I looked at this issue’s cover and thought I had the magazine upside down. Then I briefly panicked, wondering how we possibly could have run the cover photo upside down. The realization finally came that the photo is upside down because the subject is upside down. And then I started laughing as I recognized White Sands resident and nonagenarian Lou Payne.

Lou is a great example of successful aging, but visit any of our communities and you will realize he is not alone (OK, he may be alone in the bungee-jumping department). What a great way to celebrate a 90th birthday! I am sure there are some out there who will see this photo and read the article and think Lou is crazy. If he is, we all need a bit more crazy in our lives.

I sometimes tell the story of John Glenn going back into space at the age of 77 and getting flak from the press—none of whom, I’m guessing, was 77 when writing their critiques. Glenn’s answer to their criticism? “Just because I am 77 doesn’t mean I don’t still have dreams.”

One of the great joys of my job is walking our communities and visiting with staff, residents and families. I am continually seeing firsthand examples of people living their dreams, doing the unexpected, pursuing life with joy and purpose and intention.

In the process they also happen to be defying the hackneyed stereotypes that often are associated with aging and that are perpetuated without challenge. This magazine is all about challenging those stereotypes.

Read on. Live it up. And while you’re at it, turn those stereotypes upside down.