Successful Ager: Ana Celia Zentella

Ana Celia Zentella radiates the spirit of successful aging. For her, it means “focusing on what I can still do and making as much of a contribution as possible.” This mindset is especially meaningful to Ana after losing both her husband and her beloved sister, Nolda Vivo. Nolda was a strong influence in Ana’s life and continues to inspire Ana every day.

With a Mexican father and Puerto Rican mother, Ana grew up surrounded by rich languages and cultures, shaping her lifelong passion for bilingualism and cultural advocacy. Her academic path led her to write two influential books, Growing Up Bilingual and Building on Strength, which highlight the challenges and beauty of bilingual communities.

Ana’s free English classes at St. Leo’s Mission Church At Solana Beach has made a profound impact, especially on one woman who attended as a student for the first time in her life. “Moments like these”, Ana says, “are more fulfilling than any university class she’s ever taught”.

Ana’s commitment to teaching Spanish is deeply personal, seeing language as a bridge between generations, especially in immigrant families. For her, it’s about passing down pride, identity, and connection to one’s roots, which keeps her deeply engaged with her community and gives her life meaning as she ages.

Ana also stays physically and mentally active with yoga, swimming, writing, and hosting UCSD’s annual International Mother Language Day on February 21st. Now going into its fifth year, this event celebrates multilingualism and allows her to share her passion for diverse languages. Based on research about how bilingualism benefits the aging brain, Ana hopes to develop more programs to help older adults reconnect with their heritage languages, bringing a sense of belonging that keeps her mind sharp and purposeful.

Successful aging, for her, means staying engaged, standing up for every voice, and finding purpose in advocating for diversity and inclusion. Through this work, Ana feels fulfilled and connected, proving that aging well is about being part of something bigger than yourself.

Looking back on her life, Ana advises others to “reach out to neighbors, let go of old resentments, and seek something spiritual—whether through church, meditation, or yoga”. For her, successful aging is about finding peace, staying active, and contributing in meaningful ways.

Ana Celia Zentella is an inspiration, showing that aging can be filled with purpose, gratitude, and joy. Her work in language and advocacy reminds us all to “live each day with purpose” and embrace the beauty of diversity, one word at a time.