Discovering Love, Life, and Laughter at 103: Dr. Gladys McGarey's Guide to Thriving Through Adventure and Compassion Across a Century

The James Altucher Show

A Note from James:

Oh my gosh, every time, this is the second time I've talked to Gladys McGarey. Last year she was 102 years old, this year she's 103 years old. She wrote a book, The Well Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age, and it's coming out in paperback. And every time I read this book, I've read it twice now, and I talk to her, I almost feel like crying, and I don't really know why.

It's almost as if she was born with wisdom, but then kept even growing for the next 102 years. Like she drove a Ford Model A car, and now she's talking to me through Zoom on the internet and going on podcasts, writing books.

She was a doctor her whole life. She's been all over the world. She's had so many amazing experiences and also has suffered, of course, much loss. I don't think you're going to live to be that age and not have an incredible amount of loss that you have to learn to move past and still be positive and still live every day to its fullest.

She had, she was riding a tricycle and it threw her off into the street and she broke three ribs. And she's now totally healed and on the podcast. I really look up to this woman a lot.

Here's Gladys McGarey. We have a great conversation about all sorts of things and she's the author of The Well Lived Life.

Episode Description:

In this profound and enlightening conversation, James revisits the remarkable life of Dr. Gladys McGarey, who, at 103 years old, shares her 'six secrets to health and happiness at every age' from her book 'The Well Lived Life'. Reflecting on a life rich with experiences, from caring for patients across the globe to handling personal loss and surviving a recent tricycle accident, Dr. McGarey embodies resilience and wisdom. She discusses the importance of facing challenges, the transformative power of love and life, and how her encounters with notable figures like Milton Erickson shaped her understanding of human potential. Dr. McGarey's perspectives on aging, happiness, and living a meaningful life offer invaluable insights, emphasizing the significance of community, love, and choosing one’s path with intention.

Episode Summary:

00:00 Celebrating a Century of Wisdom with Gladys McGarey

02:04 The Resilience of a 103-Year-Old: Tricycle Accidents and Recovery

05:11 Finding Humanity and Overcoming Loss

06:04 The Power of Love and Life: A Personal Journey

14:44 Exploring the Mind's Influence on Reality

16:31 The Magic of Connection: A Story of a Plant and Dementia

25:39 Embracing Life's Adventures and the Quest for True Humanity

31:29 The Philosophy of Life, Love, and Humanity

36:07 Navigating Life's Challenges with Optimism

37:47 The Power of Choice in Overcoming Adversity

40:39 Turning Pain into Purpose: A Personal Journey

41:47 Action as a Catalyst for Change

42:23 The Interplay of Life and Love

44:13 Embracing Aging with Grace and Wisdom

46:33 The Impact of Stress on Health and Well-being

47:47 Finding Meaning and Joy Amidst Loss

50:42 The Importance of Memory and Presence

56:42 Exploring Spiritual Growth and Self-Discovery

01:02:05 The Role of Technology and Community in Modern Life

01:06:32 Reflecting on a Life Well Lived

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