As she approached her 50th birthday, Debra Whitman, a specialist on aging, found herself pondering questions about the future. Despite her extensive work in public policy, she couldn’t locate a comprehensive guide for navigating life beyond midlife, similar to guides that prepare people for parenthood. “There was really nothing out there about this second half of life,” said Whitman, now 54 and an executive at AARP as well as a former staff director for the US Senate Special Committee on Aging.
Despite significant advancements in life expectancy, with the population of centenarians in the United States projected to quadruple over the next 30 years, Whitman noted a lack of resources for those wanting to live purposefully into older age. Motivated by this gap, she decided to author The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond, aiming to shed light on aging’s unique challenges and opportunities.
In an interview just shy of her own 50th birthday, a CNN journalist spoke with Whitman about practical steps for a healthier, more contented second half of life.
When Do Adults Experience Peak Happiness?
Addressing common questions about happiness, Whitman revealed that contentment tends to increase with age. “Personal happiness increases with age,” she said, referencing an AARP survey that found people are generally less happy in their 40s and 50s, but levels of happiness rise dramatically by their 70s. Whitman shared, “By the time we’re in our 70s, that’s when we are happiest. We found that 91% of people over age 70 are happy.” Even among those aged 50 and above, 90% remain optimistic about their future, suggesting that life satisfaction improves with maturity.
Whitman attributes this to greater appreciation for life, improved emotional control, and a positive outlook, even as health issues may become more common. Many older adults, even into their 80s and 90s, still view themselves as healthy despite physical limitations.
Addressing Cognitive Decline
One of the most prominent concerns about aging is the fear of cognitive decline. Whitman noted that “about half of Americans think they’re going to get dementia,” yet only 15% of people, even those in their 70s, experience mild cognitive impairment. She explained that the notion of inevitable memory loss is a misconception.
For those wanting to reduce the risk of dementia, Whitman suggests five essential habits: regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Following even one of these habits can extend life expectancy by two years, while practicing all five can add 14 years for women and 12 for men. “Those healthy habits also help our brain health, too,” Whitman said, adding that just a few of these lifestyle changes could reduce dementia risk by up to a third.
Learning From Other Cultures
Whitman’s research also led her to study aging in different cultures. While many countries face similar demographic shifts, she observed that some, like Singapore, proactively address aging by fostering a lifelong culture of learning and engagement. Singapore’s Silver Academies, designed to keep older adults mentally sharp, offer both educational and job-training programs, encouraging active aging.
In New Zealand, Whitman encountered the Kiwi Coffin Club, an initiative sparked by Maori elder Katie Williams. When Williams suggested a class on coffin decoration, she realized that many shared her interest. The club now serves as both a social and support group, where members decorate coffins with personal symbols, from favorite hikes to beloved themes like Elvis. The club even provides coffins for low-income families and customizes coffins for young children. Whitman found it inspiring to see older adults connecting over meaningful projects and giving back to their communities, illustrating a unique approach to both life and death.
The Importance of Community in Aging
Whitman emphasized that having strong social connections is crucial for healthy aging. “Being socially isolated is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” she explained, adding that isolation can reduce life expectancy by as much as 15 years. Citing Dr. Robert Waldinger, leader of the long-running Harvard Study of Adult Development, Whitman shared that adults who enjoy fulfilling relationships and robust community ties tend to be healthier well into their 80s.
Cultivating a Positive Mindset on Aging
Whitman believes that mindset plays an essential role in the aging process. “If you think that aging is a positive time of life…you live seven and a half years longer,” she said. A positive perspective not only promotes longevity but also reduces risks for strokes, heart attacks, and even dementia. Whitman noted that a constructive outlook on aging can enhance physical and mental health by fostering a sense of purpose and resilience.
Challenging Misconceptions About Advance Directives
Discussing end-of-life preferences, Whitman explained how she had originally planned to advise people to set advance medical directives. However, Dr. Diane Meier, a pioneer in palliative care, offered a different view. Meier pointed out that advance directives might not always reflect a person’s current wishes and can sometimes be limiting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals chose not to go on ventilators, not realizing they could recover and be removed from ventilators once they improved. Meier advocates for designating a trusted individual to make medical decisions on one’s behalf rather than rigidly outlining preferences in advance.
Whitman now encourages open, ongoing conversations with loved ones to ensure that decisions align with one’s evolving needs and values. She highlighted that as people age, their views on end-of-life care often shift, so these conversations should continue throughout life to accommodate changes.
Preparing for Life’s Physical and Financial Realities
The journey through later life brings various practical needs, from vision and dental care to long-term health services. Whitman pointed out that these needs can be both anticipated and managed with appropriate planning. “There are a lot of holes that we can fall into across our second 50 years,” she said, stressing that preparation can significantly ease the aging experience. Acknowledging the needs of an aging population at a national level is also essential to support the wellbeing of older citizens, Whitman argued.
Making Time for Connection and Gratitude
Reflecting on her own life, Whitman shared that writing her book inspired her to prioritize relationships. With her children now in college, she focuses on maintaining close ties with family and friends. “I think carrying a sense of gratitude through my life as well is really important,” she said, highlighting that nurturing personal bonds and values plays a vital role in ensuring a fulfilling “second 50.”
Whitman’s advice underscores a proactive approach to aging: adopting healthy habits, fostering social connections, cultivating positivity, and preparing for future needs. She believes that both individuals and society must take steps to address aging, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a longer, healthier, and more satisfying life. Through her work, Whitman hopes to guide others in embracing the opportunities that come with growing older.
