Live a Healthier, Happier, and Longer Life: The Secrets to Feeling Young Forever

Added: May 20, 2024

In this podcast episode, Judie Robbins, Mel Robbins' 86-year-old mother-in-law, shares her secrets to living a healthier, happier, and longer life. Judie's remarkable journey includes skydiving at 80, getting her first tattoo at 85, and maintaining an active lifestyle that defies her age. She discusses her daily routines, dietary habits, social connections, and the importance of embracing new experiences, all of which contribute to her youthful energy and positive outlook on life.

Key takeaways

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Judie Robbins emphasizes the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle. Her daily routine includes walking four to five miles and practicing yoga once or twice a week. This consistent physical activity helps her build energy and avoid fatigue.

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Judie follows a balanced and varied diet that includes nutrient-packed smoothies, light lunches, and dinners consisting of chicken or fish. She listens to her body and avoids restrictive diets, allowing herself occasional treats like cookies and wine.

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Social interactions are crucial for Judie's mental well-being and overall happiness. After moving to a retirement community, she found a vibrant social life and stresses the importance of staying connected with friends and supportive people.

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Judie believes in pushing oneself out of their comfort zone and embracing new experiences, regardless of age. Her adventurous spirit led her to skydive at 80, get her first tattoo at 85, and volunteer in Cambodia.

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Judie underscores the importance of gratitude and staying connected with loved ones. Her psychedelic journey with her family reinforced her belief in the value of relationships and emotional well-being.

Judie's Active and Consistent Routine

Judie's daily routine is centered around physical activity and maintaining a consistent schedule. She walks four miles every day, occasionally extending it to five miles, and practices yoga once or twice a week. She emphasizes that staying active and having a routine are crucial for building energy and avoiding fatigue. Her approach to exercise is not about strict regimens but about enjoying the process and staying consistent.

Judie's Balanced and Varied Diet

When it comes to diet, Judie starts her day with a cup of coffee and a nutrient-packed smoothie. Her smoothie includes vanilla protein powder, kale, sprouts, blueberries, strawberries, and coconut water, accompanied by four Ginger Snaps. For lunch, she prefers grazing on light foods like chicken salad, and her dinners typically consist of chicken or fish. While she doesn't indulge in desserts often, she enjoys cookies occasionally. Judie notes that her appetite has decreased with age, leading her to eat smaller portions. She also incorporates kombucha, apple cider vinegar, and a fresh orange into her diet, highlighting the importance of listening to her body and not adhering to restrictive diets.

Embracing Balance and Enjoyment

Judie's philosophy on diet and exercise is rooted in balance and enjoyment. She believes in savoring life's simple pleasures, such as cookies and wine, without feeling guilty. This balanced approach allows her to maintain a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying the foods and activities she loves.

The Power of Social Connections

Social connections play a vital role in Judie's life. After moving to a retirement community, she found a sense of security and a vibrant social life. She stresses the importance of staying connected with friends and reaching out to others, as social interactions are crucial for mental well-being and overall happiness. She advises older adults to prioritize social connections and surround themselves with supportive and uplifting people.

Finding Solace Through Activity and Friendship

Following the passing of her husband, Judie found solace in staying active and maintaining strong friendships. She hosted dinner parties and focused on spending time with people she genuinely enjoyed. Her advice for coping with loss or major life changes is to engage in meaningful relationships and activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

Judie's Adventurous Volunteer Journey

Judie continues by sharing her decision to spend winters in Cambodia, where she volunteered at an elementary school teaching English. She created her own volunteer program through an NGO called Cambodian Living Arts. Despite initial doubts and concerns from others, she embraced the challenge and found a sense of purpose and community in Cambodia.

Embracing Adventure at Any Age

Her adventurous nature also led her to try skydiving at 80 and get her first tattoo at 85. Judie believes in pushing oneself out of their comfort zone and embracing new experiences, regardless of age. These adventures have enriched her life and reinforced her belief in the importance of staying curious and open to new opportunities.

The Power of Psychedelic Connection

A significant moment in Judie's life was a psychedelic journey she took with her son, Mel Robbins, and her granddaughters. During this journey, she experienced a profound sense of love and connection, which reinforced her belief in the importance of relationships and emotional well-being. This experience highlighted the value of gratitude and staying connected with loved ones.

Judie's Advice for Well-being

Throughout the podcast, Judie emphasizes the importance of gratitude, staying active, and finding purpose in life. She encourages listeners to reach out to friends, stay physically active, and prioritize their mental and emotional health. Judie also reflects on her regrets, such as not focusing on learning earlier in life, and offers advice for those who feel behind or lost.

Embracing Love and Gratitude

In her closing message, Judie urges listeners to "stay in love" – to love oneself, one's friends, and one's life. She highlights the importance of cherishing relationships and living each day with gratitude and love.

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