“The greatest wealth is health.” — Virgil

If you knew your family could live to 100, how would you plan differently? What would you do today to make sure everyone—from your children to your parents to your future great-grandkids—lives not just a long life, but a healthy, fulfilling one?

Longevity isn’t just an individual journey—it’s a family affair. And with increasing life expectancy, it’s time we stop thinking of health in short-term fixes and start planning for long-term vitality. According to the Stanford Center on Longevity, we’re entering a new era where living well to 100 is not just possible—it’s probable (Stanford Longevity Project).

But thriving across a century takes intention. It requires shared values, habits, and support systems—built together, as a family.

Here’s how to start building a 100-year health plan with the people you love most.

1. Have the Conversation—Now

Health shouldn’t be a taboo topic or only discussed during crises. Start talking openly about wellness, goals, and challenges across generations. What does “healthy” look like for each of you? What would help everyone feel more energized, supported, and strong?

The American Psychological Association reports that families who engage in open, proactive health discussions make better decisions, reduce anxiety, and improve health outcomes (APA Family Health Communication).

Action Step: Schedule a family health check-in—just like you would a birthday dinner or reunion. Use it to share updates, set intentions, and create small goals together.

2. Create Intergenerational Habits

A 100-year health plan doesn’t mean going on a strict diet or starting a punishing workout. It’s about creating small, sustainable habits that work across generations—like daily walks, healthy family meals, or screen-free evenings that prioritize sleep and connection.

Studies show that children who grow up with healthy adult role models are more likely to maintain strong habits into adulthood, lowering their long-term risk of disease (CDC Healthy Habits).

Action Step: Start one shared habit this week—like a Sunday meal prep session, an evening walk, or a water-drinking challenge.

3. Make Movement a Bonding Ritual

Exercise doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym. Try dancing in the living room, gardening, bike rides, or yoga sessions that everyone can do. When fitness becomes a family affair, it stops being a task—and becomes a tradition.

Apps likeSworkit Kids orGrow Young Fitness provide age-appropriate workouts that parents, grandparents, and kids can do together.

Action Step: Choose a weekly “family move night” where you rotate activities and celebrate everyone’s efforts—regardless of fitness level.

4. Share Family Health History and Preventive Plans

One of the most powerful tools in long-term health planning is understanding family medical history. Many chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, have genetic components—but lifestyle changes can reduce risk.

Encouraging transparency around family health empowers younger generations to take preventative measures and motivates older generations to stay engaged in their wellness routines.

Use theU.S. Surgeon General’s “My Family Health Portrait” tool to build a digital family health tree.

Action Step: Set a time to build your family health history together—then discuss regular checkups, screenings, and goals to support one another.

5. Focus on Mental and Emotional Well-being

A long life should also be a mentally and emotionally healthy one. Talk about stress, loneliness, purpose, and support systems. Encourage one another to seek therapy, practice mindfulness, or simply take breaks when needed.

A Harvard study tracking adults over 80 years showed that strong relationships and emotional support are the single most important predictors of long-term happiness and health (Harvard Study of Adult Development).

Action Step: Start a mental health tradition—like a weekly gratitude circle, journaling hour, or simply a family rule that “it’s okay to not be okay.”

6. Celebrate Progress—Not Perfection

Health is a lifelong journey, and setbacks are part of it. What matters most is that your family supports one another through it all. Celebrate effort, consistency, and intention—not outcomes. This mindset builds trust and resilience across generations.

“It’s not about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to those years.”

Action Step: Acknowledge one family member this week for showing up for their health—no matter how small the step. Make praise part of your family culture.

Your family’s 100-year health plan doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be intentional.

What’s one small step you can take together this week? How could a shared vision of wellness bring your family closer—and keep you stronger for decades to come?

Join the conversation in theAge Brilliantly Forum and share how you’re building a legacy of health that lasts generations. Let’s grow better, together.