At 90 years old, Betty H. Long is still proving that age is not a limit—it is an invitation. An invitation to keep moving, keep learning, and keep living with purpose.
From her home in Monroe Township, Betty continues to embrace life with an energy and enthusiasm that would inspire people half her age. Standing 5-foot-5, she carries herself with grace, determination, and the quiet confidence that comes from a life well lived. She is a golfer, author, traveler, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a shining example of what healthy aging can look like.
Born in Columbus, Betty left as an infant and grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania, where she cherished the simple joys of small-town life. She remembers a childhood filled with friendship, bustling farmer’s markets, fresh vegetables, and the convenience of being close to Philadelphia. Those early experiences helped shape her appreciation for community, health, and the outdoors—values that continue to define her today.
Betty’s life has always been marked by courage and reinvention. At 42, when many people believe their educational opportunities are behind them, she enrolled at Rutgers University. In just two and a half years, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1978. That achievement alone would be impressive. But for Betty, it was simply another chapter in a life built on the belief that “it is never too late to begin something new.”
That same spirit carried her into sports. She took up tennis at age 40, competing with the American Tennis Association and traveling across the country for tournaments. At 55, she won a national tournament—an extraordinary accomplishment that showcased both her athleticism and competitive drive.
Then came golf.
Introduced to the game by her husband at age 57, Betty discovered a passion that would transform her retirement. What began as a new hobby quickly became a lifelong love affair. She treasures golf for its combination of exercise, challenge, and beauty. For Betty, the game offers more than competition. It provides movement, mental stimulation, and the restorative power of nature.
“I love golf because it’s exercise; I love the challenge and I love nature and especially being outdoors in the warm summer weather,” she says.
Her accomplishments on the course are remarkable. She won her first golf championship at age 70 with the Rutgers Women’s Golf Association. She later placed fifth at the National Senior Games in Des Moines and finished ninth nationally at the 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque. Today, she maintains a 34 handicap and remains an active member of both the Rutgers Women’s Golf Association and the Meadows Chicks at Meadows Golf Course in Princeton, New Jersey.
What makes Betty’s story even more extraordinary is what she overcomes each time she steps onto the first tee. She lives with spinal stenosis, a bulging disc, and arthritis in her knees. She is often in pain when standing, yet she continues to play. While she may not hit the ball far, she jokes that she usually hits it straight—and that, in golf and in life, counts for a lot.
Her determination is especially noteworthy when viewed against the broader picture of aging in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 38.4 percent of adults age 65 and older meet recommended aerobic activity guidelines. Many older adults struggle with inactivity, particularly those managing chronic conditions. In fact, nearly three in ten adults over 50 are physically inactive. Yet regular movement can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, falls, depression, and even dementia, while helping older adults maintain independence.
Betty is the exception—and the example.
Rather than allowing physical challenges to sideline her, this phenominal lady has committed herself to staying active. She manages her pain through acupuncture, heat therapy, and chiropractic care. Most importantly, she keeps moving. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: determination, consistency, and joy are essential ingredients for longevity.
Betty’s remarkable vitality extends far beyond athletics. She retired from Johnson & Johnson more than 33 years ago after a successful career. She was honored in 1989 at the Tribute to Women and Industry banquet for her outstanding achievements in organizational development. She was also recognized by the Civic League of Greater New Brunswick for her work with Project 2000, a youth mentoring initiative.
At age 70, Betty added “author” to her list of accomplishments with the publication of her book, Longlif, Loving It, Reflections at 70. The book reflects her enduring belief that life’s most meaningful chapters can begin at any age.
Her personal life is equally inspiring. Betty has been married to her husband for 69 years, a love story that began when she was just 15. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising three children. Though they experienced the heartbreaking loss of one child at age 55, their family legacy continues through three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Faith remains the foundation of Betty’s life. A devoted member of Live Well Church in Windsor, New Jersey, she draws strength from her favorite scripture-inspired affirmation: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
That joy is evident in everything she does.
Whether she is walking a fairway, spending time with family, traveling, or encouraging others to pursue their dreams, Betty Long embodies a truth that society often forgets: aging is not about slowing down—it is about continuing to grow.
At 90, Betty Long is not simply defying expectations. She is redefining them.
