For over a decade, I’ve had the honor of writing for this newspaper about health topics that pertain to healthy aging, new medical research and living a higher quality of life through education and being proactive.
Over time, these themes have become more than just topics I write about — they’ve become patterns I see reflected in the lives, health and longevity of our clients. These observations have made me curious about how lifestyle patterns influence aging both locally and globally.
Annually, I get together with other home care agencies throughout Colorado to talk about changes in federal and state regulations, business operations, staffing and how to provide better care for our clients. It’s a time to share knowledge and experiences.
While it may not happen every year, on most years, I am asked what the demographic of my clients looks like. When I answer this question, I often feel that others in the room view my answer with a bit of cynicism. I get it, my answer is not the norm.
In general, the bulk of the people that we assist stay socially connected, have fairly good diets, live with purpose and spend time outside. Most importantly, regardless of the presence of mobility challenges, they choose to be physically active. Although these life choices may be admirable, it is not why others in the meetings appear incredulous. It’s when I say that on average, my clients on the younger side are in their 80s and most are in the upper 80s and mid-90s that I see sideways looks.
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Across many Colorado mountain towns and the broader research on Blue Zones, (geographic regions identified for having unusually high concentrations of people who live to age 100 and beyond), the same lifestyle patterns show up again and again. Even though the settings differ (e.g., Eagle, Summit and Pitkin counties vs. Sardinia, Okinawa and Ikaria), the underlying habits are remarkably consistent.
Strong social connections play a major role in longevity, closely tied to both community and relationships. Time spent with friends, family, neighbors, along with multi-generational connections, and a genuine sense of belonging, all support overall well-being. In places like our mountain towns and the world’s Blue Zones, social connections seem to be more common than not.
When it comes to diet and physical activity, it’s hard for me to say definitively which comes first. However, after living here for nearly 34 years, I would lean toward physical activity as regular physical activity often lays the foundation for healthier diet choices. Diets that have a higher intake of vegetables, legumes, whole grains and protein seem to support the lifestyle of those who choose to be active.
Within our mountain towns and Blue Zones, living with purpose seems to drive daily life and shape healthy aging. It should not come with any surprise that when people fill their days with meaningful activities like caring for family/friends, spending time in nature, or contributing to their communities, purpose plays a profound role. This sense of purpose keeps them active, socially connected and engaged, giving their lives both longevity and fulfillment.
So when I’m met with skeptical looks, I understand -—but I also see something others may not. I see individuals in their late 80s and 90s continuing to live with vitality, not because they are extraordinary, but because their daily lives reflect habits we know that support longevity. Their lives mirror what we see in the Blue Zones and in our own mountain communities as a whole. In the end, the people I serve and the communities I study don’t just challenge expectations — they redefine them, reminding us that how we live each day shapes how well we age.
I hope that the articles I write inspire, educate, and help people understand that the quality of life you desire is largely associated with the life choices you make. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about the subject matters I write about and/or subjects you are interested in.
Judson Haims is the owner of Visiting Angels Home Care in Eagle County. He is an advocate for our elderly and is available to answer questions. Connect with him at jhaims@visitingangels.com.
