Arsenio Hall. Author photo: Simon and Schuster. Photo by Kareem Black

Dear Reader,

As I was preparing to write this Healthy Aging^® Magazine publisher’s letter for the Spring/Summer 2026 issue, I was struck by how many of these stories share a common thread: the people in them simply kept going.

So many of the authors, no matter what their ages, express their desire to move forward, follow their passion, and not let aging get in their way.

Whether it’s taking a solo motorcycle ride to Alaska at age 61, training with the mindset of an endurance athlete, considering life abroad, writing the book inside you, or simply refusing to believe that aging means shrinking your world, this issue is filled with reminders that life can continue to expand in meaningful ways at every age.

Never Letting Go of a Dream

That idea immediately came to mind as I read Arsenio…A Memoir by Arsenio Hall. Fans remember Arsenio for the groundbreaking late-night television show that changed the landscape of entertainment, but what struck me most in his memoir was the persistence behind the success.

Long before the applause and celebrity interviews, there was a young man determined to follow a dream that did not come with guarantees. His story is funny, reflective, honest, and ultimately about staying true to yourself while continuing to evolve.

Travel, Food and Discovery

Travel, too, runs throughout this issue—not simply as vacation, but as experience, perspective, and discovery.

Our feature on Spain’s olive oil culture goes far beyond food. It’s about slowing down long enough to appreciate craftsmanship, tradition, and the connection between lifestyle and well-being. I particularly enjoyed this article because it brought back memories of a public television special I produced years ago on the making of olive oil. In each town where we filmed, local residents would often come out with fresh bread drizzled with their own homemade olive oil for the crew to sample.

From centuries-old groves to meals built around fresh, flavorful ingredients, it’s easy to understand why the Mediterranean way of life continues to attract so much attention from health researchers and travelers alike.

And for those dreaming about their next adventure, our stories on national park lodges, travel longevity, and even the practical realities of living abroad all explore how travel can energize us  physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sometimes a change of scenery changes far more than scenery.

This issue also celebrates movement—not necessarily competition, but the kind of movement that keeps us engaged with life.

Staying Engaged with Life

You’ll find thoughtful perspectives on fitness after 45, the importance of protein as we age, and an inspiring article by Dr. Ken Cooper, the father of aerobics, who at 95 continues to remind us that successful aging is often built through consistency over time rather than dramatic shortcuts.

Of course, life also requires humor and perspective along the way. I especially enjoyed Greg Stangl’s piece, The Cognitive Test We’d Actually Like to Take, which approaches the realities of aging with warmth, wit, and humanity. Sometimes laughing at ourselves may be one of the healthiest skills we can develop.

Food lovers will find plenty to savor in this issue as well. From Veracruz to Thailand, and from citrus-inspired dishes to easy summer cooking, these pages celebrate how food connects us to culture, memory, family, and joy. As many of you know, I always love discovering recipes that are both flavorful and realistic enough to make again at home.

And finally, I was especially drawn to Your Life’s Work Deserves a Book by Elizabeth Dougherty and Marisa Solis. So many people carry remarkable stories, experiences, lessons, and histories that deserve to be shared—whether with family, friends, or even future generations.

It’s another reminder that creativity and contribution do not come with expiration dates.

At Healthy Aging^®, we’ve long believed that aging is not about stepping away from life, but continuing to participate in it fully—with curiosity, intention, and optimism.

I hope this issue encourages you to keep going:

• Keep learning.
• Keep exploring.
• Keep laughing.
• Keep planning.
• Keep dreaming.
• Keep moving forward toward whatever inspires you next.

And, I hope, you will be inspired by the people we’ve profiled in this issue—and reminded to keep saying “yes” to life:

• Yes to adventure.
• Yes to curiosity.
• Yes to movement.
• Yes to reinvention. and yes to purpose.

Because healthy longevity isn’t about standing still. It’s about continuing to engage with life in ways that bring meaning, energy, and joy.

Enjoy the issue!

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