Hear from Dr Gladys McGarey, a holistic doctor and 103‑year‑old 'super ager'. She shares simple tips on ageing well, staying active, and finding meaning in later life.

Who was Dr Gladys McGarey?
Dr Gladys McGarey (1920-2024) was a retired holistic physician. Throughout her career, she made significant contributions to the medical field. She championed better birthing practices, acupuncture, and preventative health care.
Dr Gladys was also very active on social media. You can find her interviews on her YouTube and Instagram channels. You can also read about her life and legacy in her book The Well-Lived Life.
She was born in India in 1920 to parents who were pioneers in osteopathic medicine. In 1935, her family moved to the United States, where she attended medical school. Later, she married William McGarey, and together they raised six children.
Today, Dr Gladys is celebrated as the mother of holistic medicine. She earned many awards for her service and contributions. She also provided humanitarian aid around the world. Throughout her life, Dr Gladys remained committed to her mission of holistic healing and service to others.
Healthy ageing insights from Dr Gladys
At 103 years old, Dr Gladys sat for an online interview with LiveUp. We’ve broken her actionable advice into short sections and video clips you can explore at your own pace.
What does 'ageing into health' mean?
You can define health in a way that is personalised to you.
Rather than employ an 'anti-ageing' mindset, Dr Gladys defined her healthy ageing journey as 'ageing into health'.



