My 81-year-old grandma is still in remarkable health. She says not chasing traditional success is the key to her longevity.

Last New Year's Eve, I was in my pajamas, getting ready to watch the ball drop, when I got a call from my 80-year-old Nana. She wanted all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to come to her house to celebrate.

My grandmother has seven children, numerous grandchildren, and even more great-grandchildren. I was shocked that she wanted them all to come, but we obliged and took them over. That moment summed her up perfectly: full of life, spontaneity, and joy.

Now at 81, she credits her longevity to building a big family and redfining success.

My grandmother first built a strong community

She was born in Jamaica, where she had her first two children. She later moved to England to create a better life for her family and had three more kids. She then moved from England to the US and had two more.

The author's grandmother has built a strong, youthful community. Courtesy of Janelle Jones

When she came to America, she had to rebuild a community from scratch. She found it through her church family. She learned American traditions, adapted to them, and thrived.

Since then, she has loved being surrounded by people — especially her many grandchildren — who keep her laughing and teach her about the latest trends.

Another secret is how busy she keeps herself. Every time I call, she's doing something different: talking to someone, gardening, or getting ready for an appointment.

She recently told me, "Your mind will keep working if you keep working it."

She's always prioritizing healthy eating and staying active

My grandmother takes vitamins, eats as organically as she can, and walks around her yard daily. She starts her mornings with prayer, breakfast, and meditation in her garden.

The author's grandmother with her family. Courtesy of Janelle Jones

She believes life is less about physical health and more about emotional and mental stability. That balance, she says, keeps her strong.

We often talk about wellness, vitamins, reflexology, and chiropractic care. Our calls always circle back to one thing: staying curious and taking care of your mind and body.

My grandmother wasn't always chasing success

Chasing traditional success was never my grandmother's goal — like it is for me and other modern women. Instead, she sees her family as her greatest success.

Still, she told me that she sometimes looks at modern women and wishes she had done more and built a life independent of men. But she also questions our culture of constant ambition. She doesn't believe endless hustle is good for your health.

She thinks accepting and loving what you have (your family, especially) has kept her young instead of chasing something bigger and better.

When my grandmother shared that with me, it changed my outlook. For a long time, I thought success meant collecting degrees and achievements. But now I see it differently.

My grandmother built her freedom through faith, family, and consistency. She never stopped learning, laughing, or growing. That's her secret to longevity.

And now, I'm following her example by staying curious, grounded, and grateful. Because the real key to success isn't how much you achieved, but how fully you lived.

Read next