THE NEW YORK TIMES – Jane Goodall, who died on Wednesday at the age of 91, followed several principles that geriatricians recommend for a long and healthy life.
A scientist, conservationist and author, Dr. Goodall stayed active, working until the day she died. She had a clear sense of purpose for her life. And she was an enduring optimist.
Over a nearly seven-decade career, Dr. Goodall taught us about the intelligence of chimpanzees. But she left behind powerful teachings about aging — and living well — too.
Her work kept her active.
According to the Jane Goodall Institute, Dr. Goodall traveled approximately 300 days a year, espousing her “message of hope through action.”
While forgoing retirement might not be for everyone, Ken Stern, the author of “Healthy to 100,” a book that examines longevity around the world, said that people who work longer typically live longer.
“The socially and cognitively stimulating aspects of her more recent work — writing books and speaking to large audiences — probably benefited Dr. Goodall as well.”
“We tend to associate work with stress, which is bad for you,” Mr. Stern said. “But in fact, working in later years is clearly beneficial from a healthy longevity perspective.”
Research shows that people who retire in their early 60s have a greater risk of death in the following years than those who stop working later, regardless of their health before retirement.
People also tend to experience accelerated cognitive decline, as well as higher rates of depression, after they retire.
Some of the benefits of a later retirement probably stem from the fact that work keeps you physically active and engaged with the world. Dr. Goodall’s travel schedule meant she was moving and “getting out of the house,” Mr. Stern said.
Famously, Dr. Goodall spent a lot of time in nature, which has been linked to lower cortisol levels, lower blood pressure and less inflammation …
