I just returned from a wonderful beach vacation with my wife. Ironically, while I was enjoying all the food and drink that comes with a decadent all-inclusive vacation, I was reading a book called Younger Next Year. This probably isn’t the kind of book you are supposed to read while sipping margaritas poolside. Despite having been published 20 years ago, the advice in the book is still relevant today.
Younger Next Year includes a link to an online calculator that tells you how long you are going to live. In the spirit of the work I do as CEO of Unison, I figured I had to try the link out. The online test told me I was going to live to 83 years of age, not 100, but pretty good. How accurate are these tests anyway? I did some online searching and found some other similar tests and interestingly enough, they all pegged me within a year or two of the first test’s results. Well, I am not sure I want to live to 100, but I do know that I don’t want my last few years to be bedridden or painful. I want to have life in my years, not simply a tally of my longevity. I suppose this is part of the reason that the programs we run at Unison that focus on active aging are so important.
We at Unison believe that aging is something you do actively and on your own terms. For those of us aged 50 and beyond, the narrative is shifting. No longer defined by decline or limitation, aging today is about possibility, purpose, and participation. The heart of active aging includes a mindset and lifestyle that empowers us to thrive, contribute, and live with meaning, no matter our age.
Active aging is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s deeply personal. It’s about maintaining health, staying engaged in the community, pursuing passions, and building resilience. It means making choices—every day—that keep us connected to what matters most: our wellbeing, our relationships, and our sense of belonging.
At Unison, we see this firsthand. Every day, we witness people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond reinventing themselves—starting new careers, volunteering, learning new skills, embracing fitness, and forming deeper connections. They’re not slowing down; they’re shifting gears. They’re embracing change and leading lives filled with vitality.
Health is a foundational pillar of active aging, but it’s about more than just physical fitness. Mental and emotional health are equally critical. Staying socially active, engaging with purpose, and challenging our minds helps protect against isolation and cognitive decline. Whether it’s joining a walking group, taking up painting, or mentoring the next generation, every action counts. These are not just hobbies; they are lifelines to a richer, fuller life.
We also know that community plays a powerful role in shaping how we age. Active aging flourishes where people feel seen, heard, and valued. That’s why at Unison, we design our services and programs with the people we serve. We believe that older adults’ experiences, insight, and time are invaluable assets that can strengthen the entire community. But, active aging also requires us to challenge ageism—those deeply rooted stereotypes that say older people can’t learn, grow, or contribute meaningfully. That mindset has no place in our society. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a life of dignity, connection, and fulfillment. That begins by recognizing aging as a time of growth, not retreat.
The future of aging is bright—but it’s also in our hands. By investing in ourselves and supporting each other, we can redefine what it means to grow older. Whether you’re 55 or 85, it’s never too late to live actively, to give back, and to shape the life you want.
At Unison, we stand with you. Because aging well isn’t about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to those years.
