We often see phrases like “enjoyed youth” (hưởng dương) or “enjoyed longevity” (hưởng thọ) to describe a person’s life span in orbituaries. In Vietnamese culture, people who pass away before age 60 are said to “enjoy youth,” while those who live to 60 or beyond are considered to “enjoy longevity.” Among those who live longer, there are distinctions: reaching 70 is a milestone, 80 is celebrated as “great longevity,” 90 is “exceptional longevity,” and living to 100 is honored as reaching a century.
But does living a long life mean it was a good life? Some people end up in and out of hospitals, while others endure chronic illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes for decades. Others live in pain during their senior years, whether because of family troubles or due to being bedridden, fading in and out of consciousness, leading a life that may feel worse than death. In these cases, longevity doesn’t necessarily mean quality. The difference between merely living long and living well isn’t just about time—it’s about meaning and fulfillment.
Living Long vs. Living Well
The labels “enjoying youth,” “great longevity,” or “exceptional longevity” only measure years and days—the numbers marking someone’s life journey.
But what does it mean to live a long life? Many people spend five, seven, or even ten years bedridden or in a vegetative state, reliant on medication, medical care, and the support of loved ones just to keep breathing. As of 2022, an estimated 32 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer’s-related dementia, 69 million show early signs of Alzheimer’s, and 315 million have pre-dementia symptoms. [1] If we define living well as reaching a certain age with good health, peace, happiness with family, and the ability to give back to others, then the years spent bedridden, in physical pain, or mental anguish—creating a burden for loved ones—cannot be considered a life well-lived.
True Longevity Means Living Meaningfully
The length of a person’s life depends on various factors. First, it’s a gift, something beyond our control; but it also depends on whether we cherish it and know how to make it meaningful—for ourselves and others.
In every city, there are intersections, overpasses, and dark corners of parks where we see the homeless—disheveled and seemingly without a future. Many are young, physically healthy, and even seem intelligent. How did they end up this way? Was it unemployment, heartbreak, family breakdown? Or did they fall into gambling, alcohol, drugs, or reckless behavior? Whatever the cause, the choices they made have played a part. Without a decision to change, as they age, their chances of finding meaning and purpose diminish.
Mental Health and Longevity
Studies show that only 20% of our health is directly related to medical care; the other 80% depends on socioeconomic factors, the environment, and lifestyle—elements often unrelated to medicine. [2]
Elizabeth H. Blackburn, a Nobel laureate in Biology, suggests that longevity isn’t so much about diet or exercise but about psychological balance. She points out that diet only accounts for 25%, exercise and medication another 25%, while psychological stability influences the remaining 50%.
Why does psychological well-being play such a big role in longevity? The connection between mind and body is undeniable and complex. For instance, when people feel joy, their endorphin levels increase; but it’s the joy that raises endorphins, not the other way around. On the flip side, constant anxiety, irritability, or worry keeps stress hormones elevated, weakens the immune system, overtaxes the heart, and leads to fatigue, contributing to obesity, cardiovascular issues, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, depression, and digestive disorders—all of which affect longevity.
When we’re happy, the brain releases positive hormones. So, in life, we should find ways to cultivate these feelings of happiness.
Nurturing Mental Health
In 2019, according to the World Health Organization, one in eight people—or 970 million globally—lived with a mental disorder, anxiety, or depression.
The stronger a sense of purpose, the more resilient the body becomes. Passion and purpose shape a person’s mindset and quality of life. A relaxed, positive mental state enhances brain function and can delay the effects of aging.
For retirees, life can be filled with reading, writing, research, or exploring new hobbies like dancing, painting, music, or simply taking a walk to keep the mind engaged. Dr. Do Hong Ngoc, in his study on aging, suggests that mental health is a critical component of overall vitality. The pressures and stresses of life naturally wear on the spirit, impacting health. By maintaining a relaxed, balanced mind, we can avoid many common ailments and reduce the risk of severe illness.
Helping Others Brings Joy
Supporting others can reduce mortality rates by 42%, and stabilizing one’s mental state can reduce it by nearly 30%. Acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion boost happiness and self-confidence, reduce stress hormones, and stimulate the release of endorphins. Mental health experts suggest that helping others is one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat depression. Remember to smile and spread positivity: “A smile is worth a ton of medicine.”
Family Harmony
At the top of the list for promoting longevity is “human relationships.” This is the result of a 20-year study by two American psychologists. Relationships, including those with friends and family, are key determinants of a long and healthy life. In essence, harmonious family bonds and good friends are among the most significant factors in longevity.
Balanced Diet
As people age, they often hear about nutritional recommendations—what to eat, what to avoid—coming from books, well-meaning friends, or doctors. But ultimately, we should listen to our stomachs.
“Listen to your body.” If your body craves something, it’s likely because it needs it. But eating in moderation is essential for health.
A Peaceful Mind for a Healthy Body
Finally, the most important key to longevity is nurturing a peaceful mind. Many patients with digestive issues, sleep disorders, or chronic inflammation often find their symptoms rooted in inner unrest. According to Father Binh Pham of the Franciscan Institute in Thu Duc, perhaps this reflects the Eastern philosophy of “Harmony between Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.” When we lose that harmony, we also lose peace, clarity, and kindness. In short, a calm mind leads to a calm body; when both are at peace, we can enjoy a long and healthy life.
Elizabeth H. Blackburn also suggests that a peaceful mind can be cultivated through prayer, meditation, or reflection. Spend 30 minutes to an hour each day in silence, just for yourself. Close your eyes, seek inner peace, connect with nature and the vast universe, let go of distracting thoughts, joys, sorrows, anger, greed, and envy. Take deep breaths. These moments of spiritual relaxation are priceless tranquilizers that can extend life. [3]
-Trần Mỹ Duyệt, Ph.D in Psychololgy-
References:
- Alzheimer’s disease statistics worldwide
- The Commonwealth Fund on health measurement
- Dr. Do Hong Ngoc’s study