15 Centenarian Secrets for Living a Full Life

July 21, 2024July 15, 2024

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Ever wonder how some folks hit the century mark with style? What’s their secret to making it to 100 with gusto? Centenarians are willing to share insights into how they’ve reached the age of 100 and beyond and how they’ve kept their quality of life high—and we’re sharing them here with you.

According to projections from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans aged 100 and older is expected to more than quadruple over the next three decades, reaching about 422,000 in 2054, up from an estimated 101,000 in 2024.

Centenarians have seen it all and can offer great insight and wisdom if you ask and listen. Here are 15 awesome tips they stand by for extending life and making it more fulfilling.

1. Letting it Go

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One sought-after way to achieve longevity is reducing stress. “Let it go!” is the principle that a former teacher who celebrated his 107th birthday in January 2023 abides by. He advised others in Good Housekeeping, “Don’t fret over minor things if you can’t change them.”

Stress puts the body in a state of chronic inflammation that makes it impossible for the body to repair itself. Thus, this simple advice can make all the difference.

2. Cheese Puffs

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A great tip for longevity, as shared by a 106-year-old, involves good genes and perhaps adopting a relaxed routine, such as enjoying occasional bourbon, staying hydrated with water, and savoring a snack like Cheetos while unwinding during the 5 o’clock news.

3. Physical Activity

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Doing hard work is what helped Ruby Duncan reach the age of 104. She started driving at a very young age and spent her childhood assisting her mom in caring for a thousand chickens on their farm.

All that hard work in the fresh air kept her fit and resilient in the face of whatever life threw her way.

4. Drinking Tea

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Margaret Young, who just celebrated her 108th birthday, shares some wisdom: “Stay happy and enjoy lots of cups of tea. It’s soothing and welcoming.” She marked her special day with a tea party.

It sounds like tea was her way of unwinding and enjoying the little things in life, a common response in thriving older folks.

5. Never Skipping Breakfast

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A fabulous 110-year-old shares her secret to a long life: “Never skip meals, especially breakfast—it’s what keeps me going.” She also suggests enjoying snacks like dark chocolate, bananas, and ice cream and staying active by shoveling snow for exercise.

She illustrates that a long, happy life can’t be attributed to one specific habit, but rather a culmination of things that all work in her favor.

6. Beer

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Mildred Bowers, aged 105, relishes a daily beer at 4 p.m., a habit approved by her doctor. She attributes her extended lifespan to favorable genetics and this habit.

Some evidence suggests that light to moderate beer consumption can reduce the risk of certain diseases, like heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases (like Parkinsons and Dementia), and diabetes.

7. Ice Cream

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One of America’s oldest veterans recently celebrated his 112th birthday without letting go of his cherished guilty pleasures. The supercentenarian ensures he always has a supply of butter pecan ice cream, maintaining a lifestyle that includes delights that bring him joy and contentment.

This brings up the age-old question: is life worth living without enjoying our favorite guilty pleasures?

8. Brain Games

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Studies consistently highlight the longevity benefits of regular physical exercise, yet the significance of mental fitness cannot be overlooked. Centenarian Edris Mathiesen emphasizes the importance of mental stimulation: “I find joy in playing cards, solving crossword puzzles, and indulging in reading to keep my mind active.”

Surveys clearly show that keeping the brain actively engaged improves the enjoyment of life.

9. Homegrown Vegetables

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Francisco Nunez Olivera, the former world’s oldest man who lived to the age of 113 in a quaint Spanish village, attributed his longevity to a daily glass of red wine and homegrown vegetables from his garden. Known as the “grandpa of the world,” this family man credited these simple ingredients for bringing joy and maintaining his health for over 11 decades.

Sounds like a great recipe for longevity!

10. Running

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Here’s evidence that age is no barrier to running and fitness. In March, Orville Rogers achieved an impressive feat by shattering five world track records. Competing in the 100- to 104-year-old age group, he set the pace in events spanning 60 meters to 1,500 meters.

11. Quality Sleep

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Adding to the list of reasons to prioritize more sleep, Leandra Becerra Lumbreras, a Mexican woman, reportedly reached the unverified age of 127. Her family shares that her secret of longevity was habits like snacking on chocolate and having prolonged periods of sleep.

12. Dancing

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Having celebrated his 100th birthday, John Grumbine shared an inspiring piece of advice. As a ballroom dance instructor, he revealed that keeping mentally, physically, and spiritually active is as simple as tapping his toes.

Staying active in whatever bring a person joy will help them to live a fulfilling life, no matter what their age.

13. Staying Single

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Marriage means a lot of responsibilities that can add to the stress of life. Staying single is another way for some people to live longer. Jessie Gallan, who lived to 109, stated, “My secret to a long life has been avoiding men. They’re just more trouble than they’re worth.”

14. Eating Sushi and Noodles

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Japanese supercentenarians often make it into the Guinness Book of World Records for longevity, probably because of a healthy fish-rich diet. A Japanese centenarian who passed away shortly after celebrating her 117th birthday was known for regularly enjoying sushi and ramen noodles.

15. Olive Oil

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Jeanne Louise Calment, the record holder for the oldest person to ever live, had an incredible life until the age of 122. She reported that she included plenty of olive oil in her diet and used it on her skin as well.

Age Gracefully With These 14 Simple but Revolutionary Dietary Changes

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Have you ever wondered how what you eat could impact how you age? As the years go by, making simple dietary changes is crucial in the battle against the sands of time. In this guide, we’ll explore 14 nutritional tweaks that can help you look younger and feel your best.

Age Gracefully With These 14 Simple but Revolutionary Dietary Changes

16 Doctors Share Their Insider Secrets for Optimal Health

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Navigating the plethora of health advice in a world where well-being and longevity are prioritized can be overwhelming. A recent inquiry from an online community user cut through the confusion, posing the question: “What health tips do professionals swear by?” In response, seasoned health experts from diverse fields have generously unveiled their insider secrets for attaining optimal health and longevity. Let’s delve into their insights.

16 Doctors Share Their Insider Secrets for Optimal Health

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