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When I think about aging well, I don't see a number on a birthday cake. I see capacity.
The ability to think clearly. To move with confidence. To stay curious. To laugh easily. To remember where I put my keys. (Okay, that last one is still aspirational.)
That's why I teach 4 fitness classes a week and pay close attention to how I fuel my body. Not because I'm chasing youth, but because I've learned, both personally and professionally, that the way we move, eat, sleep, and cope influences how we feel... and how we show up for the people we care about.
I don't want to live forever. I just want to live well while I'm here.
Like many Boomers, I've been interested in the growing research on longevity. And let's be honest: Boomers have never been good at accepting "no" for an answer. Why would we start now, just because it's mortality asking?
We're the generation that refused to compromise.
Retirement? Optional.
Slowing down? Negotiable.
Death? We'd like to speak to the manager.
This leads us to a fascinating group of scientists known as "Super Agers."
Who Are Super Agers, Really? In research terms, Super Agers are adults over 80 whose cognitive abilities, especially memory, perform at levels expected of people in their 50s or 60s (Rogalski et al., 2013). But here's what I love most: they aren't superhuman.
They're not top athletes. They're not biohackers living on kale foam and cold plunges at dawn. (Though if that's your thing, carry on.). They're everyday people who never disconnected from life. A striking Canadian example is Morry Kernerman, a Toronto violinist who kept on learning, hiking, and performing well into the ripe age of 101. His story embodies the spirit of Super Aging: it's not about dodging age, it's about refusing to stop living.
In a CBC interview, Maury Kernerman doesn't sound like someone "trying to live longer." He talks like someone who's still interested in living, fascinated by the world, hungry for learning, and unwilling to stand still just because he might do something imperfectly.
He also admits something that matters to a lot of readers: he wasn't always an exercise person.
He started taking it seriously later in life and describes it as a "rear guard action" that hasn't stopped aging, but has helped him keep his capacity.
One of the most poignant lessons: when we're afraid of doing the wrong thing, afraid of failing or being embarrassed, we stop. And standing still is what really costs us. Haven't you heard? Sitting is the new Smoking!!
What the Science Is Showing Us Canadian and U.S. researchers, at Western University and Northwestern University, are discovering something significant.
Not a pill. Not a quick fix.
A system.
Angela Roberts (Western University) explained that the Canadian arm of the research isn't relying only on lab snapshots. Participants are sent home with wearable devices so researchers can monitor real-world activity patterns continuously (24 hours a day) over multi-week periods (CBC News, 2024 - https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/superager-centenarians-brain-second-opinion-9.7049411). That design matters because it turns "healthy aging" from a vague concept into measurable behaviours: how much movement you get, how intense it is, how consistent it is, and how it fits into the rhythm of normal life.
Super Agers typically stay active, remain mentally sharp, maintain close relationships, handle stress effectively, sleep well, and keep a generally positive attitude (Rogalski et al., 2013 - https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn_a_00300; Sun et al., 2016 - https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1492-16.2016) Their brains display thicker cortical areas linked to attention and memory, experience slower atrophy rates, have fewer Alzheimer's markers, and show stronger neuronal connections (Gefen et al., 2015 - https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2998-14.2015; Harrison et al., 2012 - https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355617712000847) A Data Point Worth Remembering When It Comes to Longevity From the wearables, the research study observed that many 80-year-olds in the study, both "super agers" and the control group, were averaging about 25 to 30 minutes of exercise a day (roughly aligned with Canadian movement guidelines).
The difference wasn't that super agers moved a little more. The study showed that they got about 30% more of the kind of movement that raises heart rate, what researchers call moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
In plain language: it's not just steps. It's getting your engine up into that slightly breathy zone on purpose, most days.
There's no single longevity switch. It's a belt-and-suspenders approach: multiple protective habits working together over decades.
Let's Talk About Weight (Without Losing Our Minds) People often ask: Should Super Agers be skinny? Or a little plump?
The research answer is surprisingly dull (and comforting): Neither.
Super Agers come in all sizes. There is no evidence that they share a specific body weight or BMI. What matters much more than the scale is stability, strength, and body composition (Stenholm et al., 2008). Obesity Shows Up Consistently in the Research Midlife obesity is associated with an increased risk of dementia later in life. Several large studies indicate that obesity (BMI ≥30) during midlife raises dementia risk by 33 to 91% compared to individuals of normal weight (Kivipelto et al., 2005; Qizilbash et al., 2015) However, in older age, unintentional weight loss often signals frailty or illness. Weight loss in later life is linked to faster cognitive decline and higher risk of death (Diehr et al., 2008) Being underweight increases the risk of death. Studies consistently indicate that underweight older adults (BMI <20) have 2 to 3 times the all-cause mortality risk compared to those with a normal weight, with one study reporting a 34% higher risk of dementia (Diehr et al., 2008). A slightly higher BMI in later life may actually be protective, especially if muscle mass is maintained. The "obesity paradox" demonstrates that overweight and mild obesity in older adults (ages 65+) are often linked to a lower risk of mortality, particularly from non-cardiovascular diseases (Natale et al., 2023). So, the prescription is clear: avoid extremes. Not so skinny you could use a Cheerio as a hula hoop, and not so plump that tying your shoes feels like a full-contact sport.
Here's What Truly Matters: Muscle Mass Strength defends the brain, maintains balance, boosts metabolism, and offers resilience during illness or stress (Peterson & Gordon, 2011) "Skinny-fat", low muscle, higher fat, is actually worse for aging than carrying a bit more weight with muscle beneath (Prado et al., 2012). Super Aging isn't about shrinking yourself. It's about supporting the structure you live in.
Sleep: The Quiet Superpower If movement is the main act, sleep is the stage crew ensuring the entire show runs smoothly.
Sleep isn't just one thing. It's a cycle (Walker, 2017). The Stages of Sleep (a quick, non-boring tour)
Light sleep: The warm-up. Easy to wake from. Necessary, but not enough by itself.
Deep sleep: The body's main repair mode. This is where physical repair occurs: muscle recovery, immune support, hormone regulation (Scullin & Bliwise, 2015) (Walker, 2017). REM sleep: The brain's spa. Memory consolidation, emotional regulation, creativity, and learning all occur here (Scullin & Bliwise, 2015) (Walker, 2017). Missing deep sleep leaves your body feeling exhausted. Missing REM causes your brain to become fragile and foggy (Mander et al., 2017). Super Agers tend to guard their sleep, though not perfectly, deliberately (Mander et al., 2016). Consistent bedtimes, morning sunlight, daily activity, and relaxing evenings appear repeatedly.
For some people, slow-release melatonin or magnesium can help improve sleep maintenance (Ferracioli-Oda et al., 2013). However, the greatest benefits often come from simple routines: consistency, darkness, cooler rooms, and avoiding phone use at 10 p.m.
Sleep isn't a luxury. It's essential brain maintenance (Mander et al., 2017). Stress: The Real Villain Chronic stress is like kryptonite for cognitive health (McEwen & Sapolsky, 1995). The main source of stress is not accepting what is.
We argue with reality, and we lose every time.
We revisit conversations. We resist change. We attempt to control others.
Super Agers appear more accepting, not resignation, but realism (Sun et al., 2016) Here are some practical strategies to consider: Let them. (Thank you, Mel Robbins.) People will be people. You don't need to manage them.
Save your energy for what truly matters. And remember: what people think of you... is none of your business.
Calm isn't passive. Calm is protective.
Gratitude also plays a role. Many Super Agers exhibit a distinct emotional tone: more grateful, less gripeful (Hill & Allemand, 2011) Life wasn't simpler; they simply didn't let bitterness steer the way.
Relationships and Quality of Life: The Real Gold Standard Super Agers don't have more friends; they have deeper ones.
Strong relationships are linked to better emotional regulation and preserved brain regions. (Cacioppo & Cacioppo, 2014) (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010) And this isn't about extending life.
It's about quality of life: cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being.
Because no one wants a farewell-to-life party where nobody shows up because you've been miserable, bitter, or exhausting to be around (thank you, BR).
Strong body. Clear mind. Warm relationships. A sense of humour that endures gravity.
That's the win.
3 Practical Takeaways to Steal this Week If you want the super-ager approach without turning your life into a science experiment, here are three low-drama moves:
Add intensity, not just activity. Keep your regular walk, but pick one segment to walk faster, take a hill, or add short brisk bursts. Your heart rate is the clue.
Keep a learning thread running. Music, audiobooks, a class, a museum habit, a book club, anything that keeps your mind taxed in a good way and makes you feel curious again.
Make "don't stand still" a rule. If you're avoiding something because you might look silly (a dance class, a new hobby, a new friend group), that's exactly the place to lean in, gently, but on purpose.
Super Agers aren't chasing youth. (No one needs to see me in low-rise jeans again.)
They're cultivating engagement. (Do you want to dance?) They move. They learn. They sleep well. They stay positive. They accept what is. They remain connected.
They rely on the belt and suspenders.
And most importantly, they don't wait for permission to live life to the fullest at any age.
Yes, biology will win eventually. None of us gets out of this alive.
But the real victory isn't in defeating what we can't control. It's in mastering what we can, for as long as we can, and living fully right up until biology takes its final bow.
Don't Retire...ReWire!
Sue
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Retirement analyst and author Sue Pimento looks more closely at the just-announced "Canada Groceries & Essentials Benefit Program" in the broader context of the country's overall tax-and-benefit system. A closer analysis of steep GIS clawbacks layered on top of taxes shows that some seniors face tax rates comparable to those of the country's highest earners. Pimento argues that we should address this “participation tax” to ensure seniors earn more without being penalized for their work. Prime Minister Mark Carney just announced the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
The intent is good. The relief is welcome. The tax code, however, did not get the memo.
Important Disclaimer (Please Read) This article is for educational and discussion purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Canada's tax and benefit system is complex, highly individualized, and subject to frequent changes. Before making any financial or tax decisions, consult a qualified professional familiar with seniors' benefits, including GIS, OAS, CPP, and related clawbacks.
Now that we've cleared that up, let's talk…
Here’s a quick overview of what was announced. What the Canada Groceries & Essentials Benefit Program Covers Bigger Benefit Cheques: About 12 million Canadians will receive relief. Food Bank Relief: $20 million to food banks through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. Food Supply: Immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings to bolster domestic production. Food Security: A national strategy including unit price labelling and enforcement by the Competition Bureau. Business Support: $500 million in supply chain support to help businesses absorb costs rather than passing them on to consumers. These ideas aren’t bad. Some are very sensible. Taken together, the Government estimates in its announcement that these measures would "provide up to an additional $402 to a single individual without children, $527 to a couple, and $805 to a couple with two children. They go on to say that at these levels, Canada’s new government will be offsetting grocery cost increases beyond overall inflation since the pandemic."
On paper, this looks helpful. Unfortunately, paper has never had to buy groceries.
But… You knew there was a “but” coming. Government announcements are legally required to include one. A Little-Known Tax Reality That Makes You Shake Your Head New research shows Canada's tax-and-benefit system disadvantages low-income seniors who work. The issue? It's hidden in the tax code.
On January 28, 2026, a Zoomer Radio Fight Back discussion hosted by Libby Znaimer highlighted the issue. Guests included:
• Gabriel Giguère, Senior Policy Analyst, Montreal Economic Institute
• Jamie Golombek, Managing Director, Tax & Estate Planning, CIBC Financial Planning & Advice
Their conclusion? Canada's tax system discourages low-income seniors from working exactly when they need income the most.
Many seniors discover (usually the hard way) that a small side hustle doesn't always pay off. It can lead to higher taxes and benefit clawbacks. Work a little more, and Ottawa takes a lot more.
Why Seniors Are Still Working Because the math doesn't add up. Either way.
More than 600,000 older adults live below the poverty line. Meanwhile, rent, food, utilities, insurance, and property taxes are increasing faster than pensions ever did.
More seniors are employed, particularly GIS recipients. MEI analysis indicates that GIS recipients with work income increased by 56% from 2014 to 2022, rising to 64% among those aged 65–69.
These seniors aren't working for "fun money." They're working to keep the lights on and purchase medication.
Reviewing the details reminded me of a long-standing issue in my research on income and cash flow for Canadians aged 55 and over.
Many Canadians can’t make ends meet and are forced to work well past 65. Yet Canada’s tax system punishes low-income seniors for working—exactly when they need income most. To understand why, we need to look at the Guaranteed Income Supplement. The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Program for Low-Income Seniors Here's how the GIS benefits work:
• A non-taxable monthly benefit on top of Old Age Security for low-income seniors.
• Roughly one-third of OAS recipients also receive GIS—over 2 million Canadians.
• For a single senior with no other income, the maximum annual benefit is about $13,000.
(Source: Government of Canada GIS website) The program has done meaningful work. Combined with OAS, CPP, and private pensions, Canada dramatically reduced senior poverty over the past half-century.
But there’s a catch hiding in the design.
Think of GIS as a hug that tightens when you try to stand up.
The GIS Clawback Problem for Canadians GIS recipients can earn only $5,000 per year in employment income before clawbacks begin.
After that, GIS takes back 50 cents of every dollar earned—before income tax and payroll deductions.
A partial exemption applies to the next $10,000, where 25–37.5% is clawed back.
The program helps seniors—right up until they try to help themselves.
How the GIS Clawback Works Against Working Seniors Let me illustrate this.
Meet Agnes. She is about to learn more about marginal tax rates than any bookstore employee should. Agnes is between 65 and 69 years old, lives alone, and receives OAS and CPP. Rising costs push her to take a job at a local used bookstore. She works about 15 hours a week at roughly minimum wage.
Here annual gross employment income is about $13,000
Here’s what happens: • Her employment income triggers GIS clawbacks once she exceeds $5,000.
• She pays income tax, CPP contributions, and sometimes EI premiums.
• Between taxes and clawbacks, much of her earnings disappear.
Simple version: Agnes works more hours but keeps far less than expected.
When you keep 20 cents on the dollar, even capitalism looks confused. Agnes didn’t go back to work for the thrill of alphabetizing mystery novels. She did it to afford her prescriptions. A Canadian Tax System That Punishes the Wrong Thing If we’re going to test income, test investment income. Fine. Tax it.
But employment income? Showing up? Working?
The system treats that like misconduct.
Once you add income tax, CPP contributions, and the loss of other credits, low-income seniors can face effective marginal tax rates of 70–80% on modest earnings.
Nothing says “fairness” like taxing a bookstore clerk harder than a boardroom executive.
As Gabriel Giguère of the Montreal Economic Institute has noted, "this level of taxation normally applies to wealthy Canadians—not seniors living in poverty." In a well-researched economic brief, Giguère and Jason Dean, Assistant Professor of Economics at King’s University College at Western Ontario, present a compelling argument for policy change.
This comment by Giguère and Dean nicely sums up their key findings:
"For various reasons, including insufficient pensions to maintain their living standards, seniors are increasingly turning to work. Yet the current tax-and-benefit system merits reform as it undermines their efforts, with the harshest effect on low-income seniors." One-Time Credits Don’t Fix Structural Problems At Davos, Mark Carney famously said, “Nostalgia is not a strategy.”
Fair point. So why does our benefit system still behave as if retirement lasts ten years and ends with a gold watch?
The system still thinks retirement lasts ten years and includes a gold watch.
People are living longer. Many will spend 25 to 30 years in retirement. Some want to work. Many need to.
A grocery credit helps. But a broken incentive structure still breaks people. Common Sense Tax Solutions the Canadian Government Should Consider 1. Raise the GIS earnings exemption The Montreal Economic Institute recommends raising it to around $30,000. Estimated cost: $544 million annually. Modest relative to the program’s size.
2. Exempt employment income from GIS clawbacks (at least partially) Keep testing investment income. Stop penalizing work.
3. Rethink retirement assumptions Policy built around “retire at 65 and earn almost nothing” no longer matches reality.
None of these ideas are radical. They’re just… current.
What to Ask Your Accountant About Your Tax Rate Get professional advice. Not generic advice. Not from Google. Not from your unemployed nephew.
Ask specifically about: • Pension income splitting
• Strategic RRSP contributions
• Consulting or corporate structures where appropriate
• Creative but compliant barter arrangements
• CPP and OAS deferral strategies
• Documentation. Lots of documentation.
When clawbacks are involved, paperwork is your lifeboat.
A Short, Honest Take
Grocery relief is appreciated.
The intent is good.
But until Canada fixes a tax system that punishes low-income seniors for working, affordability will remain fragile. This isn’t about blame. It’s about aligning incentives with reality. Right now, it feels like we’re helping seniors swim by handing them bigger life jackets—while quietly drilling holes in the boat. And yes… I need to lie down. I feel another blog coming on.
Apparently, exercising this much common sense counts as cardio.
Sue
Don't Retire...Re-Wire!
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How cold is it? • It's so cold I saw a dog stuck to a fire hydrant.
• It's so cold my words froze mid-air and my neighbour had to thaw them out to hear what I said.
• It's so cold, I just saw a politician with his hands in his own pockets.
Okay, I'm joking—but just a bit. Because while I enjoy a good cold-weather quip, hypothermia isn't funny.
Currently, this severe Arctic blast is gripping Canada and large parts of the United States, dropping temperatures 20–40°F (11–22°C) below seasonal norms across a 2,000-mile stretch of North America. Nearly 80 million people are under winter storm warnings. Power outages are anticipated. Roads could be impassable. Travel is about as appealing as a root canal in a snowstorm.
For many seniors on both sides of the border, this isn't just an inconvenience—it's a real safety risk.
The Cold, Hard Stats (Brace Yourself) Looking at the research I couldn't believe what I found:
Older adults are more than 5x as likely to die from hypothermia as younger adults (Kosatsky et al., 2015). In the U.S., approximately half of all hypothermia deaths are people over 65 according to data from the CDC. In Canada, adults over 75 are more than 5 times more likely to die from hypothermia than younger adults—and 87% of those deaths happen right in their own homes. (StatsCan Health Infobase )
Read that again. Slowly.
Not on frozen lakes. Not stranded on highways. Instead, in familiar living rooms. Sitting on well-worn couches. Beneath afghans crocheted by someone who loved them.
Why Your Body Becomes a Cold -Weather Traitor Our bodies change as we age, and not in the fun "I've earned every wrinkle" way. The insulating fat layer under the skin thins. Circulation slows. Metabolism drops like your interest in small talk.
Certain medications—prescription and over-the-counter cold remedies—can interfere with temperature regulation and awareness. Your body's thermostat? It's on the fritz.
Here's the math: Hypothermia doesn't require a blizzard. It can begin indoors when temperatures fall below 65°F / 18°C.
And here's the truly dangerous part: hypothermia affects the brain first. Judgment declines before shivering becomes severe. You don't realize you're in trouble. You just feel "a bit chilly" while your core temperature quietly drops.
Stop Acting Your Age! (But Also... Dress as if you know your age) I'm all for embracing life at every stage—hiking to Everest Base Camp at 60-something, teaching Zumba, and that MBA thing at 70, refusing to "act your age." But embracing life in this weather requires wisdom, not bravado.
Cold weather brings real risks: • Slips and falls on icy surfaces (and no, we don't bounce like we used to)
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke because cold thickens the blood
• Respiratory infections that linger far too long
• Frostbite on fingers and toes
• Hypothermia that clouds thinking before any alarms sound.
The Indoor Survival Guide—Keep Up (Yes, You Can Get Hypothermia at Home) Set the thermostat to at least 68–70°F (20–21°C). This is not a time to be a miser. Heating bills can be expensive, but hospital stays are even more costly. And they don't even give you warm blankets anymore.
Layer like a pro. This is not the time for fashion minimalism. Think:
• Long underwear or thermal leggings
• Pyjamas under clothes
• Stockings or tights under pants
• Two pairs of socks
• Warm boots with good tread (essential for any outdoor ventures)
• Shirts layered under sweaters
When it's this cold, if you still own leg warmers—congratulations. Wear them. The warmth is worth the call from the '80s asking for them back. Hats indoors are permitted. This isn't a fashion show; it's survival style. You lose a lot of body heat through your head. Emulate your inner Elmer Fudd if you need to. Carbon monoxide alarms are essential & in many areas legally required. When temperatures drop, people get creative—and desperate. Space heaters, fireplaces, generators, kerosene heaters, or (please, dear God, don't) using gas ovens for heat. That last one is about as safe as texting while skydiving. And here's an important PSA: Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario's updated fire code mandates a functioning carbon monoxide alarm on every level of homes that have fuel-burning appliances. Remember to test alarms when you change your clocks for daylight saving time—it's easy to do, and not easy to forget.
Block drafts like you're defending a castle. Roll towels under doors, seal windows, close unused rooms, open curtains during sunny days, and close them tightly at night.
Check your medications. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if any prescriptions or over-the-counter remedies influence temperature regulation or alertness. Knowledge is power—and warmth.
Check Food & Other Supplies. If venturing out feels risky, order groceries for delivery. Services like Voilà by Sobeys, Instacart, PC Express, and many local grocers deliver directly to your door. This isn't laziness—it's smart risk management. Most delivery services are free or inexpensive, especially when compared to the alternative: icy sidewalks, falls, broken hips, or getting stranded in extreme cold while wearing inadequate footwear because "it's just a quick trip."
Clear Your Snow. Snow and ice hinder movement. Limited movement results in isolation. Isolation worsens depression and cognitive decline. Clear snow isn't just about safety—it's about dignity.
Pro Tip: Protect Your Pipes (and Your Wallet). Winter power outages can mean burst pipes and serious water damage. If you expect a prolonged outage:
• Know where your main water shut-off is
• Turn it off
• Open faucets to drain the lines
It feels extreme—until it doesn't. Until you're standing in three inches of water at 2 a.m., wearing your emergency leg warmers.
Know or Live Near an Older Adult? Here's Your Cold Weather Action Plan Don't ask if they need help—just do it. Clear the porch. Shovel a path. Salt the steps.
Think of it as the winter cousin of snow angels: shovel angels. Be one!
When people Are Shut In—Go check in with them. For those stuck indoors, reach out by video, not just text or voice. Seeing someone tells you far more than hearing "I'm fine."
Use FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, or Google Meet. Do this with older people you know. Because pride prevents people from asking for help. Shame prevents people from being honest—about empty fridges, sleeping in mittens, or wearing coats to bed. Look for these signs: • Confusion or slurred speech
• Shivering—or lack of it (paradoxically dangerous)
• Pale or bluish skin
• Slow movements or lack of coordination
• Extreme fatigue
Know When to Call for Help If something feels off, err on the side of safety.
In Canada:
• Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
• Quebec: 811
• Other provinces: Know your local health line
If you notice any signs of distress—confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe cold exposure—or if you're unsure, call 911. Cold-related emergencies escalate rapidly.
The Culture Shift We Need—Right Now Cold snaps reveal faults in our systems and communities. This is the time to foster a check-in culture: a call, a knock, a cleared walkway, groceries dropped at the door.
Preparation matters. Connection matters more. Winter is temporary. The habits we build to take care of one another are not.
Be cool—and stay warm out there, friends.
Sue
Don’t Retire… Rewire!
What are your best winter safety tips? Share them—because staying warm is better when we do it together.
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