Throughout our practice and content, we follow a guiding principle that the goal of living longer must go hand-in-hand with the goal of living well throughout those extra years. Indeed, the latter goal is arguably the more important of the two—even if striving to maintain our physical, mental, and socio-emotional health doesn’t add a single nanosecond to our lifespan, the efforts will have been worth it if they allow us to approach our later years with vigor, purpose, and joy.
Last year around the holidays, we sought to emphasize this message and provide inspiration by sharing stories of ordinary people living extraordinarily full lives well into their 80s, 90s, and beyond. The piece seemed to resonate with readers, some of whom responded with stories of other individuals who exemplify the goal of living well in your “marginal decade.” Thus, we’ve decided to return to these spotlights again this year with a new set of exceptional elderly—proving that enjoyment of life has no age limit.
The neuroscientist
At age 107, Dr. Brenda Milner remains an active researcher and professor in neuroscience and psychology at McGill University and the Montreal Neurological Institute, but her longevity and ongoing dedication to her work aren’t the only qualities that make her exceptional. Born into a British musical family in 1918, Brenda pursued an education in the relatively new field of psychology—at a time when female scientists were few and far between. After applying her scientific training toward the Allied war effort during World War II, Brenda moved with her husband to Montreal, where she completed her PhD (another rarity for women at the time) and went on to conduct groundbreaking research on the neural circuits and brain structures involved in memory and language.1 Her work has earned her numerous accolades, and she’s widely regarded as one of the most influential and significant neuroscientists of the twentieth century—but she isn’t done quite yet. While various scholarships and research awards named in her honor will ensure her continued support for young neuropsychologists for years to come, Dr. Milner prefers to have a more direct impact for as long as she can, and she continues to be involved in research and training as an emerita professor.
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The comeback champion
Don Phillips, age 95, didn’t grow up playing sports or collecting trophies and medals. But as a multiyear champion in several track and field events in the National Senior Games, it’s safe to say that he’s been making up for lost time. A Korean War veteran and retired veterinarian, Don spent much of his day-to-day life on his feet, but it wasn’t until his late 50s that he started devoting specific attention toward exercise. What started with daily walks evolved into jogging, which eventually led him to become a perennial competitor in the South Dakota Senior Games and National Senior Games.
Don’s streak came to a halt with a decade of health issues and surgeries in the early 2000s, but in 2011, at 81 years old, he decided to find out if he still had what it took to compete. He returned to running and won his first gold medal—followed by another five—at the National Games in 2015. He’s been competing in running events ever since, and over the last couple of years he’s expanded his repertoire to include field events like shot put and discus, as well as powerlifting and cornhole. Today, Don is ranked as a top-ten athlete for his age group in several events according to World Masters Athletics and believes that exercise—along with his 72-year marriage and three children—has been his secret to a long and happy life.2
The sexpert
Sexual health is an important part of overall health and wellness but is often overlooked and neglected—especially for those in the latter decades of life. Enter Doreen Wendt-Weir, the 97-year-old Australian sex author. After a successful career as a midwife, Doreen began a new chapter by pursuing a degree in journalism at age 71, but while completing her studies, she became aware of the lack of research and discussion regarding sex among older individuals, and she sought to fill this gap. Using information and questions she gathered from interviews with a number of seniors, Doreen published her first book, Sex in Your Seventies, to address the unique concerns and considerations related to sexuality and relationships later in life, kick-starting her second career as a sought-after “sexpert” for the older demographic. At the age of 93, Doreen published a sequel, Gardening in Your Nineties, which discusses intimacy as well as issues such as loneliness and staying active at an advanced age.3
The entertainer
In selecting individuals for these spotlights, we like to focus on those who are relatively unknown—everyday people who happen to be living inspiring lives in their later years. But in choosing this year’s list, the team just couldn’t help returning to a particular household name: Dick Van Dyke.
Just last week, the legendary comedian, dancer, and actor—whose career has spanned eight decades—celebrated his 100th birthday. His name has become almost synonymous with living fully at any age, though the road hasn’t always been easy. In his 40s, the Mary Poppins actor was told he would likely be unable to walk independently within a few years due to arthritis, which motivated him to commit to an exercise regimen that he believes has kept him going ever since. (Far from being immobile, Van Dyke is still dancing.) The entertainer has also been open about his past battles with alcoholism, which led him to quit drinking for good in the 1970s. Despite these challenges, Van Dyke—who just released an autobiography titled 100 Rules for Living to 100—has maintained a positive and enthusiastic outlook on life, which he credits for his longevity.4 “A hundred years is not enough,” he said in a recent interview. “You wanna live more, which I plan to.”5
The adventure traveler
Ten years ago, at age 85, Joy Ryan regretted that she had never seen a mountain, so when her grandson Brad invited her to join him on a camping trip in the Great Smoky Mountains, she packed her bags. The trip inspired another, and another, and another—from climbing sand dunes in Colorado to dog-sledding in Alaska—until, in 2023, Joy set a record at age 93 as the oldest person to visit every national park in the United States and its territories.
But she wasn’t ready to stop. Even after surviving the deaths of her husband and two of her sons, Joy doesn’t believe in giving up, noting in an interview that, “you gotta live it up while you can.”6 Since receiving her first passport at age 91, she and Brad have been endeavoring to visit all seven continents, a goal that has already taken them to Africa, South America, and Antarctica. They’ve gained thousands of cheerleaders on social media along the way (@grandmajoysroadtrip), documenting their adventures in the hopes that they might inspire others. As Joy herself puts it: “Lean into the possibilities for your life at every age instead of focusing on the limitations. You may not be able to climb the highest mountain in a national park, but you can find an adventure that will enrich your life no matter your age or ability.”7
The bottom line
Setting records or gaining fame certainly isn’t required in order to live life to the fullest in our later years. But as the individuals on this list show us, living well at any age often requires that we challenge our perceived limitations, whether they be related to age, sex, health, or otherwise. Challenging ourselves physically and mentally doesn’t just raise the likelihood of a longer life—it raises the likelihood of a better life, in which we’re able to engage in activities and relationships that bring us joy and fulfillment. And whether you’re 19 or 90, it’s never too late (or too early) to start taking steps towards greater health and happiness.
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References
- Brenda Milner. In: The History of Neuroscience in Autobiography. The History of neuroscience in autobiography. Elsevier; 1999:276-305. doi:10.1016/s1874-6055(99)80012-7
- Moon D. From “misfit farm kid” to super senior athlete. Accessed December 17, 2025. https://nsga.com/personal-best-don-phillips/
- Lever C. Age no barrier to fun between the sheets. Tamborine Mountain News. July 21, 2024. Accessed December 17, 2025. https://tmnews.com.au/age-no-barrier-to-fun-between-the-sheets/
- Muir E. Dick Van Dyke’s secret to a long life? Not being angry. The Independent. December 4, 2025. Accessed December 17, 2025. https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/dick-van-dyke-health-new-book-b2877969.html
- Beard M. Inside Dick Van Dyke’s health challenges as beloved actor turns 100. New York post. https://nypost.com/2025/12/13/health/dick-van-dyke-health/. December 13, 2025. Accessed December 17, 2025.
- LaGrave K. 94-Year-Old Grandma Joy Went Viral for Visiting Every U.S. National Park. Now, She’s Taking on Every Continent. Afar. March 5, 2025. Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.afar.com/magazine/grandma-joy-and-brad-ryan-are-on-their-way-around-the-world
- Travel and Personal Growth: Grandma Joy Ryan Of World Record Holder and International Traveler On Why & how traveling can help us become better human beings. Medium. April 14, 2024. Accessed December 16, 2025. https://medium.com/authority-magazine/travel-and-personal-growth-grandma-joy-ryan-of-world-record-holder-and-international-traveler-on-0c080199d4bd
