Remarried at 93, Still Going at 96—What My Grandma Taught Me About Investing Forever

Let’s Be Real: You’re Probably Gonna Be Around for a While

When I turned 47, I realized something: I’m just getting started. I already own close to 40 houses and counting. And based on what I’m seeing in the science, medical, and tech worlds, I know I’m going to be around for a whole lot longer than anyone expected when I was a kid.

And here’s the proof: My grandma remarried at 93. Not kidding. She lives in Puerto Rico, she’s now 96, and she’s not slowing down one bit. I just talked to her yesterday—she still laughs, cooks, gossips, and lives her life like she’s got another 50 years to go. If that doesn’t tell you that we’re built to last longer these days, I don’t know what does.

She told me, “Mijo, life is short—but not for me apparently!”

That cracked me up, but it also got me thinking. If she’s cruising through her 90s like she’s in her 50s, then we need to seriously rethink how we plan our financial futures. The idea of retiring at 65 and calling it a day just doesn’t cut it anymore.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Wait… How Long Are We Gonna Live? Let me hit you with a crazy fact: Back in 1860, the average person in the U.S. lived to about 39 years old. That’s it. You’d barely have time to get through high school, a wedding, and your first job before—BOOM—game over.

Fast forward to today? Life expectancy has nearly doubled to around 79 years. And that’s just the average. Some folks are cruising past 100 like it’s a casual Tuesday. Scientists, doctors, and tech companies are now betting big that people could soon live to 120, 130, or more.

Let’s rewind a bit. In 1860, the average life expectancy in the U.S. was around 39 years. Fast forward to today? We’re pushing close to 79–80 on average. That’s a 40-year gain in lifespan in just over a century and a half.

What changed? Medicine, clean water, vaccines, surgeries that don’t involve biting a stick. And now we’re seeing the next evolution—gene editing, AI diagnostics, organ cloning, and even anti-aging research backed by billionaires who want to live forever.

That means by 2065, we could easily see life expectancy climb to 90 or 95 on average, with the maximum lifespan pushing 120 or more.

And That Changes the Game

If you live to be 100+, you need money that lasts that long. Period.

A traditional retirement plan that was built for someone to tap out at 75 just won’t cut it. Imagine retiring at 65 and then living for another 60 years with no income. That’s not retirement. That’s a slow-motion financial disaster.

So what do you do?

You build a financial machine that keeps working even when you’re not. A machine that pays you every month, grows in value, and can be passed down.

That machine is real estate.

Real Estate = The Forever Asset

Here’s why I love real estate: it doesn’t age, doesn’t retire, and doesn’t need coffee breaks. It keeps working. Every single property I own is like a little ATM that prints money while I sleep.

Let me tell you a story. I remember my first few properties. They weren’t pretty. One had carpet that smelled like sadness. But I fixed it up, got a tenant in, and it started producing income. That was the spark.

Now I’ve got nearly 40 of them. I don’t need to worry about stock market swings. My tenants cover my mortgages, and every month I see income roll in. Some are flips, some are BRRRRs, some are buy-and-hold. But they all add to the portfolio.

Real estate doesn’t just help you survive—it helps you thrive. You get:

• Monthly cash flow

• Appreciation over time

• Equity build-up

• Tax benefits

• Legacy potential

And that’s the key word: legacy. If I live to 100, I’ll still be earning. If I go at 90, my kids and grandkids will still be collecting that rent. That’s the power.

Living Long Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

People worry about living too long. “What if I outlive my money?”

Good question. But the better question is: “What if your money outlives you?”

That’s the goal. And real estate makes it possible.

Let’s say you own 10 rentals by the time you’re 50. Each one nets you $1,000 a month after expenses. That’s $10K/month. $120K/year. And rents go up over time.

By the time you’re 80, you’re making more than you did in your prime. And those houses? They’re paid off. That’s cash in your pocket.

While others are stressing about running out of savings, you’re deciding whether to buy beachfront or mountain-view for the holidays.

My Grandma Gets It

When I talked to my grandma yesterday, she laughed and said, “I’m going to live longer than all my husbands!”

She probably will. And she’s not alone. There are more centenarians than ever before. Super-agers are becoming a thing.

So imagine what you need to do if you want to live like her—independent, happy, and full of purpose. You need a plan. And you need assets that won’t retire just because you do.

That’s why I’m all in on real estate. Not because it’s flashy. Not because it looks good on Instagram. But because it works.

I built my portfolio brick by brick. House by house. Deal by deal. And now it’s building a future that doesn’t just cover my old age, but fuels my legacy.

Three generations of strength, style, and sass—my wife, my mom, and my unstoppable 96-year-old grandma

Final Thoughts: Play the Long Game

This isn’t about becoming a landlord overnight. It’s about shifting your mindset. Thinking beyond the next 10 years. Asking yourself:

• Will I have enough at 90?

• Will I be working in my 70s because I have to?

• Will my grandkids inherit cash or bills?

Real estate answers those questions. It gives you time, flexibility, and control.

Start with one property. Learn the game. Make mistakes. Adjust. Then get another. Then a third. Before you know it, you’ve got options.

I’m 47. I feel like I’m just getting started. I’m healthier than ever. Smarter than I was in my 20s. And more focused than I’ve ever been.

And if I end up living to 130 like my grandma might? I’m ready.

Keep it consistent, stay patient, stay true—if I did it, so can you.
This is Jorge Vazquez, CEO of Graystone Investment Group and all our amazing companies, and Coach at Property Profit Academy.
Thanks for tuning in—until the next article, take care and keep building!

If you’d like to connect directly with me, feel free to book a time here: https://graystoneig.com/ceo.

Dedicated to my grandma Santa—96 years strong and still inspiring me every day. Even from afar, your strength, love, and wisdom guide everything I do.