When Ralph Young celebrated his 100th birthday, he didn’t just mark another year — he shared a philosophy that can guide us all. Featured onCNBC, his story is one of resilience, purpose, and joy. Born in rural Kentucky as the youngest of 11 children, Ralph worked hard from an early age, served in WWII, lost his wife to Alzheimer’s, and endured the sudden death of his eldest son. Yet he still radiates optimism. His advice is simple:

“You can do a lot of things you don’t think you can do.”

He attributes his longevity to keeping faith, doing his best each day, and always having something meaningful to do — from marrying again later in life to traveling and sharing his stories.

The Science Behind Ralph’s Wisdom

Research backs up Ralph’s lived experience. A major study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with a strongsense of purpose had lower mortality rates and better health outcomes. Psychologists at theUniversity of Michigan have shown that purpose not only improves mental health but also cardiovascular function.

Resilience is another key. TheAmerican Psychological Association highlights how adaptive coping, social support, and faith help people bounce back from trauma and live healthier lives. And the famousHarvard Study of Adult Development — the longest-running study on happiness — shows that strong social connections are the most reliable predictor of long-term well-being.

Action Steps You Can Take Today

Ralph’s habits are not extraordinary; they’re daily choices that build strength over decades. Here’s how you can start applying them now:

• Renew your sense of purpose. Volunteer, mentor, or pick up a hobby. Sites likeIdealist.org list volunteer opportunities, andMeetup can help you join interest groups.
• Build resilience intentionally. Try a mindfulness routine or gratitude journal to handle challenges more calmly. Apps likeHeadspace andCalm offer guided practices, while theGreater Good Science Center provides free resilience resources.
• Stay socially connected. Call a friend each week, join a club, or write letters. Platforms likeNextdoor orElder Helpers make it easy to connect locally.
• Keep moving — even gently. Daily walks, gardening, or light strength training keep your body and mood strong. Programs such asGo4Life or apps likeFitOn offer age-friendly exercise plans.
• Keep learning and creating. Sign up for a free online course onCoursera or record your memories with theStoryCorps app.
• Lean on faith or something bigger than yourself. Whether prayer, meditation, or a spiritual community, these practices provide grounding. Apps likeInsight Timer offer thousands of free meditations.

A Three-Week Mini Plan

Week 1: Identify one “impossible” thing you’d like to try — reconnect with someone, volunteer, or share your story online. Take one small step toward it.

Week 2: Commit to daily movement and a resilience practice such as a five-minute morning meditation.

Week 3: Focus on connection and purpose — teach something, offer help, or listen deeply to someone else’s story. Reflect on how it changes your outlook and energy.

Why This Message Matters

Ralph’s life proves that adversity doesn’t have to define you. Instead, faith, purpose, and staying active can transform hardship into a meaningful, joyful journey. His mantra — “You can do a lot of things you don’t think you can” — is a call to action for every generation designing a fulfilling 100-year life.

What’s one habit, belief, or project you’re ready to commit to this week — and why? Join the conversation with others who are shaping their long, purpose-driven lives in theAge Brilliantly Forum.