Dear Friend,

Just 100 years ago, life expectancy was around 62. Since then, we have made more progress in living longer than in the history of the world! Today, U.S. life expectancies hover just below 80 and if you reach 70 years old, the projection is mid-80s or longer. Due to medical advancements, lifestyle choices, and new perspectives on aging, expect to see huge growth in people in their 90's and at 100 or older! Will you be one of them?

This year is “Peak 65.” More Americans will turn 65 than at any other time in history. In the 1930s, there were just under 8 million people in this age group. Today, we have nearly 60 million, and in a decade, it will be 80 million. When you turn 65, you may live another 30 years. How will you create a meaningful life?

For sure, a core focus is on healthspan, but we also need to keep our brains strong through lifelong learning. Experts will tell you that this does not mean doing crossword puzzles or Wordle. It means taking on more complex tasks like learning a language or studying a new subject. Neuroplasticity is our brain's ability to keep learning and expanding. How about the idea of a brainspan?

Fortunately, the options are plentiful. Take a look at free MOOCs (massive open online courses). Check out Coursera and Khan Academy. Download Duolingo onto your phone to learn the new language of your choice.

Your local community colleges and Universities have a huge offering of classes, badges, certificates, and degrees. At ICP, the International Center of Photography (where I'm on the board), you can immerse yourself in the world of photography. The options are endless. All you have to do is commit yourself to being a lifelong learner.

As a dedicated lifelong learner, I completed a second Master's degree at Columbia University in 2021. My area of study was in the world of nonprofits and philanthropy. This month I was also at the Stanford Center on Longevity Advisory Board meeting, learning more about the research, data, and insights that the Center is immersed in.

(Note: their next big summit will be in January 2025 and you can sign up for it in person or on Zoom.)

Earlier this month, we launched our 2 part Life Layering course with many of you from California, Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, Pennsylvania and more. If you'd like to access the course, click here.

If you are interested in learning more on the subject of longevity, there are courses for you in that area. Andrew Scott (whose new book, The Longevity Imperative, is featured below) is a professor of economics at London Business School. This summer, the New Longevity Leadership Programme at Catolica-Lisbon in Portugal will help people understand all of the dimensions of the new longevity in workforces, consumers, and careers. Check out this link for more details. (Spoiler alert: I'll be giving a lecture in the program).

This month, I'm excited to introduce you to two amazing re-imagineers, Jane Lodato and Bob Jeffrey, role models for all of us. In her late 60s, Jane went back to school and is now a Chief Wellness Officer. Bob has taken on a new CEO at ICP, his new learning curve. To keep your movement mojo going, we showcase a new book on Walking Well. For your wills and estate planning (which you should do at any age), take a look at FreeWill, a business that is disrupting that sector and is free to consumers.

For a healthy brainspan, the key is to always keep learning. Never stop being curious. Always take on complex topics. Become the resident expert in a subject area. Commit yourself to brain health. Since you might be living to 100, keeping your mind engaged is an important element of your personal longevity plan.

What's your lifelong learning quest for this year?