Co-Written By C², Connie Colleen Wyatt, Occupational Therapist, PNW Home for Life PLLC
and Holly Berard
Most people assume longevity is mostly genetic — something you either inherit or you don’t. But research published in Increasing number of long-lived ancestors marks a decade of healthspan extension shows otherwise. While having long-lived relatives helps a little, genes account for only a small slice of life expectancy. The rest? It’s shaped by how we live, move, think, and connect.
And that’s good news for anyone aging in place — and for adult children helping their parents stay independent.
The Quiet Power of Calm
One striking pattern among long-livers is emotional steadiness. People who lived with inner calm — not rushing, not comparing, not carrying stress like a backpack of bowling balls — tended to live 8–10 years longer. A calmer nervous system simply ages more slowly.
Of course, “just relax” isn’t exactly a helpful instruction, especially when life includes medical appointments, grandkids, and tricky technology. But daily rhythms, slower routines, and small grounding habits can make a real difference.
Staying Curious Keeps the Brain Young
Another longevity staple? Curiosity. Long-livers stayed mentally active — reading, learning new skills, picking up hobbies, or spending time with younger people who introduce them to new ideas (and occasionally ask them to explain what a VHS tape is).
This kind of ongoing mental engagement supports brain plasticity and helps protect against cognitive decline.
Nature, Fresh Air, and Simple Movement
Long-lived adults consistently spent time outdoors: walking near water, gardening, or simply sitting in sunlight. These gentle habits naturally boost serotonin and vitamin D, support mobility, and reduce stress — no complicated gym routine required.
Gratitude as a Daily Practice
A shared trait across long-livers is gratitude. Not performative gratitude — the real, quiet appreciation for small pleasures: morning coffee, a warm blanket, a good conversation. Gratitude supports better hormone balance, less stress, and more joy.
It also makes life feel richer without needing more things — something the research and real-life experience agree on.
They Didn’t Chase Longevity — They Chased Life
The biggest lesson? Long-livers weren’t trying to live longer. They simply lived well. With love, presence, curiosity, and purpose. Longevity happened as a side effect, not a mission.
Where Occupational Therapy Fits In
For older adults aging in place — or adult children hoping to support them — this research blends perfectly with the principles occupational therapists use every day:
- Calm & routines: OTs help simplify spaces and daily activities so life feels smoother and less stressful.
- Movement & strength: Gentle strength training, balance work, and safe mobility plans keep the body strong.
- Cognition: OTs introduce mentally stimulating activities and habits that support memory and brain health.
- Connection: They help build social routines and engagement to prevent isolation.
- Sleep & energy: They help create healthier sleep patterns and calmer evenings.
These aren’t just “good habits” — they’re evidence-based tools for increasing healthspan.
A Note From the Strength in Aging
In my work with the Strength in Aging Squad, I see the same themes repeatedly: people thrive when they combine movement, curiosity, rest, connection, nature, and simple daily joy. It’s not about perfection — it’s about protecting independence and savoring life, one day at a time.
The Bottom Line
Longevity isn’t a genetic prize. It’s a lifestyle — one that anyone can start building now. Calm, curiosity, movement, nature, gratitude, and connection are the real “bulletproof aging” tools. And with the right support (including occupational therapy), they’re entirely doable
C²
connie@pnwhomeforlife.com
360-770-1752
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