Tanya Fagetan
Tanya Rachelle Fagetan, Yoga and Barre Instructor
Longevity, Love, and Purpose
We are living longer—but are we living better? Longevity isn’t about adding years to our lives. It’s about filling those years with mobility, vitality, and connection.
For years, I struggled with the cultural perceptions of aging. They are everywhere—in advertisements, media, even in casual conversation. But the truth is, all of us are aging from the moment we take our first breath.
The saying goes, “growing old is not for sissies.” Clothes fit differently, gray hairs appear, and sometimes our bodies seem to betray us. We fight aging with lotions, diets, injections—but deep down we know: the secret isn’t fighting age, but embracing it. After all, some of the most vibrant people I know are in their seventies and beyond.
The Moment of Arrival
I texted my family: “I have arrived.” Their reply: “Yes, you have.” At the time, I thought they meant I had reached my destination safely. But as life unfolded, those three words carried more meaning.
That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter—one that came with unexpected challenges, fears, and hard work. But it also brought blessings: love, synchronicity, and a deeper sense of purpose.
I discovered shifting my mindset to “I need to do this” was powerful. Doors opened. Life reminded me that we are never quite ready—but sometimes we have to leap anyway.
Lessons from Yoga and Community
My yoga students—affectionately known as the “Yo-Geezers”—range in age from 55 to 92+. They proudly wear their custom T-shirts around the world, sending me photos of themselves practicing yoga in faraway places.
In class, they remind me that bodies may change or slow down, but strength and humor remain. I will never forget one class when, after holding a challenging pose, someone muttered loud enough for everyone to hear: “This is killing my A–.” We all laughed so hard we had to pause and catch our breath. That moment of shared laughter was as healing as the yoga itself.
Balance is a common theme, both in yoga and in life. One wise teacher once told me, “Wobbles are okay.” We wobble but we come back—again and again.
Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
In younger years, joy might have looked like diamonds and dazzling accomplishments. These days, I see joy more like a charm bracelet—a collection of small, treasured, meaningful moments.
Living in a 55+ community is eye-opening. Yes, there are complaints here and there. But I see more people pushing forward, chasing dreams, and embracing life as it is now. They remind me that progress is the essence of living.
Arriving, Again and Again
We are never fully ready—for relationships, retirement or loss. But life isn’t about being ready. It’s about arriving, again and again, to each moment we are given.
So let us keep breathing deeply, laughing loudly, and loving fiercely. Let us embrace the wobbles and share our stories—because someone, somewhere, needs to hear them.
Yes, we have arrived. And what a gift it is to be here.