Those lucky enough to have made it to their 100th birthday have shared their secrets to a long, healthy life.
Margaret Stretton, a youthful 100-year-old Londoner and veteran of the Women’s Land Army, said she didn’t stop working at her local church until she was 99. She believes that the source of youth lies in strong relationships and a sense of purpose. – two perks her job offered.
Some centenarians have said staying positive and living in the present has kept them young at heart, while others appreciate staying busy with hobbies like painting and writing.
Nearly 100,000 Americans currently alive have seen their 100th birthday, and the number of people reaching the elusive mark each year is on the rise. In 2015 was the world home to over 450,000 centenariansmore than four times as many as in 1990.
Genetics play an important role in a person’s chances of making it to 100 or even above average. But there are numerous factors that a person can use to help them extend their lifespan and health – the number of healthy years they have lived
Longevity experts who study centenarians usually focus on so-called Blue Zones, different parts of the world where people tend to live longer than average
Americans now live an average of 76.4 years, up from 78.8 years in 2019
But while the vast majority of Americans want to live well into their old age, the unfortunate reality is that, at 78, life expectancy in the US is lower than in many comparable countries.
The common threads among centenarians include having purpose and community, as well as staying positive and keeping the mind sharp.
California screenwriter Norma Barzman, 102, said this continued passion for various hobbies has helped her continue to expand her community.
She said, “I see that other older people don’t do much and don’t care much about anything, while I like to see new things.
“I’ve met people my age who are interested in things and who work, write, paint, and they have a much happier life. Keep doing things!’
One-hundred-and-one-year-old fashion icon Iris Apfel attributes her passion for her work as a designer and model to keeping her vibrant and healthy: “I always say that passion for my projects and putting my heart and soul into it have kept me young.’
Iris Apfel, a fashion icon and presidential textile maven, said she stays young by living in the ‘now’, adding: ‘Cliché as it is, age is just a number’
Ms Apfel, who became a model aged 97 and has had a long career as an interior designer and businesswoman, said in February: ‘My first big job in fashion came when I was 84, so for me, cliche as it is , age is just a number.
“That’s why I will never stop working. My philosophy is to live in the now – yesterday is gone, you don’t know if there will even be a tomorrow, so you might as well enjoy today.’
Longevity experts who study centenarians have known for years that staying busy with hobbies, daily tasks, family and friends has a huge benefit to one’s chance of surviving into their 90s and 100s.
They study areas of the world known as blue zones where people live the longest, consistently reaching the age of 100.
The zones include the islands of Sardinia, Italy; Okinawan, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.
The centenarians in these communities maintain strong interpersonal relationships, are close to their families, and feel they can trust their neighbors.
In Okinawa, Japan, the sense of purpose is known as ‘ikigai’.
Ikigai is believed to be such an effective tenant for healthy living that Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has included it in its official health promotion strategy.
a Study from 2008 of more than 43,000 Japanese found that not having ‘ikigai’ was linked to a 60 percent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Having purpose and meaning in one’s life has long been associated with longevity.
London native Margaret Stretton said: ‘For the past two years I have been making jams and marmalades for a local charity. This year I have already raised over £100. The fact that I have lived as long as I have is not in my hands – I don’t know why I am blessed with this age.’
People who believe their lives have meaning also have lower levels of the hormone cortisol, a chemical that helps regulate the way our bodies respond to stress.
It is activated in the adrenal glands – which are equivalent to the kidneys – and spread throughout the body.
In addition to its reputation as a stress hormone, cortisol is responsible for regulating blood pressure and the immune system. It also affects our energy level.
A 2016 meta-analysis of 10 different studies involving a total of more than 136,000 people shows that having a purpose in life can lower a person’s risk of dying from all causes by 17 percent.
Dr. Gladys McGarey, 102, said finding her purpose in life helped her stay youthful. Longevity experts agree that having a goal is a common thread among centenarians
Dr. Gladys McGarey, 102, has written a book about the secrets of longevity. In that, she says, a sense of purpose is key.
She told CNBC In finding someone’s “why,” make them more likely to find their community, another important tenet for a long, healthy life.
Successful centenarians are deeply connected to their community, whether that be their church or a local café.
Dr. Carolyn Aldwin, the director of the Center for Healthy Aging Research at Oregon State University, told DailyMail.com, “If you go to a metropolitan area or a small town, you might find a donut shop where older adults congregate every day, every week, on Tuesday or similar.
‘It is therefore very important to be well anchored in society.’
Keeping the mind sharp is also critical. Bernard Kalb, a former Maryland journalist who died in January at age 100, kept abreast of current events, a practice he maintained after a long career in news.
Mr. Kalb said, “I flip through the papers every morning, underlining what’s most urgent and trying to stick it in my head.”
Bernard Kalb, who died in January at the age of 100, had a habit of keeping abreast of current events until old age. He was an experienced correspondent for CBS, NBC and The New York Times before making a foray into government as a spokesman for the State Department
‘I want to be informed of the latest news. You have a responsibility to be interesting. Keep your eyes open, your emotions free. Jump into the future!’
Just as important as staying sharp is staying positive, a mindset shared by centenarians in blue zones.
Chicago native Roslyn Menaker, a 103-year-old former boutique owner, said she enjoys dressing up and going out and credits her caretaker.
Mrs Menaker said: ‘I wear nice hats and take daily walks – now in my wheelchair. What else is important? Happiness, joy, appreciation. A positive view. Kindness and generosity. Try not to worry. No smoking or drinking – except for the occasional cocktail.’
Maintaining a positive attitude, as difficult as it may be at times, supports mental health, which in turn keeps the brain healthy and free from the kind of cognitive decline that many elderly people or people with dementia see.
Ida L Cheatham, a 103-year-old housekeeper and caterer from Virginia said, “Hate will destroy you, hate will destroy your spirit.
If you disagree with people, or if they mistreat you, speak your mind and move on. Keep your wits about you, because that’s freedom right there.
“I love life – I know I was created by God to love life – so no matter what happens, I don’t care how bad it is, I can do it all.”
Researchers at Harvard University revealed eight surprising factors that increase the risk of early death, such as living in an unclean neighborhood, being estranged from children or being disrespected.
They developed a top-notch calculator that takes into account these new risk factors to give users a percentage risk of dying in the next four years.