Watching the Tony Bennett special that aired last month in celebration of his 90th birthday, it reminded me of the active nonagenarians who are setting the example of lives that are still full and active after nine decades. Held at Radio City Music Hall, even the title of the show was inspiring: “The Best Is Yet to Come.”
That’s certainly true for Betty White, too. It was recently announced that she will reprise her role this month as Dr. Beth Mayer in the TV series Bones’ twelfth and final season — just in time for her 95th birthday.
What can we learn from the Tony Bennetts and Betty Whites of the world, who seem truly ageless? Let’s let them tell us in their own words.
Tony Bennett
It sounds so simple, but if you just be yourself, you’re different than anyone else.
I still feel that I can get better somehow. And I search for it all of the time.
I want to try to prove that at 100, I could sing as well as I was singing when I was 45 or 43.
To work is to feel alive
I have an awful lot to learn. My dream is to get better and better as I get older
Betty White
I have no regrets at all. None. I consider myself to be the luckiest old broad on two feet.
I’m a health nut. My favorite food is hot dogs with French fries. And my exercise: I have a two-story house and a very bad memory, so I’m up and down those stairs.
I’m a big cockeyed optimist. I try to accentuate the positive as opposed to the negative.
I think older women still have a full life.
Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself. I think that keeps you feeling young. I really do.
