What Jane Goodall can teach us about living well beyond 90

Everyone thinks they want to live a long time—but what most of us really want is to live longer, better. That isn’t about discovering one “optimal” diet or perfect workout. It’s about finding the diet and exercise plan that works for you and then aligning your body with your goals and cultivating a sense of purpose. Essentially, your daily choices reinforce the life you want.

And that doesn’t mean that your life is devoid of treats or even fun. The point is you are doing the things that fuel you and make your life (and the lives of those around you) better. 

Few people embodied that truth more vividly than Dr. Jane Goodall, who passed away last week. Even into her nineties, Goodall maintained a travel schedule that would tire someone decades younger, travelling up to 300 days a year! She never gave up crossing continents, giving talks, and mentoring young environmentalists. 

Her vitality didn’t come from a secret supplement or strict regimen. It grew from what we see as three interconnected pillars:

• Nourish — She ate in a way that supported energy and purpose.
  
• Move — She stayed active through natural, joyful movement.
  
• Connect —She found meaning through relationships and purpose.
  

Turns out these are all principles that Noom sees as pillars for healthy living. As Noom CEO Geoff Cook writes, “Humans have an innate drive to flourish. Optimizing the lives of healthy people is as fundamental to health as treating those who are ill.”

Dr. Jeffrey Egler, Noom’s Chief Medical Officer, agrees, “Health goes far beyond the absence of disease—it’s about living in a way that keeps you connected to what truly matters.”

Let’s take a look at how Jane Goodall integrated all of these healthy habits into her life in a way that you can get inspired by. 

Eat in a way that fuels you (Don’t follow: a rulebook!)

Goodall’s way of eating reflected alignment, not restriction. Her gradual shift toward a plant-forward diet—she eventually became vegan—grew naturally from her work with animals. She often said she felt “better, lighter” after giving up meat. Her choices weren’t about perfection, but about eating what fueled her and made her feel good. (She even included a little bourbon from time to time.) 

Her cookbook, #EATMEATLESS, captures that philosophy beautifully. It includes approachable, colorful recipes that were all built around whole, seasonal ingredients. Each recipe layers plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and satisfying textures in a way that feels nourishing, not restrictive. Think: grilled squash and orzo salad with pine nuts, lentil and roasted vegetable stew, and mushroom and barley soup. 

Science backs that approach. A study in Frontiers in Nutrition found that healthy plant-based patterns are associated with lower all-cause mortality and better cardiovascular outcomes. Leading clinical bodies in lifestyle medicine likewise highlight plant-forward eating as a proven way to improve longevity and quality of life.

You don’t need to go vegan to benefit. Some of the healthiest diets in the world, like the Mediterranean Diet, emphasize vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber carbs. They also include some animal protein, especially fish, dairy, healthy fats, and wine, especially red. Figure out what works for you and then balance it with the things you can’t live well without. 

Try this: Anchor your meals on high-fiber foods, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. If you eat meat, keep portions modest. Small, consistent shifts matter.

Make movement a way of life 

Before “getting your steps in” became a metric, Goodall lived it. Her fieldwork meant hiking steep hills, trekking through the forests, and observing chimpanzees for hours on end. Movement wasn’t a box to check—it was built into her purpose.

Modern research confirms the power of moving often and naturally, what we call joyful movement. Regular physical activity protects the heart, preserves muscle, boosts mood, and supports cognitive function across the lifespan. Even small bouts of walking—just 10 minutes at a time—can improve insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health.

Goodall continued to embody that rhythm later in life, walking daily, traveling, and staying physically engaged. Her movement wasn’t about perfection or performance—it was about staying curious and connected to the world.

Try this:

• Take two 10 to 15-minute walks a day. Try one after lunch and one after dinner.
• Add resistance training twice a week at the intensity that works for you.
• Find movement that matches your purpose and activity level: Hiking, pickleball, dancing, training for a marathon—anything that keeps your body engaged and your spirit energized.

Think of movement not as a chore, but as a natural extension of living fully.

Connect with friends and your community

Goodall’s deepest source of vitality came from connection to others, to nature, and to her mission. Her purpose evolved from studying chimpanzees to protecting ecosystems and empowering the next generation through her global Roots & Shoots program. That sense of purpose became a psychological and physiological engine for her longevity.

Research shows that people with a strong sense of purpose live longer, healthier lives. A study in Psychology and Aging found that older adults with the highest sense of purpose had a 46% lower risk of mortality than those with the lowest sense. Another study found that people with strong social relationships have a nearly 50% greater likelihood of survival—an effect size comparable to quitting smoking.

Goodall lived those truths instinctively. She built deep bonds with her family, her colleagues, and the animals she studied. Later, she expanded that empathy to millions through her advocacy, creating a web of connections that spanned the globe.

Try this:

• Write down one purpose-aligned action you’ll take this week—even a small one.
• Schedule social time like exercise: a standing call or walk with a friend.
• Volunteer or join a cause that gives you meaning. Purpose feeds vitality.

Live the way that works best for you

When these three pillars reinforce each other, life doesn’t just last longer; it becomes more meaningful.

• Your food fuels your movement. 
• Movement lifts your mood and clears your mind. 
• Purpose and connection make healthy habits easier to sustain because they matter.

Dr. Goodall’s legacy reminds us that longevity isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about living in rhythm with what keeps you alive inside. You don’t need to move to the jungle to follow her lead. Start where you are: eat the way that works for you, keep moving, and stay connected to something greater than yourself.

That’s the true blueprint for living beyond 90—and living well. 

At Noom, we’re not about restriction. We’re about finding the path that works best for you. Download Noom now and see how personalized solutions can help you live better, longer.