By Dr. Jeffrey Burke

You would think that getting older today would be easier than ever before because we now have so many supportive tools at our fingertips, along with incredible advances in science and technology. But are we actually using them? The jury is still out.

We have countless choices for nutritional supplements to help fill the gaps often created by unhealthy diets. We have fitness clubs and gyms everywhere, along with exercise machines that many of us have purchased for our homes and that may now serve more as clothes racks than as workout equipment.

We, as an older and fabulous demographic, need to get ourselves off the couch and move. Find something you enjoy doing and do it!

Let’s stop relying so heavily on Grubhub and DoorDash and get back in the kitchen to prepare healthier meals for ourselves. Not a good cook? There are cooking channels, YouTube videos, and classes everywhere. Learning to prepare healthy meals is important at every age, but it becomes essential during our golden years.

And let’s not forget self-care and mindfulness, including meditation, stretching, yoga, or simply walking. Exercise and wellness information is available on nearly every social media platform, yet many of us are still not taking full advantage of these tools. Like Nike says, “Just do it.” It is never easy, but I guarantee that within 30 days, you will begin to appreciate the value and benefits.

I am not sure whether we are overly stressed, unsure where to begin, a bit lazy, or perhaps we do not fully understand the importance yet. Whatever the reason, it will affect both our life expectancy and the quality of our golden years sooner rather than later.

Sometimes seeing statistics in print has a powerful effect, so let’s give that a try. Today’s 60-year-olds are living longer on paper, mostly in terms of calendar years, but not always in terms of quality of life. Many adults over 60 are living an average of 18 to 20 years longer, yet more than 90% are managing one or more chronic conditions. Hypertension continues to contribute to major health problems for both men and women, along with diabetes, obesity, and arthritis. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death, followed closely by cancer.

We are also seeing a major demographic shift across the globe. The population of adults over the age of 60 is expected to nearly double between 2015 and 2050. That means we need to come together as a demographic to contribute positively to society rather than be overwhelmed by preventable health issues.

Nobody ever said getting older was easy, but becoming an active and supportive participant in the process can lead to a healthier and happier life today and in the future.

There are many aspects of our daily lives that we cannot control, including negativity, mental health struggles, pollution, economic uncertainty, a difficult job market, and the constant challenge of maintaining our health and well-being. Let’s face it, it is a lot. But once again, it is worth every step and every struggle.

Here are some interesting statistics to give us something to think about: “There are an estimated 3.6 million older LGBTQ+ people in the United States, and by the year 2030, there will be seven million LGBTQ+ people over the age of 50. Despite their growing numbers, LGBTQ+ older adults face significant inequities and discrimination in access to health care, housing, and economic security. Health inequities stem from stigmatization in medical research, lack of social support and resources, and medical mistreatment, including inadequate gender-affirming care. These challenges ultimately lead to a greater likelihood of depression, dementia, and chronic health conditions.”1

Physical health is essential for everyone, but it becomes even more important after age 40. Our bodies are changing, and without true focus and diligence, those changes may not be pleasant. I am often asked whether getting a gym membership is necessary. My answer is always the same: that is great, but it is not required. As long as you have a door to walk out of and a place to walk, you already have everything you need.

This frightening word, “exercise,” is far more important than many of us allow it to be. Let’s call it “activity.” That sounds much less intimidating. Activity can boost your mood, increase flexibility, improve your sex life, encourage positivity, and have a tremendous effect on your overall well-being and longevity.
At this stage of life, many of us take a long look in the mirror and begin to see the results of our life choices, and sometimes that realization can be frightening. But the difference now is that we are still here, still functioning, and perhaps no longer as focused solely on our outer appearance as we once were in our younger, carefree days in West Hollywood, Fire Island, and Provincetown. Still, it remains important to feel good and happy in our own skin.

Is plastic surgery a viable option as we get older? Absolutely. Anything that helps you feel better about yourself and how you present yourself can be a valid choice, with a few important considerations. Make those kinds of changes only after you are physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy, because outward changes rarely fix deeper internal struggles. Also, start slowly, perhaps one procedure at a time, to avoid major regrets. Along the way, therapy may also provide valuable clarity and support when making personal changes.

So, the bottom line is this: be a little selfish. Become more self-focused and be your own biggest fan. Choose positivity. Kick negativity to the curb. Choose your “go-to” people wisely. Surround yourself with people who lift you, support you, and are there when you need them—even before you realize you do.

1. Nik M. Lampe et all., Health Disparities Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Older Adults: A Structural Competency Approach, 98 Int. J. Aging Hum, Dev. 39-55 (2023).

This article was originally published in the 2026 Summer, Arts & Entertainment issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.