In a world where TikTok trends come and go, there’s one viral phenomenon that stands out—an extraordinary gathering initiated by a 98-year-old psychologist named Alberto Chab. His story is not just about age but about the timeless quest for human connection.
Alberto, a Cuban-born psychoanalyst who still practices his craft, is not your average nonagenarian. He recently lost his spouse but found love again. With a twinkle in his eye, he shares how he and his girlfriend keep “the flame alive.
” Every morning, he does push-ups with ease, revealing his vegetarian lifestyle and zest for life. Amid discussions of artificial intelligence and future projects, Alberto exudes an infectious optimism that defies stereotypes about aging.
It all began at a family dinner in May 2024 when Alberto expressed a desire to connect with people over 90 like himself. Encouraged by his granddaughter Zoe, they posted a video on TikTok inviting seniors to share their life experiences. The response was overwhelming—2,000 emails flooded Alberto’s inbox within 48 hours. Out of this digital uproar emerged “
Noventa y contando
” (Ninety and Counting), a group where members aged 90 and above meet biweekly to combat loneliness through shared stories and camaraderie.
Alberto reflects on the group’s success: “
The elderly are very much alive and seeking companionship. Loneliness is as debilitating as any disease.
” Through these gatherings filled with laughter and wisdom, the group explores topics ranging from family relationships to societal challenges—each meeting becoming a treasure trove of life lessons.
As Alberto orchestrates these encounters with precision, he emphasizes the importance of keeping the group small yet diverse. With ten members including him as the coordinator—a collective age exceeding 1,000 years—the dynamics are rich with shared memories and mutual understanding.
Beyond their physical meetings lies an expanding digital footprint—the group now boasts its own podcast thanks to Guadalupe Camurati’s dedication. Each episode features a member sharing their unique journey through nine decades—a testament to resilience and vitality in old age.
For Alberto, this venture goes beyond mere socializing; it’s about crafting a legacy. Inspired by ChatGPT suggestions, he embarks on writing a book chronicling the group’s experiences—a pioneering effort shedding light on the joys and challenges of aging gracefully.
In the twilight of life, surrounded by cherished friends like Mary—his partner in love and companionship—Alberto savors each moment while embracing discussions on mortality with grace. Theirs is not just a story of surviving but thriving—in finding purpose amidst wrinkles and silver hair.
As Alberto sums up this remarkable chapter in his life: “
‘Noventa y contando’ has no limits—it’s our fountain of youth where age is just a number.” In an era obsessed with youthfulness, Alberto reminds us that true vitality springs from connections that transcend time—a lesson worth cherishing at any age.
