I know what keeps you young

trust me, I'm a social scientist

Two weeks ago, I was in Tennessee for my cousin's wedding. The morning after, they hosted a “farewell brunch” at their home.

Cute.

When I walked into the house, I was immediately greeted by the aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls baking in the oven and the lull of hollow, awkward chatter between people who don’t know each other well—but it’s my Aunt Diana who catches my eye.

There isn’t a single woman I know more incredible than my Aunt Diana—colloquially known far and wide as Auntie Di. Not only is she my Great Aunt, she’s everyone’s Auntie™. Without any grandchildren of her own, it’s a role she takes very seriously.

At 81, she’s darting around with the agility of someone 30 years her junior, her eyes twinkling as she prepares mimosas for each and every guest. She glides between clusters of people, wrapping her arms around people she only met two days earlier, making sure they got enough to eat, laughing at jokes—her hands never idle. I watch, stunned and starry-eyed, as she moves with a …