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Curtis Estes, 55: Planning a Bigger Future

Curtis Estes believes in the limitless possibilities available to us all. From his midwestern upbringing and overcoming a horrific family tragedy, he developed an infectious positivity and a life purpose of helping others. His insatiable curiosity has him now exploring questions and possibilities around all of us living a longer life.

If loneliness is a disease, Curtis Estes is a cure. 

Life can take us to unexpected places and surprising people. Curtis’ vocation is insurance and financial planning, both of which intersect with mortality: How long do we feel we will live and what do we want to do with that time? This has led to an avocation in the longevity space, and to creating events with like-minded people exploring what the future could look like. He regularly sponsors meetups, lunches, and dinners with the purpose of connecting an incredibly wide range of people. These gatherings focus on near limitless positivity. Having been to a couple of his meetups, I can say that you never know who you will meet, what country they are from or what they may do — it could literally be anything imaginable, with the connecting line being curiosity and positivity around all things.

His “Anti-Retirement Club” is about looking at life through an expansive, exciting eye, being inspired by and curious about people of all types, being a good, global, contributing citizen by focusing on what unites us all as human beings. By anti-retire, he means to be always growing, although it may not always be in the career that one had — the ultimate growth mindset. 

Curtis Estes comes from very humble midwestern beginnings. He has gone through the family tragedy of the loss of home and financial security to fire. In fact, his earnest demeanor stands out in the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, where he seems to be connected to half the city. His is a story of staying true to his ethics, expressing and propagating the values of giving, of service, of community, and being the best person we can be to the people around us.

Curtis Estes
Photo by Claudia Goetzelmann.

“I’ve learned that new experiences keep me sharp and provide tremendous opportunities for growth”

How old are you?
55.

What is the Anti-Retirement Club?
We bring together MDs, PhDs, and longevity tech CEOs with lifelong learners who all aspire to living “young” for as long as possible. We want to make sure that as many people as possible can live really, really long and not be sick, lonely, or broke. Thankfully, there are more and more solutions practically every month. We do both in-person and Zoom events for our community that is growing across the country. Email me if you’d like to join future events: Curtis.estes@nm.com 

How do you approach new experiences?
With enthusiasm. I’ve learned that new experiences keep me sharp and provide tremendous opportunities for growth.

You know a number of prominent people in the space. What are your thoughts on the reality of actual increases in human longevity?
I believe in their genius and confidence in progress. While I don’t take any day for granted, I want to follow their example in applying as much as I can. No matter how long we think we might live, because of the exponential acceleration of progress I believe we all need to plan on the possibility of at least an extra 30 years of vital, healthy, impactful living!

What is the most important factor driving Curtis Estes’ desire to live longer?
Being active in encouraging my kids, grandkids, and even great-grandkids in ways far beyond what historically has been given. 

Curtis Estes
Photo by Claudia Goetzelmann.

“I believe we all need to plan on the possibility of at least an extra 30 years of vital, healthy, impactful living!”

What technology/innovations excite you most in the realm of longevity?
A comprehensive digital dashboard where we can upload all the disparate testing, advanced screening, and wearable tracking to provide personalized benchmarking and recommendations.

How do you see yourself in 40 years?
Physically and mentally as active as ever. Still launching new businesses that take advantage of new technologies to create more value in the world. 

How does your midwestern upbringing influence your life today?
Humble beginnings and strong work ethic from small-town farm-kid stands out in Los Angeles. 

You are very active in a number of religious and philanthropic organizations. How do you encourage others to expand their sense of community?
There’s nothing more satisfying than giving back to others and helping them reach their God-given potential. 

Curtis Estes, superage quiz, longevity

“In our busy lives, taking time to thoughtfully envision a bigger future is rarely prioritized enough”

What do you mean by “don’t live your life by default” ?
We all know how important goal setting is. However, most families spend more time planning their summer vacation than planning their future. In our busy lives, taking time to thoughtfully envision a bigger future is rarely prioritized enough. 

How do you set your goals, and how do you help other people do the same?
Every December, I update my annual- and 10-year vision. I also have a Mind Movie that takes all my written goals and animates them with pictures with music. In my book Your Life by Design, I’ve gone public with Curtis Estes’ goals for every year to age 100.

Curtis Estes
Photo by Claudia Goetzelmann.

What is the relationship between longevity and financial security that you see is not being addressed today?
Most financial plans don’t take into account the possibility of living well past 100. We’ve got an opportunity to radically transform financial planning. Today, we can take advantage of strategies that will empower longevity enthusiasts for financial strength in ways never before considered. 

Tell us about your book Smart Money: 8 Strategies for Financial Security.  What are these?
One of the biggest concerns of my clients is that the wealth they are working so hard to create could disincentivize their kids at best and potentially ruin them at worst. Research has shown that 9 out of 10 of the best estate plans fail, not because they didn’t prepare the money for the kids but because they didn’t prepare the kids for the money. We’ve identified the 8 mindsets of the 10% of the families who have been successful in passing on both their wealth AND values. 

“We’ve got an opportunity to radically transform financial planning”

Is there something in your past that you had to overcome that was particularly hard for you?
On Christmas Day when I was 11 years old, our house burned to the ground and we had no fire insurance. The financial disaster led to my parents’ divorce and times in high school where my mom, sister, and me were all working together at McDonalds. Having experienced this for myself gave me great conviction in helping others avoid this risk for their families. 

What is it about the insurance industry that has held your focus for your entire career?
I get to come alongside amazing individuals and businesses to help them think bigger about what’s possible in strategically covering financial security so that they can go 10x in striving toward exponential goals.

Curtis Estes
Photo by Claudia Goetzelmann.

What is the biggest challenge in your life today?
Trading my historical passion for sweets for the long-term health benefits from a clean diet. 

You are one of the most positive people we have ever met. What do you do day-to-day to maintain your positivity?
I track my gratitudes in a journal every day. A pastor challenged me to track at least 1,000 gratitudes a year and I’ve been inspired every day since then by focusing more on my blessings than anything I’m missing. 

“I track my gratitudes in a journal every day”

Who inspires you today?
I’m inspired by these lyrics from the Hamilton soundtrack:

Dear Theodosia
And you and I will build a strong foundation
And I’ll be here for you
The way is clear for you
To blow us all away

I feel an extraordinary obligation and opportunity to help build an even stronger foundation for the next generation so that they can blow us all away!

Curtis Estes
Photo by Claudia Goetzelmann.

What are your greatest fears today?
My greatest fear is that we won’t realize/remember that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. We are better together.

What is your relationship to physical activity and exercise?
I love trail running, mountain biking, and beginning to love strength training. The endorphin rush from physical exercise is one of my favorite strategic byproducts of chasing age 132, living to the year 2100!

What are 3 life non-negotiables for Curtis Estes?
Being a positive example that draws people to Jesus. 

Honoring and adoring my wife who is the most selfless person I’ve ever met. 

Striving to become the best version of myself. 

Connect with Curtis:
LinkedIn

Images by Claudia Goetzelmann.

See medical disclaimer below. ↓

6 COMMENTS

  1. Huge Curtis fan. Grateful for the opportunity for our families to have crossed paths…and to have run trails in NorCal with this gentleman who would never leave one behind!

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The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.

AUTHOR

David Stewart
David is the founder and face of AGEIST. He is an expert on, and a passionate champion of the emerging global over-50 lifestyle. A dynamic speaker, he is available for panels, keynotes and informational talks at david@agei.st.

 

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