When I first met 79-year-old Anne Thibodeaux, she was fresh out of two back-to-back workout classes and excited to show me what she was reading for book club.
The book was “Outlive,” a longevity handbook from Dr. Peter Attia, an anti-aging specialist beloved by tech CEOs and Hollywood actors, and now, apparently, this grandmother from New Orleans.
The funny thing, Thibodeaux told me via Zoom last month, is that Attia’s advice for a long life matches what she’s been doing for decades already.
We all might want to take a page out of her book when it comes to longevity.
Thibodeaux said she works out 11 times a week, on average, doing everything from yoga to dance to strength and stability training. Her social calendar is packed. In her free time, she loves to garden, check out museums, and hit the dance floor.
These habits, which Thibodeaux believes have kept her vibrant and healthy, are science-backed strategies for healthier aging.
Try new things in the gym — and beyond
Thibodeaux has been retired for more than two decades, but spent her career teaching and never lost her love of learning.
These days, she channels her curiosity into learning new types of exercise (among other things).
Her weekly routine includes a variety of different virtual classes from SilverSneakers, an exercise program for adults 65 and older (available at no cost with eligible Medicare plans).
That’s why, flipping through Attia’s book, she found his anti-aging exercise recommendations were already familiar.
Stability work? Check, her regular classes include plenty of core and balance moves.
Strength training? Check, courtesy of dumbbell exercises.
Low-intensity cardio? Double-check: Thibodeaux loves to dance in class and out on the town.
Get plenty of (dance) steps
Thibodeaux isn’t just active in her virtual classes twice (or more) a day. She’s also out and about — keen to avoid becoming too sedentary, which can shorten lifespan, especially for older folks.
“A lot of people my age sit all day. And that’s not healthy,” she said.
Her typical habits include working in her garden, walking in the park, or strolling around local landmarks, especially in nice weather.
“We have a beautiful sculpture garden right by our museum, so I like to get out and get some of that vitamin D,” she said.
All the walking adds up over time on her FitBit, Thibodeaux told me.
She’s often going above and beyond 10,000 steps a day. (Research suggests as few as 4,000 steps a day can boost heart health.)
One recent highlight: at her granddaughter’s wedding, Thibodeaux logged 22,315 steps.
“I never left the dance floor. I was determined I was going to enjoy that wedding, and I did,” she said.
Pick up the phone
Thibodeaux’s social life is as action-packed as her gym routine. She said she regularly hangs out with friends on outings to the mall or to catch a movie. Her workout classes, while virtual, are also intensely social, with members often connecting during and outside class for daily chitchat.
Her daily mantra is to stay in touch with people in her life, whether it’s a quick chat or getting lunch. Her granddaughter, for instance, calls regularly.
“It’s important to check on your family and friends, make sure they’re doing OK, because sometimes you have no idea what challenges some people are dealing with,” Thibodeaux said.
Longevity isn’t about staying physically active. The longest-living people on earth are renowned for strong community ties, and research suggests good relationships are key to healthy aging.
Spending time with loved ones is also linked to another longevity-boosting habit: gratitude. Feeling appreciation in your daily life can even lower the risk of dying early, according to some studies.
“I’m a person of simple pleasures,” Thibodeaux said. “I think it’s important to be grateful for the blessings you have.”
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