Introduction: Living Longer and Better
As the 20th Anniversary of "Active Aging Week",(October 6–12, 2025) presented by Humana, is celebrated, it’s a powerful reminder that healthy lifestyle choices don’t just add years to our lives—they add life to our years.
Research shows that genetics account for only about 20% of longevity, while lifestyle shapes the remaining 80%.¹ ² That means the way we eat, move, think, and connect makes the greatest difference in how well we age.
The 7 Dimensions of Wellness
The International Council on Active Aging defines wellness as the ability to live a purpose-filled and engaged life. Their framework includes seven interconnected dimensions:
Emotional Wellness – managing stress, building resilience, and fostering positivity.
Intellectual & Cognitive Wellness – stimulating the mind with new ideas and learning.
Physical Wellness – staying active, eating well, and prioritizing health.
Professional & Vocational Wellness – finding purpose through meaningful activities or work.
Social Wellness – nurturing relationships and community connections.
Spiritual Wellness – living with intention, values, and inner peace.
Environmental Wellness – creating harmony with the spaces we live and work in.
Together, these seven dimensions form the foundation of whole-person health—empowering us to live with energy, independence, and joy.
Real-Life Stories: Aging Actively at 100+
Two remarkable centenarians prove it’s never too late to embrace active living:
Roy Englert began running at age 60. Now at 100, he still enjoys a rewarding, social, and healthy lifestyle. His advice: “Just keep moving.”
Julia Hawkins started running at 100 and set a world record in the 100-meter dash at 105. For her, it’s not about competition—it’s about independence, gardening, family, and appreciating life’s daily beauty.
As Hawkins says: “Older people need something to look forward to, something to care about. There are so many wonderful things in my life.”
Active Aging: A Lifestyle for Everyone
You don’t need to run marathons to practice active aging. It simply means engaging with life in your own way—staying curious, connected, and resilient.
Conclusion: Aging with Independence and Joy
The secret to healthy aging isn’t found in genes—it’s found in the choices we make every day. By embracing the 7 dimensions of wellness, we can create not just longer lives, but better ones—filled with meaning, independence, and joy.
Because the goal of active aging isn’t simply to live longer, it’s to live better.
References
Buettner, D., & Skemp, S. (2016). Blue Zones: Lessons From the World’s Longest Lived. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 10(5), 318–321. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827616637066
Ruby, J., Wright, K., Rand, K., Kermany, A., Noto, K., Curtis, D., … Ball, C. (2018). Population and Evolutionary Genetics. Genetics, 210(3), 1109–1124. https://doi.org/10.1534/genetics.118.301613
This post is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new wellness routine.
