“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” – Walt Disney

Ask someone how long they want to live, and you’ll hear a mix of answers. Some say 80 is plenty. Others shoot for 100, but only if they can stay healthy. And a surprising number say they’d rather not live long at all—because they associate aging with decline, dependence, or discomfort.

But here’s the truth: aging itself isn’t the enemy. It’s how we approach it that shapes the quality of our years. Yes, growing older can bring challenges—but with preparation, intention, and curiosity, it can also be a time of wisdom, growth, freedom, and beauty.

So instead of asking how long you want to live, try asking: What kind of life do I want to live—and how can I design it to last?

Rethink Aging: It’s a Stage, Not a Sentence

One reason people fear aging is because they’ve only seen it up close through illness or struggle. But there’s another narrative—and it’s backed by research. According to theHarvard Study of Adult Development, people who age well aren’t necessarily the ones with perfect genes or flawless bodies. They’re the ones who stay socially connected, emotionally resilient, and purpose-driven.

Preparation doesn’t mean eliminating every risk. It means stacking the odds in your favor—by focusing on habits, environments, and mindsets that lead to vitality.

Action Step: Define Your “Longevity Mindset”

Stanford Center on Longevity suggests thinking of life as a series of evolving stages rather than a linear journey toward decline. TheirNew Map of Life encourages people to build flexibility, purpose, and lifelong learning into every decade.

Try this: Ask yourself what you want your 60s, 70s, 80s—and yes, even your 90s—to feel like. Who do you want to be around? What do you want to be capable of? What legacy do you hope to shape?

Don’t Just Add Years to Your Life—Add Life to Your Years

The conversation about longevity isn’t just about medical breakthroughs or anti-aging creams. It’s about well-being. TheBlue Zones study of long-lived communities around the world found that the people who live the longest and healthiest lives share certain habits: they move naturally throughout the day, eat mostly plant-based diets, stay socially engaged, and have a strong sense of purpose.

Action Step: Start small. Can you take a 10-minute walk after meals (known as “the Blue Zone stroll”)? Can you call a friend once a week for a real, no-distraction chat? Can you revisit a hobby that gave you joy 10 years ago?

App to Try:Wellory offers nutrition coaching, whileMeetup can connect you with like-minded people in your area to build your wellness community.

Prepare for the Inevitable—So You Can Focus on the Beautiful

None of us are immune to life’s curveballs—accidents, illness, loss. But preparing financially, emotionally, and practically gives us a better chance of bouncing back.

Tools to explore:

• Everplans for organizing essential documents and healthcare wishes
• Cake for end-of-life planning that’s actually empowering
• Mint orYNAB to get your long-term financial health in order

Think of it this way: preparing for aging is not pessimistic—it’s proactive. It creates space for joy, freedom, and adventure because you’re not living in fear of the unknown.

Flip the Script on Aging

What if instead of dreading your 80s, you designed them? What if you used your 40s and 50s to plant seeds of health, purpose, and connection that will bloom later?

Quote to remember: “You can’t control your age, but you can control your aging.”

Ask yourself: Are you spending time with people who energize you? Are you investing in habits that nourish you? Are you letting go of outdated beliefs that say aging is all downhill?

Living Longer Can Be a Gift—If You’re Ready to Receive It

Living a long life doesn’t guarantee happiness. But living a prepared life makes joy, health, and impact far more likely. And when you show up each day with intention, you get to age not just gracefully—but brilliantly.

So back to the question: How long do you want to live?

Maybe the better question is: What do you want your long life to stand for—and how will you start living it today?

Join the conversation and share how you’re preparing for a meaningful 100-year life in theforum.