The claimWhat William actually said
Speaking to Fox News Digital around his 93rd birthday in March 2024, Shatner was asked how he stays youthful. He credited staying engaged and curious, and added in the same breath that luck with health has a lot to do with it.
- foxnews.com: William Shatner in their own words
- Cohen R et al., Psychosomatic Medicine, 2016, meta-analysis: higher purpose in life associated with lower all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events
- Swan GE, Carmelli D, Psychology and Aging, 1996, 5-year cohort: higher curiosity associated with survival in aging adults
Why it mattersWhy this matters for longevity
Purpose and engagement are free, low-risk habits that older adults can act on at any age.
Observational links are easy to oversell, so it matters to separate association from cause.
The evidenceWhat the science says
A meta-analysis of 10 prospective studies found that a higher sense of purpose in life was associated with lower all-cause mortality and fewer cardiovascular events. A 5-year follow-up of older adults in the Western Collaborative Group Study found that higher curiosity scores were associated with better survival.
These are observational findings. Poor health can reduce curiosity and engagement, so the direction of cause is uncertain, and no trial has shown that becoming more curious adds years of life.
TakeawayThe honest takeaway
The practical lesson
Staying curious and involved is a sensible, low-risk habit, but it does not replace medical care or good luck.
Planning for a parent, or for yourself?
Good habits matter, and so does knowing what help exists. AIOSeniors asks a few questions and gives you a free, personalized list of what applies: government programs, nonprofits and community resources included, whether or not anyone earns anything from them. Where the answer is not known, it says so.
RelatedRelated habits
Each of these is a habit you can build on its own. Explore them through the Topics index.
SupplementsThe supplement angle: None specific
Support a habit, do not replace one
This habit is behavioral and no supplement is tied to curiosity or purpose. Anyone considering supplements for cognition should talk with a clinician first.
Supplements can support good habits. They do not replace sleep, movement, nutrition, or medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting anything new.
This is educational commentary, not medical advice, and does not imply that William Shatner endorses, is affiliated with, or uses Winning Longevity or any product. We critique the claim and the evidence, not the person. Any direct quote is a placeholder until sourced. Talk with a qualified healthcare provider before changing your routine. See our health disclaimer.
