A Hopium Health salute to the quietly unstoppable, the delightfully wrinkled, and everyone still doing squats after 70
Last weekend, I went to a graduation party for a friend’s daughter. Beautiful family, heartfelt speeches, cake in three flavors. But here’s what stuck with me:
I quoted the Bhagavad Gita.
Yup. Chapter 2, Verse 47. The classic mic drop of spiritual wisdom:
“You have the right to perform your actions, but not to the fruits of your actions. Don’t let the outcome be your motive, and don’t become attached to inaction.”
And I spun it the only way Hopium Health knows how:
MOVE.
Not because you’ll get a six-pack. Not because you’ll reverse aging.
But because inaction is the real villain here.
Then—plot twist—this 85-year-old gentleman (the graduate’s grandfather!) got up and casually revealed that two years ago, he joined a running club and completed a half-marathon. He never told anyone. He just did it. No drama. Just steady, sneaky, glorious action.
So today, we honor that spirit. The anti-agers. The quiet rebels who defy the slow fade with joyful movement, salad bowls, and a touch of mischief.
Meet the Masters of Time
Jeannie Rice, Age 77
- Has run 134 marathons.
- Her VO2 max equals that of a 25-year-old woman .
- Started running at 35. Just wanted to drop 5 pounds. Accidentally became a legend.
“I feel as young as when I was 50,” she said. “And I’d like to be doing this well into my 80s.”
Lenore Rushall, Age 98
- No chronic diseases. Still paints, plays Rummikub, and throws a mean dinner party.
- Featured on CNN’s Chasing Life, she’s the embodiment of “age is just a number.”
“It’s not about good genes,” said Dr. Eric Topol. “It’s what you do with your life” .
7 Anti-Aging Secrets (That Aren’t Really Secrets)
You don’t need a $300 serum or a subscription to goat yoga. Here’s what works:
1.
Act. Don’t Drift.
Walk. Dance. Garden. Chase your dog. The best anti-aging routine is any routine you stick to.
2.
Purpose > Perfection
Jeannie Rice didn’t plan to become a record-holder. She just liked running. The results? Nice bonus.
3.
Muscle Is Your Fountain of Youth
Strength training isn’t just for gym bros. Muscle = mobility, metabolism, and fewer falls. It’s your built-in bio-insurance.
4.
Eat Plants (And Maybe a Little Cheese)
Rice loves veggies, fish, rice, and nuts—but yes, she still eats cheese. So relax.
5.
Joy Counts
Lenore plays cards. Jeannie dances. The grandfather? Just runs without telling anyone. That’s pure joy stealth.
6.
Stay Social, Stay Sharp
From Rummikub to running clubs, community is medicine.
As Dr. Topol puts it: “They’re upbeat. They’re committed. They have a purpose.”
7.
Be Grateful, Not Perfect
As Jeannie says, “Maybe I’m just lucky.”
But we know the truth: She shows up. And that’s luck you make yourself.
A Dash of Science
- VO2 max is one of the best predictors of longevity.
- Muscle mass, walking speed, and grip strength correlate with brain health and independence.
- Up to 90% of healthy aging outcomes are due to behavior—not genes .
- Super-agers aren’t unicorns. They’re people who’ve built resilient bodies and resilient routines.
“This isn’t about reversing aging,” says Dr. Topol. “It’s about preventing age-related diseases through lifestyle, purpose, and staying engaged” .
The Hopium Mantras
- “You’re not too old. You’re just early in Act 3.”
- “Wrinkles are inevitable. Decline is optional.”
- “Do your actions. Let go of the results. Just don’t stop moving.”
Final Thought: Start Small, Start Today
You don’t need to run marathons.
Just go for a walk. Or stretch. Or call a friend. Or write your own verse of Chapter 2.
Because the real secret to aging well?
Stay in motion.
Stay in community.
Stay in wonder.
The rest will take care of itself.
