Maybe Professor, just pretend that “god” gave you 10 extra years to make up for the time and life wasted by this president. Today’s 90 is yesterday’s 80’s (not sure that came out right).
My problem isn't aging. EVERYONE in my family on both sides who isn't subject to "misadventure" dies well into their nineties.
I'm more concerned about the ubiquitous dementia in my elderly family, knowing that Trump is INEXPLICABLY too SENILE to care about funding critical Alzheimer research!
Close, Mike - it's supposed to be "yesterday's eighty". To the estimable Prof. Reich - to relate drumpf to the Neanderthal is really an insult to their history, since for example, they are known to have crafted fine art from natural objects. Drumpf, however has defiled his gifted House with faux gilt junk showing no taste and wasting millions in tax money. Speaking of time's injustice - far better humans have succumbed in fewer than half the years that drumpf has desecrated the Earth. Professor, as much as your genes, tell your doctor that it's you churning out the work from day to day that keeps you going.
Based on reports from early 2026 regarding potential U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure, the bombing of Iran's nuclear power facilities—particularly the Bushehr plant—could have catastrophic consequences. Such actions are described by experts as risking a "catastrophic" humanitarian and environmental disaster, potentially triggering a regional or global conflict. Located on the Persian Gulf coast, the plant was completed with Russian assistance and began commercial operations in 2013. As of early April 2026, it remains the country's only commercial nuclear energy source. I hope this plant is known to whoever designates the official sorties ordered by Hegseth and the others who view war crimes as a justified means to the ends they seek..
it's on the same target list as the school. which way are the prevailing winds in that area? also, someone needs to tell the pilots that to bring a bridge down, you gotta hit the ends that hold everything up.
The man is a renowned habitual liar while his skills as a poker player leave much to be desired. If his bombastic threats toward the country of Iran ever came to fruition it will prove to all concerned just how insane the man really is. To me, he has gone all in with a bust hand. A fist filled with high cards means nothing unless they act together to form a winning hand. If he isn't bluffing, then I misjudged him and "The Pale Horseman" will plunder far more than the Middle East. Mankind will suffer because of Trump's ignorance. While we endeavor to disarm the threat posed by Iran, the world wonders how to disarm an unhinged American President who is far more dangerous.
As a neighbor of mine said, “I don’t want to die when he’s in office.” I agree. I’m coming right up behind you, Dr.Reich, and I want to live long enough to see us get beyond the mess we’re in.
I agree with your neighbor. I don't really drink any more, but I have a bottle of good champagne next to all the bottles of seltzer and chilled apple juice in my wine cooler, and the day he's no longer here to terrorize the world, I'll be opening that to celebrate.
Cyndi, I do imbibe occasionally! I would hope that every commenter on this substack and others will raise a glass for Democracy on that day! May our resistance keep our country intact!
I will have a bottle on hand as I think we all should because when he is out of here....we will all have a cause to celebrate! I just pray we can come back from what he has destroyed.
“I will be prepared to handle the next horrific crisis”. Well, maybe. As bad as Trump is (and he’s really bad) I can imagine worse. Look around the world - lots of religious fanatics who have found the light and are obliged to slaughter all who have not. Be careful what you wish for 🥲
Like, get a grip, Joyce. Fear, to me, is gross dereliction of civic duty! You stay home and hide your head under the blankets, pretending to be "safe". I much prefer to speak the truth! Terrible, terrible people have overtaken our government-- it is no time be QUIET!!!
Professor, we are so honored to have your diligent consistency as part of our activism regimen. We get it all from you; humor, intelligence, supported facts, and the sense of honor and integrity that should be foundational for our causes of equality, compassion, and what I call #22ndCenturyThinking.
You embody the mindset of those who will lead us successfully into the next century despite all our challenges as a species.
I turn 70 in a month. And I'd be jumping for joy on bad knees if my brain is half as sharp as yours when I step into my 80s.
Take heart, Professor Reich! Except for when you call attention to your age, you don’t sound a day over 60! LOL!
I’m 72 and I delight in your humor and your observational powers and the history and wisdom you share with us. And yes, I share many of your reasons to be grumpy. But I have 2 grandchildren who I desperately want to see grow up. And I want to see that they have a world that deserves them. So I’m planning on at least 20 more years of being an activist. I sincerely hope that you’ll do the same!
I’d add, R D; I sometimes think I’m too much of an idiot to have got as far as I have…. Then I look around at people like DJT and, bingo!, I realise that I’m a clever and decent guy after all! The saying goes, ‘it isn’t what life gives you that counts, it’s what you do with it that counts’.
Trump represents the worst side of human behaviour, while Robert Reich represents what we can do to be better human beings. Greetings from Scotland, Anthony.
100% agree, Anthony! On a side note, my sister and I visited Scotland last year and may I say you have the most beautiful country, Anthony! Everyone was so friendly and kind! We had a marvelous time!
As another Scot ‘here’, I am so glad you enjoyed Scotland Peggy. I am very fond of it myself & consider myself incredibly fortunate to live where I do (shores of Loch Fyne looking straight at Inveraray Castle).
Absolutely beautiful! My sister and I took a tour on Loch Ness (perhaps hoping to see Nessie!) The views simply took my breath away! Our captain on our boat came down the steps all excited saying, "Did you see her?" Everybody was excited as he walked to the rail and said, "Get your cameras out - there she is!" Then he held up a plastic dinosaur over the railing! Hysterical! All the towns and villages we went through were so like I had seen in pictures! We ate at one restaurant that served Cullen skink soup! WOW! It was so delicious! Seonald, you are indeed incredibly fortunate to live in such a beautiful place as Scotland! My ancestors on my dad's side were Scottish and that's why my sister and I wanted to visit. We agreed it is a place we would like to visit again!
I really hope you get the chance to come back. We have visited a few places in the USA and have a lot more that we would like to visit, but not until the orange monster and all his horrendous policies are long past.
Professor Reich: based on your comments here, it seems you've got the good genes part of aging well covered, and i suppose (although i don't know you) the other aspects of healthy aging. as a relative youngster myself, i hope that i am as healthy and alert and thoughtful as you are when i reach 80 -- IF i live that long in this nuclear-weapons armed world of madmen and white male rageaholics. long life to you!
Screw the avoid alcohol! I’m only a year behind you. Living in France, I love having fabulous inexpensive wine. Had a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru last night with dinner - cost me about $30. That’s a $100+ bottle in the US if you can find it. Planning to live long enough to vote for Talarico in Texas in November. TAKE BACK BOTH HOUSES!
Today -- April 7 -- in Georgia, the final election (runoff) will be held to see who takes the seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation. Should be an interesting day. I'm in the district right next door.
Interesting article. I turn 83 this year. I am conscious of my health. I do not eat meat (I am a pescatarian), and my meals are vegetarian. I do not smoke, and I have one glass of wine with my evening meal. I exercise regularly, especially walking. I have a positive attitude. As a retired scientist, I am still conducting funded research at a university. I have had minor medical issues, but so far, with treatment, I am ok. No one knows how long they will live. I take a day at a time. I have a lovely wife, who is my inspiration. Cheers!
Don't worry about grumpiness. If you are not grumpy in the age of trumpy, then we would have a right to question your sanity. As it is you are, along with the rest of us older and younger, thinking humans, rightfully despairing the sense of direction of an idiot president. Perhaps the desperate orange philanderer will TACO time it today and we can breath.
I must admit I'm slowing down now at 87, but still hitting the political meetings (Dem of course) and protests. But I insist on staying flexible until I can see Drumf go down...preferably in flames. Live long and well, Prof. Reich.
.you are a national treasure and a bright beam in the gloom for me and many many others. Thank you!!!
I Loved this post: it’s so Alive in every way! You can’t be more alive than to be honest, cranky, angry, funny, self-aware, tired of realizing how old you are all the time, reflecting on the passage of time and the possibility of more, and letting it all out. It’s perfect: human, one might say. Keep it up!
I'm just a year and half behind you. This all rings very true. My daughters showed me your appearance on your son's show. Loved it. Stay busy. Laugh when possible.
Maybe Professor, just pretend that “god” gave you 10 extra years to make up for the time and life wasted by this president. Today’s 90 is yesterday’s 80’s (not sure that came out right).
My problem isn't aging. EVERYONE in my family on both sides who isn't subject to "misadventure" dies well into their nineties.
I'm more concerned about the ubiquitous dementia in my elderly family, knowing that Trump is INEXPLICABLY too SENILE to care about funding critical Alzheimer research!
I just discovered proof of Trump's dementia!!!
ALERT THE MEDI....
Oh, never mind.
If you don't want to get older, consider the alternative. Or not. Keep on keepin' on.
getting older is not what it's cracked up to be....but it beats the alternative...
I've had worse thoughts, Miriam.
(In the past decade, I mean.)
Close, Mike - it's supposed to be "yesterday's eighty". To the estimable Prof. Reich - to relate drumpf to the Neanderthal is really an insult to their history, since for example, they are known to have crafted fine art from natural objects. Drumpf, however has defiled his gifted House with faux gilt junk showing no taste and wasting millions in tax money. Speaking of time's injustice - far better humans have succumbed in fewer than half the years that drumpf has desecrated the Earth. Professor, as much as your genes, tell your doctor that it's you churning out the work from day to day that keeps you going.
Desecrated the Earth....love it
Iran has a nuclear power plant at Bushehr---
Based on reports from early 2026 regarding potential U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure, the bombing of Iran's nuclear power facilities—particularly the Bushehr plant—could have catastrophic consequences. Such actions are described by experts as risking a "catastrophic" humanitarian and environmental disaster, potentially triggering a regional or global conflict. Located on the Persian Gulf coast, the plant was completed with Russian assistance and began commercial operations in 2013. As of early April 2026, it remains the country's only commercial nuclear energy source. I hope this plant is known to whoever designates the official sorties ordered by Hegseth and the others who view war crimes as a justified means to the ends they seek..
it's on the same target list as the school. which way are the prevailing winds in that area? also, someone needs to tell the pilots that to bring a bridge down, you gotta hit the ends that hold everything up.
Paul--The Iranians and us will be lucky if we survive Trump.
if you'd like some really good commentary on our useless democrats, listen to "I've Had it" on utube. opposition party? what opposition party?
Paul--thanks-
I'd sure like to get these years back that that SOB has stolen from my would-have-been relaxed retirement.
Who wants to live past 80 with Trump about? ---
The man is a renowned habitual liar while his skills as a poker player leave much to be desired. If his bombastic threats toward the country of Iran ever came to fruition it will prove to all concerned just how insane the man really is. To me, he has gone all in with a bust hand. A fist filled with high cards means nothing unless they act together to form a winning hand. If he isn't bluffing, then I misjudged him and "The Pale Horseman" will plunder far more than the Middle East. Mankind will suffer because of Trump's ignorance. While we endeavor to disarm the threat posed by Iran, the world wonders how to disarm an unhinged American President who is far more dangerous.
As a neighbor of mine said, “I don’t want to die when he’s in office.” I agree. I’m coming right up behind you, Dr.Reich, and I want to live long enough to see us get beyond the mess we’re in.
I agree with your neighbor. I don't really drink any more, but I have a bottle of good champagne next to all the bottles of seltzer and chilled apple juice in my wine cooler, and the day he's no longer here to terrorize the world, I'll be opening that to celebrate.
I like this idea! Champagne it shall be!!
Good idea, Judith.
There will be dancing in the streets. I'll be there.
I'm 88 y.o. now, still hoping to see Trump, et al, vanish from the Earth. I hope to be in the street, with the rest of the Munchkins, singing
Ding-dong! the Witch is dead, although we will do some word substitutions.
"Ding-dong! The Witch is dead
Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch!
Ding-dong! The Wicked Witch is dead
Wake up, you sleepy head
Rub your eyes, get out of bed
Wake up, the Wicked Witch is dead
She's gone where the goblins go
Below, below, below
Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out
Ding-dong, the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low
Let them know the Wicked Witch is dead!"
Lisaplymate, I agree with your friend and you! Hell, I am stubborn enough to hang on until he is gone!
I don't drink Peggy, but I will join you on that day and pray it is sooner rather than later!!
Cyndi, I do imbibe occasionally! I would hope that every commenter on this substack and others will raise a glass for Democracy on that day! May our resistance keep our country intact!
I will have a bottle on hand as I think we all should because when he is out of here....we will all have a cause to celebrate! I just pray we can come back from what he has destroyed.
Yeeeys,
Keep on keeping on Peggy!
You, too, Susan!
“Messes” are the consequence of being human. After this POS there will be another “horrific crisis” - guaranteed
I know you are right, Arnold. I will be prepared to handle the next horrific crisis as long as this horrific crisis is gone!
“I will be prepared to handle the next horrific crisis”. Well, maybe. As bad as Trump is (and he’s really bad) I can imagine worse. Look around the world - lots of religious fanatics who have found the light and are obliged to slaughter all who have not. Be careful what you wish for 🥲
You’re right, Arnold—some of those fanatics in the administration waiting to take over next.
So true, Arnold!
He's like mold--he just won't go away.
Herpes, or syphilis.
You are so right, Donald! Even when you scrub it and get rid of it, the stain will always be there!
Peggy--thanks you just woke me up,=.
You're welcome, Donald!
The fungus among us.
Bela--Trump is no fun-guy.
Oh hey! Mould goes away with bleach! Can we hold Bunkerboy down and force it to chug it?!? 😂
Murder? Perhaps, but after murdering 1,000,000+++ American civilians, maybe it’s well deserved?
Daniel--Isn't Trump the brain who thought injecting a disinfectant into the body, bleach, would kill the covid virus.
I do! After all, he'll be gone before me (I hope). I'm 77
Are u by any chance from the UK?
Anne--77 here also--
I watched Harold and Maude too many times.
An ASSASSIN STEPS UP TO THE PLATE AND . . . TAKES . . . HIM . . . OUT, DONALD!!! Trust me, there's SOMEBODY PLOTTING HIS DEMISE RIGHT THIS MINUTE!!!
Careful, Klare! We don't need innocent free speech to have what could be not so nice repercussions.
Like, get a grip, Joyce. Fear, to me, is gross dereliction of civic duty! You stay home and hide your head under the blankets, pretending to be "safe". I much prefer to speak the truth! Terrible, terrible people have overtaken our government-- it is no time be QUIET!!!
Homr run! .. and a medal!
I do!!!!
OMG! So true! How much more of this madman can we take? He is destroying our lives and country!
*PATHOLOGICAL liar! It was born with that serious issue!
Daniel--I agree--he can't tell the truth.
I do. I refuse to knuckle under to him. I plan to outlive him. Then what I'll do on his grave will not pass for placing flowers.
He is definitely more dangerous than Iran who are a lot more sensible, not that that would be difficult!
Professor, we are so honored to have your diligent consistency as part of our activism regimen. We get it all from you; humor, intelligence, supported facts, and the sense of honor and integrity that should be foundational for our causes of equality, compassion, and what I call #22ndCenturyThinking.
You embody the mindset of those who will lead us successfully into the next century despite all our challenges as a species.
I turn 70 in a month. And I'd be jumping for joy on bad knees if my brain is half as sharp as yours when I step into my 80s.
Well said! I agree completely!
Take heart, Professor Reich! Except for when you call attention to your age, you don’t sound a day over 60! LOL!
I’m 72 and I delight in your humor and your observational powers and the history and wisdom you share with us. And yes, I share many of your reasons to be grumpy. But I have 2 grandchildren who I desperately want to see grow up. And I want to see that they have a world that deserves them. So I’m planning on at least 20 more years of being an activist. I sincerely hope that you’ll do the same!
"I’m getting grumpy. When he first came on the political scene, Trump made me angry. Now he makes me want to puke."
I'm definitely with you on that one. And I'm "only" 65!
I’d add, R D; I sometimes think I’m too much of an idiot to have got as far as I have…. Then I look around at people like DJT and, bingo!, I realise that I’m a clever and decent guy after all! The saying goes, ‘it isn’t what life gives you that counts, it’s what you do with it that counts’.
Trump represents the worst side of human behaviour, while Robert Reich represents what we can do to be better human beings. Greetings from Scotland, Anthony.
100% agree, Anthony! On a side note, my sister and I visited Scotland last year and may I say you have the most beautiful country, Anthony! Everyone was so friendly and kind! We had a marvelous time!
As another Scot ‘here’, I am so glad you enjoyed Scotland Peggy. I am very fond of it myself & consider myself incredibly fortunate to live where I do (shores of Loch Fyne looking straight at Inveraray Castle).
Absolutely beautiful! My sister and I took a tour on Loch Ness (perhaps hoping to see Nessie!) The views simply took my breath away! Our captain on our boat came down the steps all excited saying, "Did you see her?" Everybody was excited as he walked to the rail and said, "Get your cameras out - there she is!" Then he held up a plastic dinosaur over the railing! Hysterical! All the towns and villages we went through were so like I had seen in pictures! We ate at one restaurant that served Cullen skink soup! WOW! It was so delicious! Seonald, you are indeed incredibly fortunate to live in such a beautiful place as Scotland! My ancestors on my dad's side were Scottish and that's why my sister and I wanted to visit. We agreed it is a place we would like to visit again!
I really hope you get the chance to come back. We have visited a few places in the USA and have a lot more that we would like to visit, but not until the orange monster and all his horrendous policies are long past.
Thanks Peggy.
Amen to that, Anthony!
I agree
I think that's a pretty general reaction and probably one of the reasons for Prof. Reich to be feeling grumpy etc.
Professor Reich: based on your comments here, it seems you've got the good genes part of aging well covered, and i suppose (although i don't know you) the other aspects of healthy aging. as a relative youngster myself, i hope that i am as healthy and alert and thoughtful as you are when i reach 80 -- IF i live that long in this nuclear-weapons armed world of madmen and white male rageaholics. long life to you!
Screw the avoid alcohol! I’m only a year behind you. Living in France, I love having fabulous inexpensive wine. Had a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru last night with dinner - cost me about $30. That’s a $100+ bottle in the US if you can find it. Planning to live long enough to vote for Talarico in Texas in November. TAKE BACK BOTH HOUSES!
Today -- April 7 -- in Georgia, the final election (runoff) will be held to see who takes the seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation. Should be an interesting day. I'm in the district right next door.
Go, Shawn Harris!!!
Talarico YES!!!
Interesting article. I turn 83 this year. I am conscious of my health. I do not eat meat (I am a pescatarian), and my meals are vegetarian. I do not smoke, and I have one glass of wine with my evening meal. I exercise regularly, especially walking. I have a positive attitude. As a retired scientist, I am still conducting funded research at a university. I have had minor medical issues, but so far, with treatment, I am ok. No one knows how long they will live. I take a day at a time. I have a lovely wife, who is my inspiration. Cheers!
You are a most fortunate man and you know it. Bravo!
I just love "neanderthal with a reptilian brain."
We H. sapiens bad mouth H. neanderthalensis for no good reason and no justification. This has got to stop!
Agreed. They do walk amongst us and in (some) of our genes, I believe.
Yes, for all we know we are Neanderthals"
Don't worry about grumpiness. If you are not grumpy in the age of trumpy, then we would have a right to question your sanity. As it is you are, along with the rest of us older and younger, thinking humans, rightfully despairing the sense of direction of an idiot president. Perhaps the desperate orange philanderer will TACO time it today and we can breath.
I am "only" 74 and can relate to every word.
Well done, Dr. Reich! Well done!
I am 87. All I can say is to repeat what my grandfather used to say - It's hell to get old - he lived to be 98.
I must admit I'm slowing down now at 87, but still hitting the political meetings (Dem of course) and protests. But I insist on staying flexible until I can see Drumf go down...preferably in flames. Live long and well, Prof. Reich.
.you are a national treasure and a bright beam in the gloom for me and many many others. Thank you!!!
👏👏👏👏
Thirty minutes ago, I was reading all about cataract surgery that I will soon be having. Now I'm reading "How to Live Beyond 80". Interesting timing.
Cataracts are apiece of cake. Don't worry. I asked my long time golfing partner about his. He said
'I never knew I had ants on the driveway before"
😂😂😂
Thanks for the laugh! I needed that.
The secret of life is to keep moving. If you ain’t moving you ain’t livin’.
And stay balanced.....mentally and physically.
I Loved this post: it’s so Alive in every way! You can’t be more alive than to be honest, cranky, angry, funny, self-aware, tired of realizing how old you are all the time, reflecting on the passage of time and the possibility of more, and letting it all out. It’s perfect: human, one might say. Keep it up!
Good advice for anyone in their 80’ s and older.
I'm just a year and half behind you. This all rings very true. My daughters showed me your appearance on your son's show. Loved it. Stay busy. Laugh when possible.