Good Life Project The Simple Shift in Beliefs That Adds 7 Years to Your Life | Dr. Kerry Burnight
Oct 13, 2025
Dr. Kerry Burnight, a gerontologist and author of 'Joyspan', unpacks how our beliefs about aging shape our longevity. She reveals that genetics only account for 25% of aging, while our mindset can add or subtract seven years from life. Kerry shares four key strategies for enhancing well-being: cultivating joy, fostering connections, adapting to life's changes, and finding purpose through giving. Tune in to discover how shifting perspectives on aging can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful second half of life.
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Beliefs Shape Biological Aging
- Internalized beliefs about aging shape how we actually age and behave.
- Yale research shows negative age beliefs correlate with ~7.5 fewer years of life.
Add Joyspan To Longevity Metrics
- Joyspan complements lifespan and healthspan by measuring well-being in long life.
- Joy is defined as stable well-being rather than fleeting happiness tied to circumstances.
Genes Aren't Destiny
- Genetics explain only a minority of longevity and health outcomes.
- Epigenetics and behaviors largely determine how genes are expressed and influence aging.
