I recently enjoyed a lively and thoughtful conversation over lunch with a retired Harvard Business School professor. Jim is 91 years old and spent the bulk of his career teaching at HBS. He and I were introduced after our successful roll-out of TypeCoach to the entire first-year MBA program a few weeks ago – Jim happens to live in Sarasota where we are located.
As I walked back to my car after lunch, I reflected on the insights he shared and realized others would benefit from his perspective. So, I thought I’d share some of his perspectives on longevity and quality of life – insights that apply to anyone at any age who is interested in staying fully alive.
Here are the three tenets he offered for not just staying alive, but fully alive:
1. Keep Moving — Literally and Figuratively
“Slowing down is a spiral down.”
Physical movement helps keeps the body young, but so does mental and emotional movement. Staying engaged with new ideas, new people, and new activities prevents the stiffening – of muscles, of mind, of spirit – that often accelerates decline.
Whether it’s taking a walk, picking up a new hobby, or simply staying curious about the world, movement is positive momentum. Once you stop moving, you stop growing. And when you stop growing, life starts to shrink around you. You can likely think of people who match this description.
2. Have a Dream
“Have something to wake up for… A future you can work toward.”
It’s not about some grand vision; it’s about hope. A meaningful, motivating goal – whether it’s writing a book, mentoring a new generation, traveling somewhere new, or simply deepening your existing relationships – creates energy and a gravitational pull forward.
Without a dream, life can start to feel like maintenance. Or worse, waiting.
Adding a motivating dream ensure life remains an adventure.
The dream is the antidote to drifting. It’s what keeps your spirit stretching and reaching toward something bigger.
3. Don’t Hang Out with Old People
“If you find yourself spending time in conversations dominated by medical ailments and grievances about the world, find new people.”
This one made me smile. It’s not really about avoiding older individuals – it’s about avoiding a mindset of decline, stasis, or retrospective thinking. Instead, surround yourself with people who bring energy, curiosity, humor, and hope – regardless of people’s chronological age.
Vitality is contagious – I left my lunch with Jim inspired and energized. But, so is resignation. Choose your company wisely.
Final Reflection
As we talked, it became clear that his advice wasn’t just about making the most of his age bracket – it was about staying fully alive at any stage of life.
Keep moving.
Keep dreaming.
Keep surrounding yourself with energy and hope.
It’s simple advice. It’s not always easy. But it’s exactly the formula for living – not just aging –with purpose, vitality, and joy.
