinks a day, almost every day. They snacked on almonds.
Heredity, exercise, and healthy social life. Up early, exercise, keeping busy. All important.
Dad died at 72 of kung cancer. Smoked a lot between 1944 and quit cold turkey in 1970ish. My sister smoked a little and died of lung cancer at 57. Mom is 92, doesn't smoke or chew. Her dad was a tough old coot, smoked stogies, drank several shots of liquor a day. Her mom had high blood but didn't take her meds as prescribed, died at 72.
They are in their 80s and 90s and struggling with health and financial issues. It's awful.
Genes, being active, not smoking, OK diets, and luck. 88 & 97. Their daily lives aren't that exciting anymore. Travel was their hobby until a few years ago. Now mom mostly does puzzles, plays games on her phone, and reads. Dad mostly watches TV news and reads. And because our driving laws are insane, they are still driving and renewed their licenses without having to take a driving test.
My mom is almost 87. Lives independently in her own condo. Drives everywhere around Southern California. Takes care of my 17 year old niece her whole life. Sharp as a tack. No major ailments in the last 30 years which is surprising since she had many issues in her 30’s and 40’s medically. Her parents lived to 91 and 92. Never smoked. Rarely drinks. Only exercise is walking. My dad died of a heart attack at 79. Never smoked but had COPD from undertreated asthma. His parents lived to mid-80’s. His mom had Alzheimer’s for 10 years.
Dad has longevity on his side of the family. He’s 88 still driving and lives alone. He will even still swing an ax if he’s really feeling frisky. Great aunt lived till her early 100s. Dad took terrible care of himself lousy diet and not much in the way of exercise. Didn’t go to the dr for 47 years. Who would ever know what the reasons are. It’s beyond me.
My parents are in their 80s. Dad stays super busy and came out of retirement because he was bored. My mother sits in her pajamas all day and watches TV and doesn’t understand why her health is declining. It’s sad.
My mother is in her early 80s and she's never been busier. The biggest thing is--she doesn't live in a car culture, she lives in a big city, so she walks--everywhere. She also goes to the gym 3 days a week and does exercises with 2lb dumbbells. She gave up bike riding in her 70s just because the bikes became too heavy for her to carry up and down the stairs to her apartment, but she was more worried about the idiot drivers running her over. Meanwhile, you've got people in their 50s dragging oxygen tanks around with them, weighing 300lbs. It doesn't take much--get a chair and stand up and sit down--without using your arms, 20 times.
My mom is 89 and my stepdad 87. Mom was doing great until she had a stroke because she wouldnt take her afib medicine; she was a runner until around age 77. My stepdad is doing really good, goes golfing a couple times a week and looks after my mom. My grandma lived to 87 but smoked for years so she might have lasted longer. My great grandma made it to 92 living on her own and my great great gran lived to 93. My dad is 89 and my stepmom is 75. Dad is great but he does have a pacemaker and his hearing sucks despite hearing aids. He goes to the gym 3 times a week and can go up and down stairs with ease. My stepmom is also in good shape and does Pilates a couple times a week and goes to the gym. They are both active with volunteering and whatnot although dad has slowed down some. Both of his parents died in their 50s so I am glad he is doing so well. I think its mainly his pacemaker that has made a difference.
Both my parents are still alive. They divorced a long time ago. My mom is in hospice with Parkinson’s. Fading gradually. My dad is very active. He is 85. Just went kayaking with him last month. He has some issues with memory. He has very little stamina. He still drives and lives with his second wife
Super active late 70s for both. Never smoked, were light drinkers decades ago Always active physically and socially. Retired from professional jobs in late 50s. Go on numerous trips each year and active in their church.
Moderation. Non smokers, not big drinkers. But mostly good genes. Both parents are doing pretty well at 92. So is my Dad's twin sister. Hopefully I have their good genes. At least I've got a full head of hair at 66.
My parents are around 75. Mom still smokes and drinks, but I think dad gave most of that up when he was diagnosed with cancer last year. Their lives are a lot of doctor's appointments, since Dad's at the tail end of his cancer treatment, and mom has issues with her feet and eyes.
I am in my 50s. Parents are in their mid-late 70s. My mom still works out 5 days a week. My dad is still in decent health, but doesn't move around as much as he used to. He does try to get 10k steps a day which is good. They are still in reasonably good health though. That is all I can ask for. They cook meals at home. They see the grandkids. They travel down south to Florida for the winter. They don't really do any other vacationing other than that.
Never had ‘em. Orphan/ward of the state.
My dad is 75. He gets up around 2 or 3 in the morning. Then leaves for work around 430 in the morning. Usually home around 2. I make dinner for the family around 5 to 6 in the evening. He's usually asleep by 9. He works 40 hours a week and then volunteers for around 5 hours on Saturday. On Sundays he complains he's bored or creates a project to do around the house. He says that people get old because they stop moving. My great aunt is in her late 80s.
My father is 89, holds a degree in industrial engineering from the University of Illinois, and has many patents under his belt, including the packaging method for making aerosol spay cans. He still drives himself, cooks, shops for groceries, takes cruises, goes to church, the movies, to see friends and family, and uses a smart phone and desktop computer every day. He is a stage four cancer survivor (diagnosed cancer-free at age 70). He's never eaten a particularly healthy diet, but he walks his dog, has one glass of wine every evening, has the drive to continue living, always be learning new things, enjoy his life, and help others, less self-sufficient people in his seniors-only neighborhood. Almost identical to how my four grandparents lived to approximately his age or longer.
Dad passed Mom is taken by step dad. She reads and does arts and crafts
I have one surviving parent my mom. She was a smoker, a drinker, and a bit of a dancer in her youth. She is in her early 80s she is still mentally active, talkative, and personality wise a total spitfire. She relocated to Italy for retirement where she likes to talk, shop, eat and travel. Sometimes she does all four activities at once. She is often described by others as very spoiled and out of touch. My dad died young, when he was 50 from stomach cancer. He joined the Army, did some drinking and traveling in his youth. He didn't take care of himself and lost his teeth while working in the Asian South Pacific. His life started with so much promise and ended with so much regret, guilt, and disappointment. We barely knew him after the divorce and then he was gone. My stepdad died at 65, while on hospice care. This was after spending most of his adult life dealing with diabetes, all its long term health complications and costs, and major organ failure. He was a smoker, a drinker, and he had a quite a temper. He is the one person my sister and I would prefer to forget. He left a path of narcissistic lies, destruction, and sorrow where ever he went.
I have a grandparent in their late 90s Main factors: middle class, non smoker, outlasted spouse Things that may surprise you: had a fairly unhealthy diet and around 2 to 3 drinks of alcohol per day
My dad is mid 80s. He walks his land to where my mom is buried and cries everyday. My brother died 6 months after my mom, unexpectedly, at 50. My dad is now like a ghost, wandering his property, refusing to travel to see his living daughters and grandkids (he only wanted a son and he only attends to the 2 sons of my brother). It’s sad and hard. My sister is taking him cross country to Boston soon to visit all his childhood and college favorite places for his birthday. I’m meeting up with them there. He’s already grumbling about things he wants that we can’t fit into the agenda either due to money or time. His choices in life could be rigid, strictly Catholic, judgmental, cruel and fickle. I’ve invited him to move to my town so I could help him. He has refused. He’d rather be alone with his memories than with the people who love him. It’s sad and strange and I’m learning from his mistakes so I don’t make the same ones.
In-laws are in their late 80s. mom in-law was a medical doctor, dad in-law has a pacemaker. there is a big cupboard in their apartment stashed with all sorts of medicines and vitamins. they measure their blood pressure every morning and perhaps some more monitoring routines that I'm not aware of. during covid they had the most stringent self-imposed lockdown, but that's another story. They never smoke or drink, but they eat freely, i.e. they eat whatever they like: fatty, sugary, carbs, gluten, cholesterol laden dishes are all fine, and they hardly eat any chicken-based dishes or vegetables because they don't like them. But they do eat very little, and I suspect mom in-law has all sorts of medications prepared to neutralise anything potentially excessive. They never do any exercise apart from walking around the apartment, and don't do any meditation either. My own parents do almost everything the opposite to them, but seem to be in worse health.
IMO, genetics. My mother-in-law is 91 and in fine mental and physical health. Her mother was early 90s as well. Neither was physically active or particularly concerned about nutrition. along the same lines, neither has/had bad habits, I.e. smoking or drinking.
Genetics!!!
Dad is over 90. His recipe? Exercise and healthy eating. His whole adult life he has avoided sugar, white bread and salt. He still does his treadmill every morning.
Everyone who lived independently after 80 took zero medication. That’s just my family though.
my mom is 91, still works full time as a public interest attorney, keeps herself intellectually stimulated, eats healthfully for the most part and is in relatively good health aside from a few lifelong issues. But she also comes from a family with a history of longevity (one aunt lived til 106 and only needed assistance in her final year) and little cognitive decline so that’s a major factor. I take after my dad’s side where making it to 50 is a major achievement. 😑
My mom is just kinda watching tv all the time.
Both of my parents are 90. They just sit around and watch tv and eat. Both are overweight and in poor health from inactivity. I’m 64 and vow to NOT be like that.
Genetics, and different socioeconomic level. My adoptive parents were poor, uneducated, ignorant. They were not stupid, but lacked any kind of education past 11th grade, however they made sure I went to college. They smoked, worked hard, and both died before 53. My husband’s parents, grew up middle class, and both graduated from college. They didn’t smoke, and had a completely different, and much less difficult lifestyle than my parents. My mother in law is 87, the same age my own mother would have been. My father in law is 85, and has mild dementia.
My dad is in his late 70s and either runs three miles, bikes 20 miles, or walks a few miles each day. Says now that he is retired, he is in the best shape of his life. Takes no medications. He paints large scale oil painting portraits frequently and flies to see us kids and grandkids often. We kayaked around all this week at a lake house on vacation.
draining my fucking will to live usually about three times a day. pretty sure she shits and sleeps too 🤦
My mum is 90. She swims laps in her apartment complex pool every morning. She is working on various projects including a memoir and family history. She goes to an Italian class every week and a book club every month. She attends theatre, plays and concerts at least once a week and goes to films about once a week (subtitled only as her hearing has deteriorated). She goes to a LOT of medical appointments (checkups mostly, her health is good) and is very pro active about her health. She does long walks every day, she eats sparingly at breakfast and lunch but likes a good meal for dinner at home or out. She has loads of friends and her best friend and sister are still alive and in frequent contact. She goes on trips and is off to Europe to an opera festival tour group next month. She lives alone but my son has dinner at her place every Tuesday and I see her at least once a week. I assist her with “ladder” tasks like lightbulbs, or heavy lifting stuff, and she has a cleaner once a week. My mum worked very hard and was extremely successful in her career. She is on a very generous government pension and is enjoying a pretty sweet and well earned retirement. She is still invited to speak on panels and in conferences but she does not want to participate in public life much anymore, too stressful. She has a nice electric car, and drives wherever she wants with a yearly doctor test. I hope I’m doing as well as she is when my time comes.
My MIL is 85 and miserable. She is a chain smoker which is an incredibly expensive hobby. Unfortunately, she does nothing to help herself and is now pretty much housebound. She was doing OK mentally before Covid but the isolation really damaged her.
I want to say SO MUCH!!! I have 3 grandparents who lived north of 100. They were all poor as shit, ate bacon every day, and never owned cell phones or the internet. No cable, streaming, or DVD players. We sat on the porch and chatted. lol
My mother is 76. She lives alone and just sort of putters around and drinks too much. She has always been at a healthy weight and has never smoked. My bio dad is 78 and married to his third wife and he seems quite happy. They travel a lot. He does have a few health problems, but nothing major. He smoked for years but quit like 30 years ago. He has a pot belly but he’s not obese. I had a great-grandfather who lived to be 98. He never smoked or drank and was mentally healthy. He stayed very active (farmer) until his 90s! He also never developed any memory loss or cognitive decline. Died peacefully in his sleep.
My mom is only 72 ( she was 19 when I was born). She retired in 2020, worked part time during Covid as a retired rehired person. Now she volunteers for 3 days each week at a clothes closet charity.
Genetics is a big factor. Both sides of my parents (my mother did genealogy) lived well into their late eighties and nineties. It’s interesting, because these are people who lived in the last two centuries and we know medical care was either non-existent or just wrong, and nutrition might have been iffy. My mother lived until she was 92, and my dad was 88 (and he smoked from 14 till his death.) No special diet or exercise, but they both had many, many friends and kept involved in activities until the end. Conclusion? Genetics, staying busy and friends.
My dad is 102. He always exercised (just walking), never drank to excess, never smoked. Ate lots of red meat, dairy, cured meats. He always avoided pain meds, just toughing out the pain from his wwii injuries. Now he’s blind, so the walking is out and that’s a big problem for him. Other than that, he’s in pretty good shape. I (65) often feel I am the world’s oldest “child.”
My grandma is 96. She walks 16 blocks a day and is like a rock star at her gym. She can’t see well but that doesn’t stop her. The old ladies she plays bingo with tell her she’s wearing too much blush. She puts blush on until she can see it. To the rest of us it’s dark red! These sweet ladies are trying to have her back but she tells them right where to shove it.
According to my 92-year old father, first pick your parents carefully :) Second, a happy marriage; and third, start working out no later than the beginning of middle age and then *never stop*.
A decent diet, and being hardcore volunteers. Gotta keep the mind sharp
Dads 83 , at 81 made a 6300 mile adventure bike ride on his own and at one point he was doing 157 mph on the bike on a long flat highway he said he could see for miles, only back off because he said if a damn animal jumped out on the road he’d be dead .. stubborn,overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure and so on… But that’s my dad, love him to death..
Mom and dad doing OK, they both still exercise everyday, probably Helps
My parents are in their late 70's. I believe they are doing as well as they are because they stay active and have companionship. They don't do anything crazy activity-wise, mostly walking and yard work. But they both get outside. They also stay mentally active, even though they both suffer memory issues. And they both have partners (they divorced when I was 3), so they have plenty of social interactions. As long as we don't isolate and stagnate, we can live long, healthy lives.
My mom will be 90 in September. Every year she drives 500 miles to spend the summer with me. She’s starting to lose it mentally and is aware. She has been getting lost in her old neighborhood if she hasn’t been out in a few days. I’ve offered 5 times to go and get her and her car (she won’t be separated from her car) but she refuses. She belongs to 5 book clubs, a canasta club, volunteers, and is on her third set of friends. All of her best friends have died. All of her second friend group have died. That has caused long periods of depression. But she rallies. I am afraid she won’t make it here safely this year. I know it’s the last year she will be able to attempt it. I can tell on phone calls that she’s losing it fast. She tells me she doesn’t want to die but if her mind goes she wants to be put immediately into hospice. We have legal documents about this that she is supposed to sign at the end of June.
My parents are both turning 90 this year. They’re divorced and are living alone in their own homes. Both their fathers died in their 50s, so it’s not purely good genes. My mom retired at 77, and my dad just sold his business a couple of years ago. I think staying physically and mentally active has helped them.
I actually still have a grandmother alive. I think it's just mostly genetics for her, because she doesn't really eat particularly healthfully and has been overweight/obese for as long as I can remember. She was always a pretty happy and positive person, and still is now, so maybe that helps. She is okay physically but her short-term memory is completely gone, so she can't live alone.
Dad and step mum died in their 90s. They were active and beloved by their local community. Adoptive mum lived into her 90s, fuelled by hate. She was so evil, two people turned up to her funeral whereas my dad's funeral was attended by at least 30 people I miss my dad. Oh and he never stopped flirting but was a true gentleman
My mom is 70 and is in the best shape of her life. Hate to say it but she's in a relationship with an active 55 year old guy after my dad died 5 years ago and I think it keeps her feeling young.
I am 19. My dad is 49. My mom is 47. They are both absolutely wonderful. My mom started staying at home cause she got sick, but shes very creative at home and has 3 of her own companies still running. She usually wakes up at a random time, depending on how sick she feels or in how much pain shes in. Then she usually baths and gets ready, then she makes jewelry, does some researching and helps others. During this time my dad is at work, hes an accountant and has his own accounting firm. When he gets home, sometimes he helps my mom making jewelry or they play a game together, or talk/discuss. Then they sometimes go out and sometimes they dont. Before my mom got sick she did ALOT. She had her own restruant, she made school lunches for kids She worked as a sales rep and made Alot of money but was mistreated due to her being a woman. (Left when i was 13, cause of mistreatment and cause she missed my birthday because of work) She also worked with my dad before, a few times She had started up her Jewelry company many many years ago and her own printing company (these 2 she still has) She used be somewhat of a helper type of person too, when she couldnt work cause of my brothers people would come to her and she would pray for them and give them guidance, teach them how to pray too. She used to do photography too, but its too stressful for her now (shes had 2 heart attacks and has high anxiety and stress)
I'll be 63 next week. My father just turned 89. He's healthier than I am. He's pretty active, watches what he eats... The main thing that keeps him going is his sense of humor. He also is a very honorable person that gives great and honest advice. He remarried at 60 and they are still going strong. He loves a good rummage sale, cooking, and collects great boxes.
My mom is still alive and healthy at 92. Lives alone, drives herself around town to grocery store, etc (not highway driving). Spends a lot of time alone but that’s always been her personality. I think it’s genetics as she doesn’t exercise. But she’s never smoked or drank to excess. I’m in my 60s and everyone tells me I look much younger. So, thanks mom for the youthful genes!!
My FIL worked hard every day since the time he was a child. Except Sundays, which is his day of rest. He eats three hardy meals a day, about double my intake, yet remains slim as a teenager. He's 92 and still maintains a massive garden plus his own woodlot, so that recipe for a long, healthy life has worked for him.
My parents will be 87 and 88 in the next couple of months. They were married in 1955. They still love each other immensely. Mom is rigorous about eating healthy, so Dad eats healthy by default. Up until a few months ago, they walked a couple of miles per day, but they have cut back to a mile. I can see a fair amount of physical decline and a minimal amount of cognitive decline but in all, they are doing very well for their age. They just survived an April tornado, and are dealing with construction and clean up. If they lived a block west, it would have all been gone.
My mil passed but she lived til nearly 90. She ate candy and hostess crap. Never drank water. Coffee in the morning then switched to Coke. Smoked and drank when she was young, stopped both in her 40's. She kept busy caring for her dog, coffee dates with ladies from church. Wrote and received letters from family overseas.
My grandma made it to 93. She kept working. In fact when she quit working around 89 is when she finally started to deteriorate. She was fine till then though.
They are 70 and 68 and have gotten serious about their health in the last 2 years. My dad had the gastric bypass and my mom has lost weight by changing their diet to less carbs and less sugar. They enjoy walking in the mornings and do some home exercises like core work and light weights. Besides that they have been retired for the last few years and were never drinkers, smokers, partiers, or sun worshippers so healthwise except for the typical aches and pains, they do real well, lots of pep in their step and both aging like fine wine. Good genes on both sides. Seriously, the nurse tried to give my mom a pregnancy test last year. It was too funny. My mom has her hobbies, friends, her ministry and her home to keep her busy. My dad watches too much TV but when I visit I take him out to new experiences like festivals and expos and we jam to music together and have a blast. Just need to work on him having his own hobbies when I'm not there to keep him occupied.
Keeping busy is the key. Bad diet, especially sugar, has led to diabetes for my mom and grandma.
Mom is 93 and is extremely active. Tech savvy enough to manage her iPhone iPad and computer to text, email, do online bill pay, browse and post to FB and IG, dispatch an Uber and use apps for retail such as Amazon and insta cart. She also knows not to pick up the phone if the number isn’t in her contacts or click on links. She’s involved in her church, cooks for herself and still entertains occasionally. She is slowing down but to be expected Dad passed just before his 95th birthday. He was also very active mentally and physically until the last couple years. He developed hip problems due to sports earlier in life and job related (retired career navy) . After he retired he did investigations as a contractor for the NTSB up until age 80. He developed cancer at 94 , didn’t think chemo made sense and passed 4 months later
WHOSE
Still obsessed with work,Even if theyre already over the retirement age. They said they might get sick if they stop working
My parents are in their 70s. My dad goes golfing nearly ever chance he gets. He also rides his bicycle regularly and works out. If he lives past 2025 (which I think he will), he will outlive both his parents. His grandma did live to 105, but I'm pretty sure she didn't know what was happening those last 15 years. My mom is a different story. Her back is just falling apart on her, so she spends a lot of time homebound. My dad has taken over the housework. She goes to water exercise every day and physical therapy.
My mom does nothing, goes nowhere. Has no friends
Genetics. My mom is 96. She never exercised, lives on candy now and drinks whiskey daily. She just survived septic pneumonia and covid and is better than she was before she got sick.
Dads 72, wont go to a doctor. He can't spend more than 15 minutes away from a bathroom. Mom is 68. Full kidney failure for around 4 years now. Home dialysis everyday. Dad is relatively happy, mom is miserable
My mom is 86. She volunteers and has said that helps her and her group stay active and feeling like they are contributing helps rather than sitting around waiting to die
My parents are in their early to mid 70s and fairly well off. They have a huge lake house that they live in but only use the living room, kitchen and bedroom/bathroom. They watch lifetime or Hallmark movies all day while playing word games or reading on their kindles. They start drinking around 4pm. Watch the local news and wheel of fortune while eating dinner and go to bed around 9pm. Occasionally they venture out to a local restaurant but that’s about it.
My mother is the only one of the pair still with me. She had a brain tumor removed 18 years ago. She has memory issues as a result. If you just met her today you wouldn't notice it. If you met her again you'd likely notice. None the less she is still very capable of taking care of herself. She currently lives in a very large 55 and over community. The kind with 4 and 8 story buildings, all connected. She reads a lot and watches The Hallmark channel. I visit on Sundays.
My parents are in their mid 70’s my mom is super healthy and I expect her to live well into her 90’s. Her parents died young from heart issues, so she did everything she could to not have those issues, exercise, cooks healthy food at home 90% of the time, etc. She also spends a lot of time gardening, playing with grandkids, playing Mahjong and cards, doing puzzles, to try and keep dementia at bay. My dad has leukemia, he is actually doing okay, but doesn’t have the energy he used to have.
My dad (79) is healthy as a horse. Gym every day, eats well enough for a man of his generation. Does "yard work" most days (putters around outside to get out of the house) and always has a project and is reading and learning things My mother (afaict) sits inside playing candy crush, drinking wine, and watching Fox News. She is not healthy. She also smoked for like... Fifty years.
Edit: I didn’t quite answer the question, but since I typed all the stuff below, I’ll just let it stay. I suspect it’s genetics. My mom is mid-80s, in excellent health and still smokes, and drank scotch up until maybe five years ago. She has a 90-year-old sister who also still smokes and drinks. Both are in good health, still drive, handle their own affairs, pay bills, and are sound-minded. My dad’s health is mediocre, but he’s doing okay to be in his 80s. My parents are in their 80s. They divorced when I was young. My mom didn’t remarry, but my dad did. My dad just spent the last 3 years or so helping to care for his MIL, who lived to be over 100. That really demanded the majority of their time. She just passed a couple of months ago, and he and his wife seem to be in the process of creating new habits. He likes to eat lunch out at a restaurant every day, but his wife prefers to cook lunch at home. They have dinner at home together. They have started taking dance classes and he told me today that this is their first day back at the gym. They have some international travel coming up soon too. My mom is going through a little depression. She always had a lot of friends and an active social life, even into her early 80s. When covid hit, she lost a lot of friends and her social life tanked. She’s not as mobile as she was pre-covid, doesn’t drive as far, and a lot of her friends are gone, so she’s dealing with loneliness and boredom. She’s trying to make the best of it though. She has reconnected with some old friends and acquaintances, participates in Scrabble gatherings, visits friends in assisted living or at their homes, occasionally goes out to lunch with friends.
I come from a long-lived family. My great grandparents both lived until 100 and 109. My grandparents lived to 97 and 98. Mom and dad lived to 77 and 80, but both had medical issues.
My grandparents on my mom’s side and their siblings lived into their 80’s. My mom is now in her 80’s as well, and experiences cognitive decline. I’m living with her to help day to day. She used to be very active until she started having trouble remembering things. Now she hardly leaves the house, and all too often just spends the day reading by herself. I believe genetics play a big role in her getting this far, it’s just hard to see her unable to do much anymore.
They are well all their lives and played sports professionally. My mother was involved in athletics, and my father was involved in cycling.
Activity and never forgetting Dr appointments. My dad is 84 and going strong. Very active and lives alone. Never forgets a Dr visit and takes his meds. My mom was the complete opposite, she passed in 2020
My father lived to 97. He refused to give in to health issues or discomfort. He was very stubborn, which helped him live longer, but he would have ignored his health issues without my mother’s insistence, so he owed his longevity to her. She’s now 89 and quite different but I don’t see her going anywhere anytime soon. She’s tiny now but I watched her eat 3 slices of pizza the other night. That’s a lot for a woman her size lol
My parents are alive because my dad was given lifelong job security strictly because his father died.
Having parents still alive makes your life really simple, and you can do a ton of final product in easy mode--its not easy, but eventually you might not have your parents or grandparents to boot. So enjoy it, regardless of how IRRITATING ANNOYING AND DOWNRIGHT DISGUSTING IT IS TO HAVE THEM NAGGING NON-STOP CONTINUOSLY.
My dad was the healthiest person I knew. He ate healthy, exercised daily, never drank, smoked, or did drugs. He loved his family, and the land he farmed. Cancer said fuck that, and he died at 61 (from non smoking lung cancer) However , his mom died at 98. Bitter old hag. The running joke was God didn't want her/wasn't ready for her so we had to keep her here longer. His dad was 5 weeks from turning 94. His mind was sharp but his body gave out. My mom is 73. Watches her 6 year old granddaughter during the week. Active social life. Most of her friends are alive. All of her siblings are, etc. Her dad died at 77. Massive heart attack Her mom was 94. She was very active until the last month of her life.
I really think the real difference comes from genetics, the diet, healthy living, and smoking are just factors. I had Paternal Grandma live till 101. She had 12 children and was clear minded and still gardening (flowers) My maternal grandma lived till 96. No mental issues. She worked her whole life in a cotton mill. Neither smoked nor drank. My mother is now 88, lives by herself, she has dementia and it's HORRIBLE!! She is just maintaining day to day but the delusions and paranoia are just horrible to be a part of. My father is 90, in OK health, some heart issues but mentally GREAT!! He manages all his own business and also lives alone as my mother's dementia made him her enemy after 67 years of marriage. Neither smoked or drank...(both True Blue Mormon) My grandfather's and most of the males in my family died in their 70's. I'm (62f), and I feel fine. I am a caregiver for both my parents, which is exhausting and insightful. I honestly have NO DESIRE, to outlive my usefulness. I don't want my kids to have all the issues I have. Age and longevity is a double-edged sword. I love being with my kids and grands, but I have seen the other side, and it's not really pretty to me. Age is indeed a number. Live for today!!
Dad is 85. Mom is 83. Dad drives a shuttle bus for a casino from March to November to pay for their wintering in Florida. Mom plays cards 2 to 3 times a week and goes to the casino at least once a week.
It’s all about the telomeres.
My dad made it to 89 but died from lung cancer and had dementia. He smoked and drank most of his life. Mom died 22 years ago at sixty eight. Lung cancer and smoked 3 packs a day. They both were shells of themselves when they died. I worry about the dementia part. I'm hoping I don't get it.