The Be Like Ann Challenge: Simple Habits for Healthy Aging and Longevity
A month of simple habits for strength, energy, and longevity.
A lot of people think healthy aging has to be complicated.
A perfect routine.
A shelf full of supplements.
A plan you can barely keep up with.
Ann Esselstyn’s life points in a different direction.
Her recent world-record dead hang at 90 did more than give us a remarkable moment to celebrate. It gave us a reason to reflect on the bigger picture: the simple, steady habits that support healthy aging and longevity over time.
At 90, Ann’s life reflects something much simpler than chasing trends: daily movement, whole plant foods, curiosity, and connection.
That is what makes her example so compelling, and what inspired our Be Like Ann Challenge for May.
What We Love About Ann’s Approach
What makes Ann so inspiring is that she makes healthy living look inviting and achievable for everyone.
Her approach is energetic, optimistic, and deeply rooted in everyday life. She moves her body. She builds meals around whole plant foods. She stays engaged with the world around her. She keeps showing up for family, friends, and community.
Ann’s example brings healthy living back to what matters most: simple habits practiced over time. That is often what healthy aging and longevity really look like.
Her example is a refreshing reminder that healthy aging does not have to begin with pressure or perfection. It can begin with a walk, a home-cooked meal, a phone call, or a small habit repeated often enough to become part of your life.
The Habits Behind Ann’s Longevity
Move every day
Movement is one of the clearest through-lines in Ann’s life. She has stayed active in ways that feel steady, practical, and repeatable.
That is part of what makes her example so encouraging. Movement does not have to be complicated to count. It just has to become part of your routine.
Build meals around whole plant foods
Ann’s approach to food is steady and simple. She has spent decades building her meals around whole plant foods. Her meals reflect the same spirit as the rest of her life: practical, nourishing, and built to be repeated.
If you’re looking for an easy place to start, you can explore some of the foods Ann reaches for most often.
Stay curious
Ann’s example is not only about food and movement. It is also about her outlook on life.
She brings curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to keep learning. That kind of positive energy matters. Healthy aging is not just physical, it is also shaped by the way you stay mentally and emotionally engaged.
Stay connected
Ann’s life also reflects her value of family, friendship, and shared experiences. She taught for 27 years while raising four children, and today she stays closely connected with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
Cooking, gathering, and sharing meals have long been part of how she lives and connects with others as well. Connection adds depth to good habits, and strong relationships are a major part of healthy aging and longevity.
How to Be More Like Ann
Ann’s example is inspiring partly because of its simplicity. The challenge is simple: pick at least one habit on this list to do every day. It could be the same each day, but we recommend mixing it up and trying something new!
Movement
- 20 minutes of movement before breakfast
- Hang from a bar for 1 minute - it’s okay if it’s in shorter chunks!
- Do bodyweight squats
- Go for a walk or run
- 30-45 minute yoga session
Food
- Eat a serving of leafy greens at one of your meals
- Add beans to one meal
- Cook at least one meal at home
- Start your day with Ann’s Savory Oats
- Skip added sugar or oil for a day
Connection
- Call a friend or family member
- Share a meal with someone - no phones!
- Send a message or check in with someone you haven’t talked to in a while
- Send a note of appreciation to a friend or loved one
- Journal for a few minutes
- Do a random act of kindness
Curiosity
- Take a color hunt walk
- Read a book for 15 minutes
- List 5 things you’re grateful for today
- Spend an afternoon exploring something new - a new recipe, a new place, etc.
- Make a new friend - get the ball rolling by asking them a question
Join Us for the Be Like Ann Challenge
Ann Esselstyn makes healthy aging feel a lot less intimidating than we sometimes make it out to be.
She makes it look joyful, active, and connected. She reminds us that longevity is not built through hacks or complicated systems. More often than not, healthy aging and longevity are shaped by the simple things we keep doing with care, consistency, and heart.
This challenge is a chance to come back to the habits that matter and practice them in a simple, realistic way. Pick a few that speak to you. Keep showing up. Let the month be a reminder that small choices really do add up.
To join the Be Like Ann Challenge, sign up here.
Once you sign up, we’ll send you a simple guidebook to help you stay on track, reflect on your habits, and make the most of the month.
