Serendipity has a way of placing the right article in your path at just the right time. That’s what happened to us when we were preparing to launch our new service, FreedomCar CONNECT™, and we came across the New York times piece “Is ‘Joyspan’ the Key To Aging Well?” The information in it is too good not to share …

What Is Joyspan?

For years, we’ve been told to focus on increasing our lifespan—living longer through healthy choices and medical advances. But what about the quality of those years? According to Kerry Burnight, a professor of geriatric medicine and gerontology at the University of California, Irvine, for nearly two decades, that’s where joyspan comes in.

In her upcoming book, “Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half,” Burnight challenges the idea that longevity alone equals success in aging. A long life, she argues, isn’t necessarily a good one unless you actually enjoy it. 

The Four Pillars of Joyspan

Based on her research, Burnight has identified four key actions—what she calls “nonnegotiables”—that can help lengthen your joyspan, no matter your age or physical condition:

  • GROW – Keep learning, exploring, and trying new things. A curious mind supports a joyful spirit.
  • CONNECT – Invest time in both new and existing relationships. Social connection is one of the strongest predictors of well-being.
  • GIVE – Everyone has something to offer, whether it’s time, attention, patience, wisdom, or kindness.
  • ADAPT – Embrace change as a natural part of life. People who age well tend to approach challenges with flexibility and resilience.

 

The best part? These actions aren’t based on wealth, health, or luck; they’re rooted in everyday choices.

Supporting Joyspan in Real Life

This perspective aligns beautifully with the mission of FreedomCar CONNECT™, a concierge service for older adults in the Baltimore metropolitan area. This luxury service empowers individuals seeking to age gracefully by helping them adapt to life’s changes, stay socially connected, and continue to grow and contribute in meaningful ways. 

FreedomCar CONNECT™ is like the adult son or daughter who checks in regularly to make sure everything is running smoothly for Mom and Dad. If something’s not right, we step in to coordinate the help needed to keep life safe, healthy, and comfortable. We assess, we manage, we procure, we care. Most importantly, we show up.

Because your joyspan matters, and we’re here to help you make the most of it.

To learn more about FreedomCar CONNECT™, visit freedomcarconnect.net.