LIVING TO 100 DIGEST | August 2026
Lately, I’ve been thinking about a simple idea: You’re not finished.
Not finished learning, growing, connecting, creating—or discovering what might still be possible. At any age, there can be something ahead that rekindles our interest in the future. Sometimes it’s a new pursuit. Sometimes a new relationship, challenge, or way of looking at our lives.
That thought runs through this month’s Digest: an insight, a resource, and an invitation—all reminders that there is still more road ahead.
Here’s to staying curious about what comes next.
💡 Insight
The Future Is Still Yours
It’s believing you have the ability to influence your own future.
By Joe Casciani, PhD
If someone asked you what contributes most to a longer, healthier life, what would you say?
Exercise? Nutrition? Sleep? Stress management?
All are important. But after a recent conversation with Leslie Kenny of the Oxford Longevity Project, I came away thinking that one factor may come even before those: our belief that our choices still matter.
The Oxford Longevity Project recently surveyed more than 14,500 people across 25 countries to better understand attitudes toward longevity and healthy aging. The findings were encouraging—and concerning.
About half of respondents believed they had some control over how they age. But many also admitted they didn’t know what actions to take, and many felt they lacked the resources to improve their future.
That struck me because I hear a similar uncertainty in my own work with older adults.
From Maintenance to Possibility
During discussion groups in senior living communities, I often hear conversations centered on maintenance.
Maintaining health. Preserving independence. Keeping familiar routines.
Those are worthwhile goals. But I often encourage people to ask a different question:
What am I still moving toward?
That subtle shift changes the conversation from preserving what’s left to creating what comes next.
Healthy aging isn’t simply about avoiding decline. It’s about remaining engaged in life and believing that tomorrow can still hold purpose, growth, relationships, and new experiences.
Agency: The Psychology Behind Healthy Aging
Psychologists sometimes use the word agency to describe our belief that we can influence what happens in our lives.
Agency doesn’t mean we control everything. It means we recognize that our daily choices—large and small—still matter.
None of us chooses our genes. None of us can prevent every illness or setback. But we do choose how we respond. We choose whether we remain curious, connected, active, and hopeful.
Those choices accumulate over time.
📘 This Month’s Resource
The Fit Generation
The Fit Generation is an entertaining, award-winning documentary that follows active older adults in their 70s and 80s who continue to embrace fitness, friendship, and life—even while facing health challenges and personal loss.
Meet the Fit Fellas, a yoga instructor, widows, cancer survivors, and others whose stories offer an upbeat and sometimes poignant reminder that aging does not mean stepping away from life. Their message is one of resilience, gratitude, and continuing to engage with whatever comes next.
The Fit Generation is one of the Inspirational Stories featured in the Better, Longer & Happier deck series, Module 12, What Is There to Celebrate About Aging?
✉️ An Invitation: Explore the World of Living to 100
Over the years, Living to 100 has grown into much more than a podcast. It has become a collection of ideas, conversations, programs, and practical resources—all centered on one question:
How can we live better, longer, and happier?
I’ve recently brought these pieces together in one place. Whether you’re interested in positive aging, looking for practical resources, exploring programs for older adults, or simply curious about what’s next, I invite you to take a look around.
There’s no particular place to start. Explore what interests you—and perhaps discover something that opens a new possibility.
Recent from the Podcast
For Our San Diego Readers
15th Annual Brain Health Forum — October 1
Reducing Dementia Risk Through Wellness
Join the San Diego Dementia Consortium for an educational program exploring practical approaches to brain health and dementia risk reduction.
Coming in 2027: The Living to 100 Journal
Beginning in 2027, the Living to 100 Digest will evolve into The Living to 100 Journal — a monthly publication with expanded insights, practical resources, and tools for living better, longer, and happier.
The Journal will be available by subscription, with more details coming this fall.
For now, enjoy the Digest — and stay tuned.