Tag: aging research

Longevity isn’t the prize if the years aren’t lived with joy, purpose and real connection. In a recent episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, Derek talked with Dr. Kerry Burnight, a nationally recognized gerontologist, author of the New York Times bestselling JoySpan, and a longtime leader in aging research, policy and elder abuse prevention.

They unpacked why joy is deeper than situational happiness, how many strengths actually improve with age, and why most of the aging experience is shaped more by choices than genes.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE JOYSPAN?

I had been a gerontologist for more than 30 years, and for the first 20 I worked with people in the roughest situations—elder abuse, financial exploitation, profound loneliness. I realized we were waiting too long. The research shows us what fortifies people for long lives, but that information wasn’t getting out in a readable, everyday book. I wanted to fortify people internally the way we try to fortify our bodies externally.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE JOY IS A CRITICAL MEASURE OF AGING WELL?

Lifespan is how long you live, healthspan is how many of those years are healthy, but something was missing—the well-being component. The American Psychological Association defines joy as well-being and satisfaction. Joy isn’t toxic positivity. Happiness is circumstantial, but joy can exist even in challenge because it’s inside out. And I don’t know any older adults who haven’t had significant challenges.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT JOY AND AGING?

One misconception is that aging well is about luck or genetics. Research shows genetics only predict about 13 to 25 percent of our aging experience. Most of it is up to us. Another misconception is that joy has to look like a big smile. It doesn’t. Joy can be quiet contentment. And another is that you’re just born with it—that there are Eeyores and Tiggers. What I’ve seen is that people can learn this.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE AND MEASURE “JOYSPAN”?

The measures come from decades of research on psychological well-being, but one thing was missing—adaptability. When I brought that in, it became clear there are four components people who thrive in longevity share. They are verbs, not traits: growing, connecting, adapting, and giving. People who invest in those areas tend to enjoy very long lives.

Want to hear more from Dr. Burnight? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

This week’s Sales and Marketing Roundtable marked a milestone—our 275th session—and we were joined by Jennifer Smith from Mather Institute for an inspiring deep dive into the Age Well Study.

 This groundbreaking, five-year research project explored how living in a Life Plan Community influences health, happiness, and overall wellness compared to older adults living independently. With participation from more than 8,000 residents across 122 communities, the study offers one of the most comprehensive looks yet at the benefits of community living. Below are a few Fresh Perspectives from her discussion. 

SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT 

Residents in Life Plan Communities experienced increased social interactions and higher engagement in intellectual activities, unlike the broader community. This reflects the rich program offerings and resources available, fostering deeper relationships and continuous learning.

EMOTIONAL WELLNESS 

Despite a slight tendency for residents’ emotional wellness scores to decline, they generally remained higher or similar to those of the broader community. Enhancing emotional wellness programs to address life challenges and transitions could further build on this advantage.

PERCEPTION OF BENEFITS 

When asked to reflect on how moving into a Life Plan Community affected their wellness, over two-thirds of respondents indicated their social wellness improved and more than one-half experienced benefits to their physical and intellectual wellness.. This highlights the communities’ strength in supporting resident well-being.

TAILORED WELLNESS PROGRAMS 

The Person-Centric Wellness Model, emphasizing choice, growth, and community support, suggests that personalized wellness offerings can effectively enhance residents’ motivation and engagement in healthy behaviors.

COMMUNITY COMPARISONS 

Efforts were made to make the resident and community-at-large groups comparable on age, gender, income, and race/ethnicity, yet there still may be pre-existing differences between groups that may influence wellness outcomes.

AGE PERCEPTION AND TRAINING 

Promoting positive views of aging is important to the wellness of older adults.  Employee training to reduce subtle forms of “everyday ageism” in language and actions may increase awareness and change behaviors. 

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here.