Gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight introduces the critical concept of Joyspan based on the science of well-being, contentment, connection, meaning, growth, choice, and purpose. Joyspan reframes joy as a long-term emotional investment, not just a fleeting emotion. Joy isn’t just about feeling good—it is a life hack for building resilience that lasts a lifetime.
“Joyspan is the antidote to burnout.” → Instead of chasing temporary happiness, Joyspan encourages daily practices that nurture enduring joy.
In Joyspan, Dr. Kerry shares her popular philosophy and tools in a comprehensive resource that moves readers from fear to peaceful confidence. Dr. Kerry’s insights, along with those of her inspiring 95-year-old mother Betty, are based upon a profound truth: the key to good longevity isn’t the length of your life, it’s the quality of your life.
“Longevity alone doesn’t guarantee a good life. To thrive, you need to feel joy, connection, and purpose.” → Dr. Burnight emphasizes that emotional vitality is just as important as physical health in aging well.
Joy is not a constant—it flickers, flares, and fades like sunlight through leaves. But across the span of a life, joy leaves a trail. It’s in the first breath of morning, the laughter that echoes in empty rooms, the quiet triumphs no one sees. Joyspan is not measured in years, but in moments that matter.
“Grow your joyspan by tending to your nervous system and minimizing time spent with things that rob you of joy.” This includes simple acts like listening to music, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. – Unknown
From childhood’s wild abandon to the quiet contentment of old age, joy evolves. It teaches us to savor, to seek, to stay present. And though sorrow may interrupt, joy returns—sometimes softer, sometimes stronger.
“Joyspan is the overlooked key to thriving in later years—not just more years, more joy.”
– Unknown
Part manifesto, part how-to guide, Joyspan proves that internal strength is as critical as external fitness. Filled with both perspective-shifting strategies and troubleshooting for the specific challenges of aging—including caregiving, dementia, unexpected diagnoses, isolation, uncoupling via death or divorce, and financial concerns a generation looking for a better way to grow older—and to help our aging parents do the same.
“Grow your Joyspan by tending to your nervous system and minimizing time spent with things that rob you of joy.” → This includes simple acts like listening to music, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones.
Joyspan is the emotional counterpart to lifespan and healthspan. While lifespan is how long you live, and healthspan is how long you stay physically healthy, Joyspan is how long you experience joy, meaning, and emotional vitality.
“Internal strength is as critical as external fitness.”
– Unknown
Retirees who expand their Joyspan cope better with grief, illness, and loss, experience deeper relationships, and maintain purpose and vitality well into their 90s.
Micro-joys: Notice and savor small moments (sunlight, laughter, music).
Joy audits: Track what brings you joy—and what drains it.
Connection rituals: Schedule regular calls or visits with loved ones.
Curiosity calendar: Explore one new topic or hobby each month
“To thrive, you need to feel joy.”
Unknown
In closing, live fully is not to chase joy endlessly, but to recognize its span: how it stretches across time, how it deepens with meaning, and how it reminds us that even fleeting light can illuminate a lifetime. Longevity alone doesn’t guarantee a good life.
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