Long Islanders from 80 to 101 share their secrets to aging well

At 101, Ruth Goldstein still lives alone, makes her own breakfast and savors dessert every night — often a black-and-white milkshake from Carvel.

She has survived ovarian and breast cancer, lost her husband of more than 70 years as well as her daughter two years ago. Yet the East Norwich resident has a positive philosophy.

“I focus on the wonderful things in my life,” she said. “If something bad happens I deal with it and don’t dwell on it.”

Goldstein is among the growing number of Americans living to extraordinary ages. Life expectancy in the United States reached 79.4 in 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, up sharply from 68.2 in 1950. And it’s not just celebrities like Rita Moreno (94), Jane Fonda and Morgan Freeman (both 88) and Harrison Ford (83) who are aging well. Experts say ordinary folks can do the same with healthy physical, mental and social habits.

“Keeping your body active, eating a healthy diet, getting enough quality sleep each night, limiting and regulating stress and prioritizing relationships all play a significant role in healthy aging,” said Dr. Jeffrey Ditzell, a New York City psychiatrist.

Just as important is one’s mindset.

“Aging well is about how you relate to yourself, your life and the passing of time,” said Aura Martinez, a New York City empowerment coach and certified nutrition and wellness consultant. She added that people who age well “adapt instead of resist change. They stay curious instead of bitter. They maintain purpose, feel useful, are deeply present in relationships.”

How well a person moves can often determine how well they will continue to live, said Gina Williams, owner of Mobility Health Physical Therapy in Manhattan.

“Mobility is one of the most powerful predictors of longevity and quality of life for individuals in their 80s and beyond,” she said.

Experts also emphasize what to avoid. Chronic stress, isolation and neglecting physical and mental health can accelerate decline.

“Loneliness is fatal,” said Patricia Greenberg, of Long Beach, author of “It’s OK to Be Old: Thoughtful Acceptance of Your Age” (The Fitness Gourmet 2024). “When people are in committed relationships — spouse, lovers, friends and community — they live longer and vibrantly.”

Expert advice is one thing, but nothing illuminates how to age well like lived experience.

Several Long Islanders shared their strategies for living a full and engaged life at 80 and beyond.

Ruth Goldstein, 101

Despite being a widow, losing her daughter and surviving cancer, Goldstein remains independent. She lives alone, cooks for herself and stays connected with family.

“I have an amazing son and son-in-law, two granddaughters who treat me like gold and five great-grandchildren that make the sun come up in the morning,” she said.

Her day follows a rhythm of coffee, breakfast, light cleaning, walks, television and phone conversations. She said she used to read and do The New York Times crossword puzzle every day, but that she doesn’t see well anymore.

Her outlook is rooted in gratitude and enjoying the little things in life.

“Don’t worry until there is something to worry about,” she advised. “Appreciate what you have, and eat ice cream.”

Her proudest accomplishments include beating back cancer and watching generations of her family grow.

Fred, 83, and Joanne Klein, 81

Fred and Joanne Klein, high school sweethearts married for 59 years, enjoy the snowbird life, spending December through April in Key West. They attribute their longevity to good genes and good habits.

Fred, an attorney, said he begins each morning with calisthenics, including 40 pushups and 60 crunches, and he swims regularly. He rarely eats red meat. 

Joanne walks their dog, Charcoal, for an hour every day, sees a trainer once a week, does Pilates weekly and goes up and down the stairs in their home about 20 times a day. When in Key West the two, who have two sons and four grandchildren, get around on bicycles.

Joanne said she is motivated by her art and gardening. Fred said he likes to post on social media, write in his diary and read the paper.

“I’m looking forward to great-grandchildren and living to 100,” he said.

Joanne stays focused on the present. “I take each day, one day at a time,” she said.

Terry Lieber, 80

After losing her husband of more than 55 years this past summer, Terry Lieber, of Melville, is facing one of life’s hardest chapters. “I’m still working on overcoming my loss,” she said. “It will never go away.”

Lieber, who has two children and two grandchildren, lives in a 55-plus community and keeps active with daily 3- to 4-mile walks with friends, puzzles, reading, line dancing, aerobic videos sessions, mah-jongg, canasta and library programs. Eating balanced meals and drinking lots of water are also part of her self-care.

“My daily walks with friends are a big plus. We talk about life and discuss books and movies,” she said. “My family is a large part of my support. I am most happy being with people.”

Lieber, who taught in New York City for more than 30 years, said she cherishes memories of teaching and travel.

She said she wants to be remembered for the many students she influenced, for being a good friend and for her matzo ball soup, she said with a giggle.

Norman Spizz, 86

Spizz, of Hewlett, is not slowing down. He said he plays cards three times a week, golfs, goes out with his friends and practices his trumpet and piano. When the opportunity arises, the musician/
bandleader/booking agent does gigs. “I enjoy it and the extra income lets me do more things, like traveling and entertainment,” he said.

Spizz and his wife of 45 years, Mara, have four children between them. He holds fast to the special moment when he played the piano accompaniment for his daughter’s violin solo when she was 9. Her death in 2017 is one of his greatest sorrows.

He believes his longevity is linked to being active and having a good attitude. “You have to keep smiling. I’m happy that I read an obituary and it’s not my name.”

Barbara Castell, 86

Barbara Castell is no wallflower. She has served on committees at the Sinclair, the senior living community where she lives in Port Washington. She loves the music programs and playing Rummikub.

Castell is serious about two things: what she eats and staying active. “I’m not a couch potato,” she said. “Movement is important, and my kids always tell me to slow down.”

Castell still drives, runs errands and shops for herself. She eats a mostly plant-based diet.

She completed business and secretarial training and worked at a hotel. Her life included raising two sons and supporting her husband’s engineering career, which took them across the country.

She lives by a simple principle: “Be kind — it doesn’t cost a thing,” she said. “Kindness is the greatest gift you can give. We’re all in the same boat — make it work.”