Interview with Dr. Kerry Burnight, author of Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half. Inspirational Woman.
Jane: You have written an amazing book about Joyspan. Anyone who reads my review will know that I wholeheartedly loved it. I really recommend this book to you. It is positively life changing. I’m thrilled to be interviewing the author, Dr Kerry Burnight.
Why Geriatrics?
My first question is what or who inspired you to specialise in gerontology and geriatric medicine?
I was drawn to older adults early in life, though I didn’t have a name for it then. My parents had two teenagers when they had an unexpected surprise, me. My father was already entirely gray when I was born. Being “old” parents gave them grit, humor, and perspective.
In medical and social systems that often overlook older adults, I found my purpose in doing the opposite: listening deeply, respecting experience, and using science to make aging better for everyone. Working with older patients for decades taught me that while we can’t control how many years we have, we can absolutely influence how joyful and meaningful those years are.
Mother Love
The book frequently references your amazing mother, Betty. Clearly, she has been a strong influence on your life. Has writing and researching the book impacted your relationship with her?
My mom Betty, is the heartbeat of Joyspan as she practices the approach. She’s 96, sharp as ever, and still learning new things every day. Writing the book deepened our relationship because I began seeing her not just as my mother, but as a living example of thriving in later life.
Our conversations became a kind of research, equal parts wisdom, laughter, and love. Every chapter has been influenced by her. Like every human, she has had loads of hardship, widowhood, bankruptcy, a son with Leukemia, and her own congestive heart failure and painful osteoarthritis, and yet, she works on joy.
Another Word For Aging Is Living
That’s such a lovely thing to say about your mother. What first prompted you to think about Joyspan as a concept?
For decades, we’ve measured life by lifespan and healthspan, but those miss something vital, the quality of our inner life. I wanted to name and measure the thing that makes life worth extending: joy, purpose, connection, and growth. That’s Joyspan, the science and art of thriving as we age. It’s about moving from surviving life to celebrating life. The hard parts and the beautiful parts. Another word for aging is living.
Change Your Outlook On Life
If someone has been a ‘glass half empty’ soul for most of their life, can they turn this around?
Absolutely. The brain remains remarkably adaptable throughout life, a concept called neuroplasticity. Even long-held thought patterns can shift with awareness and small, consistent actions. The key is practice, not perfection.
Gratitude journaling, volunteering, or connecting with uplifting people can gradually rewire our emotional default from cynicism to a calm optimism. It’s the opposite of toxic positivity; it’s rediscovering lightness and agency.
What would your advice be to someone who is naturally an Eeyore character to help them become more like Tigger?
Start small. Look for micro-moments of joy sunlight through a window, a shared laugh, a song you love. Notice them, name them. Joy awareness strengthens joy capacity. Also, serve someone else; giving is a proven mood elevator. Finally, move your body – walking is the cheapest antidepressant there is. Over time, those small shifts create an upward spiral of emotion and health.
Fear Delays Too Many Good Things
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given, and did you take it?
My mentor once said, “Above all, love.” It applies to everything work, friendship, purpose. When I’ve followed that advice, my path has unfolded beautifully. When I haven’t, I’ve learned why it matters
Thinking back to your childhood, was there anything that indicated where you might end up career-wise? Did you always have an interest in helping people?
Yes and in funny ways. I was the kid who wanted to visit nursing homes instead of amusement parks. I loved listening to stories, especially from older people. But I didn’t know it was “helping” at the time; I just felt peaceful and fascinated around older people. It makes perfect sense now.
What has been your best career decision to date? Is there a decision you’d make differently with hindsight?
My best decision was saying yes to building the first Elder Abuse Forensic Center in the U.S. a model that’s now used around the world. It proved that compassion and justice can coexist in healthcare. If I could do one thing differently, I’d have trusted my instincts sooner. Fear delays too many good things.
Every Wrinkle Tells A Story Worth Preserving
If you could have an alternative career (maybe in a parallel life), what would it be and why?
I’d be a travel photographer documenting older adults around the world, capturing their faces, stories, and wisdom. Every wrinkle tells a story worth preserving.
I love that quote! Why do you think women live longer than men? Did you see any differences between men and women and their Joyspan?
Biology gives women some advantages, but lifestyle and connection matter even more. Women tend to nurture relationships, express emotions, and seek support, all of which expand Joyspan. Men can too, but society hasn’t always encouraged it. The good news? That’s changing.
Aging Is Not The Problem, Fear Of Aging Is
Do you think there has been a time in history when it’s been great to be getting older? Did your research highlight cultures where being older is advantageous? Should we all move to Japan?
Japan’s reverence for older people is inspiring, but we can cultivate that mindset anywhere. My research found that cultures valuing interdependence where age equals wisdom foster greater Joyspan. I think now is actually the best time in history to be aging: we have more science, freedom, and longevity than ever before. What’s missing is our collective attitude. My mission is to change that to make growing older something we aspire to, not fear.
What do you hope readers will take away from Joyspan?
That joy isn’t a luxury it’s a health practice. And that aging isn’t the problem; fear of aging is. Joyspan gives readers the tools to grow, connect, adapt, and give so that every year we’re alive becomes a year well-lived.
Dr Kerry, I can honestly say that it has a been true joy interviewing you and reading your book. There is a Scottish saying, ‘lang may yer lum reek’, which literally translates as long may your chimney smoke. Long may you keep spreading the joy! Thank you.
Link suggestions:
Website drkerryburnight.com
Instagram @the_gerontologist
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Posted on November 13th, 2025 by Jane
