🏁 Axios Finish Line: Life's bonus time

Plus: Photo stunner | Monday, January 30, 2023

Open in app View in browser     Axios Finish Line By Mike Allen, Erica Pandey and Jim VandeHei ·Jan 30, 2023 Jan 30, 2023 Welcome back! Smart Brevity™ count: 278 words ... 1½ mins.     1 big thing: Amazing 70s Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios   Americans are staying healthier longer than ever — and are transforming what older age looks like. "We have essentially created a new stage of life," David Brooks writes in The Atlantic. "Americans retire, on average, by their early- to mid-60s, yet many now remain vibrant into their mid-80s." Why it matters: The 70s — a largely overlooked decade of life — can be some of our best years, Axios' Erica Pandey writes. 🧮 By the numbers: A recent study from AARP and National Geographic found that happiness dwindles in middle age — but then spikes again in our 70s and 80s, as people find more free time and less stress. 34% of adults in their 80s, and 27% of those in their 70s , say they're very happy — compared with 18% in their 50s. 51% of adults in their 70s say they're optimistic about their futures, compared with 44% in their 60s. 🧠 Reality check: There are, of course, plenty of stresses from getting older. The study found that independence, brain health and the strength of relationships were older adults' top worries. As we've reported, there's a growing wave of seniors who are aging alone — without any close family around. This lack of kinship can contribute to deteriorating mental and physical health. The bottom line: Many of us fear the prospect of aging. But this stage of life can be enjoyed — and celebrated. 👋 Your turn! Are you in your 70s or 80s? What do you love most about it? What have you learned? Send your insights, your name, your age and your hometown to finishline@axios.com, and we'll pass on your wisdom. Share this story.     A message from Axios Business news worthy of your time     Get a daily look at the news and trends dominating the business world. Delivered weekday mornings, afternoons and evenings. Subscribe for free.     🎨 Your nature photos Photo courtesy of Mark W. Finish Line reader Mark W. shares this stunner of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge over the Hudson River in upstate New York.   Are you a fan of this email format? Your essential communications — to staff, clients and other stakeholders — can have the same style. Axios HQ, a powerful platform, will help you do it.   Axios thanks our partners for supporting our newsletters. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content. Axios, 3100 Clarendon B‌lvd, Arlington VA 22201   You received this email because you signed up for newsletters from Axios. To stop receiving this newsletter, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences.   Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get Axios in your inbox.   Follow Axios on social media: