World-renowned British scientist, conservationist, humanitarian (and all-around wonderful human being) Jane Goodall died on October 1 at the age of 91.  When my sister graduated from Syracuse University in 2005, Dr. Goodall was the commencement speaker.  She was wonderful!  Dr. Goodall often spoke about threats to wildlife around the world and the importance of conservation.  Dr. Goodall wholeheartedly believed that it was possible to have a more harmonious relationship among humans and animals and our earth. 

As tributes to her have been shared, it was interesting to read an article in The New York Times about what Jane Goodall had to teach us about healthy aging.*  Geriatricians have noted that Dr. Goodall was an excellent example of someone who followed principles to live a long, healthy, (and seemingly happy) life. 

Dr. Goodall’s work kept her active.  The Jane Goodall Institute shared that she traveled around 300 days a year to share her message of hope through action.  We often debate retirement ages, and of course people need to make personal choices on the matter!  Though there are some benefits to working in later years including experiencing cognitive decline later, being physically active, and engaging with the world. 

Also, Dr. Goodall spent a great deal of time outdoors in nature because of her work.  Spending time in nature has been linked to lower blood pressure, less inflammation, and lower cortisol levels.  All good for our overall health.

Dr. Goodall wrote books and spoke to large audiences well into her later years of life.  This work stimulated her cognitively and socially as well.  Social interactions are important for people of all ages and stages of life.  Dr. Stephanie Collier of McLean Hospital in Massachusetts specifies, “Social interactions are especially important as we age because they force us to exercise skills that we often take for granted.  These include carrying on a conversation, using certain vocabulary and considering different worldviews.”  This is why I often say that church is literally good for us!

It is apparent that Dr. Goodall’s work gave her a reason for being, providing meaning and purpose for her life.  Having purpose and meaning has been linked to living a longer life.  Maybe that’s not work per say (and that’s okay).  Maybe it’s relationships, religion/spirituality, or a hobby.  Whatever it may be, having purpose helps us keep interacting with other folks and learning new things.  It’s all good for us in the end. 

Finally, Dr. Goodall was an optimist and had a positive outlook on life.  As The Times shared, there has been a long-term study of aging and dementia in a group of Catholic nuns and those nuns who expressed more positive emotions in earlier life writings have lived (on average) 7-10 years longer than their fellow nuns who were the least positive.  Living a whole decade longer because of one’s optimism?  That’s remarkable when you really stop and consider it. 

This week I’ve been thinking about what Dr. Jane Goodall has to teach us. 
And it’s a whole lot it seems! 

Love,
Pastor Lauren 

*Dana G. Smith and Nina Agrawal, “What Jane Goodall Taught Us About Living a Long Life,” October 2, 2025,
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/well/jane-goodall-aging-long-life.html?unlocked_article_code=1.rU8.rnR5.FIncWAflQN5z&smid=url-share

Photo by laura bicknell on Unsplash

Thursday Thoughts 10/9/25