Episode 42: Expanding Joyspan: Living Fully at Every Age

Most of us are familiar with the word lifespan—it’s the measure of how long we live. It’s a number, a timeline, a biological clock ticking from birth to our final breath. Then there’s healthspan, a term that’s gained traction in recent years. Healthspan refers to how long we stay healthy, active, and independent. It’s not just about living longer, but living well. 

But there’s another word—less common, but deeply important—joyspan. Joyspan refers to how much joy we feel as we age. It’s not about the number of years we live, or even how physically fit we are. It’s about the quality of those years. 

Because let’s be honest: why would we want to live longer if we don’t feel any joy? 

Joyspan invites us to ask a different kind of question—not “How long will I live?” but “How fully will I live?” It’s a shift in perspective. 

Dr. Kerry Burnight, a gerontologist who has spent decades studying what makes aging meaningful, offers a powerful insight: Living a long life does not automatically mean living a good life. 

Dr. Burnight outlines four key practices that help increase joyspan. Let’s explore each one, not as a checklist, but as an invitation to reflect, adapt, and grow. 

🌿 1. Keep Growing and Learning 

Growth doesn’t stop at retirement. In fact, many people find that their later years offer a unique opportunity to explore new interests, deepen their understanding, and expand their horizons. 

Trying new things—whether it’s learning a language, picking up a musical instrument, or simply reading about a topic you’ve never explored—keeps the brain engaged. It sparks curiosity. It creates a sense of vitality. 

The brain thrives on novelty. And joy often follows close behind. 

🤝 2. Give to Others 

Generosity is a powerful antidote to stress and loneliness. When we give—whether it’s our time, our attention, or our wisdom—we create connection. We feel useful. We feel seen. 

Volunteering at a local food pantry, mentoring a younger person, or simply offering a listening ear to someone who needs it can elevate mood and reduce anxiety. 

🔄 3. Adapt and Be Resilient 

Aging brings change. That’s inevitable. But how we respond to change—that’s where resilience comes in. 

Maybe driving to the grocery store isn’t feasible anymore. That’s frustrating, yes—but it’s also an opportunity to learn something new, like using a delivery service or asking for help. Maybe playing competitive tennis is no longer possible. That doesn’t mean the joy of the game is lost—it might just shift into coaching, teaching, or watching others play. 

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 4. Foster Connections 

Humans are wired for connection. We thrive in community. We need each other.   In-person connection—like sharing a meal, joining a book club, or attending a local event—can be deeply nourishing. 

🌅 Closing Reflections 

Joyspan is not a destination—it’s a journey. It’s woven into the fabric of daily life, waiting to be noticed, nurtured, and celebrated. 

As we reflect on what it means to live fully, let’s remember that joy doesn’t have to be loud. It can be quiet, steady, and deeply felt. We may not control how long we live. But we can choose how we live. 

So wherever you are in your journey, may you find joy in the ordinary, meaning in the everyday, and connection in the spaces between. 

Why Joyspan Is the Secret to Aging Well - GoH 

'Joyspan' Is the Opposite of Burnout—How to Grow Yours 

 

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