More than 2,500 people participated, representing the full range of Americas backgrounds, demographics and ethnicities.
Another 25 adults 40 and older participated in in-depth interviews.
Many of the often surprising results of theAARPNational GeographicSecond Half of Life Studyare in your hands.
Overall, the message was refreshingly positive and reassuring.
On the whole, life is good, especially for older Americans especially those over 60.
Age is just a number thats assigned to me, says study participant Jackie, age 56.
I want to be healthy.
Conventional takes on physical well-being often are presented as either-or either youre healthy or youre sick.
Theres a survival benefit to resilience.
And, she adds, health is multidimensional.
Thats how Ruth, a study participant in her 90s, sees it.
She still sings in a church choir and plays table tennis, despite using a walker.
Timothy, 51, has a similar view.
This study participant has immunity challenges, and a few years ago survived a month in the hospital.
You dont let it overwhelm your mind.
