Prioritize a social life
Burns told CNBC that she tried to retire from her career as a bookkeeper several times in the 70s and 80s, but it never stuck. She missed lunch with her coworkers and meeting new clients. Without a social life, she felt a lot more lonely.
Turns out that Burns is onto something. Pennsylvania State University research found that when 70- to 90-year-olds have more “frequent, pleasant social interactions,” their cognition tends to improve over the next day or two.
It’s not just work that can give you that improved cognitive function, you can also get it from volunteering. A University of Massachusetts Boston professor’s gerontology research found that volunteering gives older adults a “sense of purpose” and is a “powerful way to improve their well-being.” One experiment found that on the days participants volunteered, they reported less stress, depression and anxiety.
Discover the power of FreeCash – your ticket to easy money
Dive into a world of rewards at FreeCash where earning cash is as simple as a click. No gimmicks, just real cash for your time. Join the community of earners today and watch your wallet grow effortlessly.
Make Money NowStay active
Working at 101 years old may sound exhausting, but Burns says it’s quite the opposite.
“Staying busy keeps you from focusing on your aches and pains,” she told CNBC. “It makes it easier to keep going.”
Exercise may help you climb the ladder — some billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson and Mark Cuban credit some of their success to their fastidious exercise routines, according to CNBC reporting — but it can also help you stay at the top. Studies have shown that regular exercise helps stave off poor health, dementia and more ailments in old age.
And while that might not make you richer, it could help you stretch your retirement savings. Retirees’ in bad health can spend an estimated $315,000 in medical expenses for retirees. Though you may not be making money by keeping up an exercise routine, you’re certainly setting yourself up to save a bundle later in life.
Keep learning
One of Burns’ new friends at work is a rising college senior. The two make TikToks together that have amassed millions of views — and tons of fans for Burns. Although originally unfamiliar with it, Burns wasn’t daunted by the task of learning the social media platform, and works with her younger coworker to create content that people love to watch.
Learning new things isn’t just something that can ward off dementia and loneliness, but a common habit shared by several successful billionaires — particularly through reading. Bill Gates wrote a LinkedIn post about how he wishes he read more as a young man.
And according to a hedge fund manager’s recollections, Warren Buffett has compared learning through reading to compound interest — in that it builds upon itself. This theory is indeed backed by scientific evidence. A recent Australian study found that when adults over 70 participate in literacy activities, like journaling or writing letters, it can help reduce their risk of dementia for up to 10 years.
A long, healthy life doesn’t mean you have to work like Burns. But staying social, intellectually and physically active can help you live a long and happy life like hers.
More: Learn new skills with one free month of LinkedIn Learning
The richest 1% use an advisor. Do you?
Wealthy people know that having money is not the same as being good with money. Advisor.com can help you shape your financial future and connect with expert guidance . A trusted advisor helps you make smart choices about investments, retirement savings, and tax planning.
Try it now
