Jun 25, 2025 Healthy Aging: A Case Study

A group of Oxford University faculty and health advocates launched the Oxford Longevity Project, a community interest company focused on sharing discoveries and insights regarding healthy aging with the broader public.

There is growing international attention to what the IMF has labelled the “Silver Economy,” and economists are exploring how the world might adjust to the “Longevity Dividend.” In other words, as the world’s population ages, what public policy changes might support older demographics and promote healthy aging, leading to lower medical burdens and a more productive populace?

The Oxford Longevity Project held its inaugural public event in June 2023. This event aimed to translate research findings into practical advice that the public could follow to increase the chances of individuals staying healthy and productive in their later years. Recommendations include:

• Prioritize cardiovascular health (have regular screenings, follow a heart-healthy diet and commit to consistent physical activity);
• Manage one’s metabolic health (maintain stable blood sugar levels via a diet rich in fiber, healthy fats and lean proteins while minimizing processed sugars and refined carbohydrates);
• Stay mentally and socially active (engage one’s brain by reading, doing puzzles or problem-solving, and keep socially active);
• Improve sleep quality (good quality sleep is essential for overall health);
• Address hearing loss (hearing loss is linked to a decline in cognition); and
• Minimize exposure to environmental toxins (drink filtered water, avoid aluminum cookware and canned foods, consume seafood low in mercury, use air purifiers, and reduce pesticide exposure by thoroughly washing fresh produce).

Andrew Rowan presenting the Patton Cup to Michael Furlan, the Oxford Ice Hockey Team captain

As it happened, earlier this year, our very own Andrew Rowan received an invitation from the Oxford University Ice Hockey Club to participate in an alumni ice hockey event at Oxford. The event turned out to be a marvelous case study for the Oxford Longevity Project, one of maintaining connections, continuing to engage in social interactions, and fostering communities. Equally important is the chance to embody the old saying, “The older I get, the better I was.”

In February 2025, Andrew travelled to Oxford University – with his original goalie shirt – to “participate” in an alumni hockey game against rival Cambridge University. Andrew played ice hockey for Oxford from 1969 to 1975. However, what that “participation” would look like was subject to fierce family debate, including the family dog Abby, given that Andrew’s last ice time was 50 years ago.

As the only representative of the 1970s decade, the event organizers designated Andrew as the “Ceremonial Puck Dropper” for the alumni match, which helped address the sensitive issue of minimizing his ice time. Additionally, he presented the “Patton Cup” trophy to the University of Oxford Varsity team, who narrowly won the varsity match. The presentation required Andrew to take another stroll on the ice. The University of Oxford’s Women’s Varsity also skated off with a victory in their game. The alumni events were heartwarming and genuinely inspiring, as generations of players exchanged stories, formed and rekindled friendships, and celebrated past accomplishments while reminiscing about their Oxford experiences.

In many ways, Andrew’s return to the ice — bridging generations, celebrating memory, and staying engaged with community — perfectly illustrates the Oxford Longevity Project’s mission: that aging well isn’t just about physical health, but about purpose, connection, and continued participation in the fabric of life.