Just a few months ago, I stated that I don’t want to live to 1001. I was pretty firm about it, in an essay where I challenge society’s current obsession with longevity. But something happened two weeks ago to make me change my mind. Our younger daughter, a highly-accomplished professional, gave birth to a brand new person weighing 8 lbs, 10oz; this baby boy is our seventh grandchild and I swear he’s the cutest one.
When our first grandchild was born 16 years ago, very old age seemed very far off. Now, doing the math as I turn 75, I’m stunned at the result: Will I really be 95 when he’s just 20?? How many more healthy years do I have left? To write, to travel, to hang out with my husband, to be an attentive grandmother? Ten, 15, 20 years max, if I’m lucky.
So I’m changing my tune. I’m wishing for 20 more good years. I can’t believe I’m saying that, that I’m acknowledging there is a time limit. I just know I want to enjoy and get to know this kid, from snuggles while he’s a baby, to talks as he becomes a young man.
Aiming for 100 still seems unappealing to me, given the degradations of old-old age. But 95 and in active good health? Well, that’s probably not realistic either, but I’ve decided to be hopeful.
The above is a shortened version of what I posted last week: Fine, I want to live to 95…
Gary Buzzard’s popular Substack is known for his positive take on aging. But something has happened for him, between his mid-to-late 70s, and now. In his recent post, he acknowledges the difficult reality of hitting old-old age. This really struck a chord with readers—and with me, as I think about the years ahead:
A recent New Yorker article by Dhruv Khullar argues that the modern longevity movement rests on questionable data and expensive biohacking. The best evidence for living a long and meaningful life still rests on, well, common sense:
Don’t smoke.
Exercise regularly.
Eat a balanced diet (not a perfect one).
Get enough sleep.
Maintain close relationships.
Keep your weight and blood pressure in a healthy range.
Wear seat belts and avoid other preventable risks.
Enjoy life—including occasional treats like ice cream.
From Something Is Very Wrong With Longevity Science by Dhruv Khullar (July 6 & 13, 2026 issue of The New Yorker)
I’ll be discussing these common sense claims about health on Friday July 31st in a LIVE conversation with Dr. Lucy McBride. Mark your calendar ➡️ https://open.substack.com/live-stream/279647?
Do you have a specific age in mind that you want to live to?
Have you changed your mind about old-old age, as Gary Buzzard has, or do you think you might do so?
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