If you’re looking forward to a long and happy life and doing all the things you want to do during your retirement, it may be worth listening to what some centenarians have to say about how they stayed fit and healthy.
Read on to discover five rules for a long and happy life from some of the world’s centenarians.
Work hard
While it’s important to find the right work-life balance, one centenarian swears by working hard and staying interested.
At the end of 2025, JoCleta Wilson from Louisville, Kentucky was reported to be Home Depot’s oldest employee. At 101 years old, she still works as a cashier two mornings a week.
Wilson has tried to retire three times, but each time she returned to the workplace. Speaking about retirement, Wilson said: “It is not what it’s cracked up to be […] I had to get out of the house and come back to work and see what was going on in society. I have a lot of fun.”
Keep active
Being 100 hasn’t stopped Mary Coroneos from working out. Three times a week, Coroneos meets up with her trainers and completes a full-body resistance workout at her local gym in Norwalk, Connecticut.
The exercises are designed to strengthen her arms, legs, and core, and improve her balance. While she admits that they can be challenging, she also enjoys how exercise leaves her feeling good for the rest of the day.
Maybe there’s something in the Connecticut air, because Joseph Caminiti, also 100 and from Bristol, Connecticut, does cardio and weightlifting at the gym five days a week.
Movement lowers inflammation, stabilises blood sugar, and strengthens your heart – all excellent reasons why 100-year-old Dr John Scharffenberg, a nutrition professor, also advocates moving every day.
Indeed, as a simple way of getting some exercise and some fresh air, Eric Deacon, from Ipswich in the UK, believes gardening has helped him live to over 100.
Deacon said: “My secret is being in the fresh air and to just enjoy life and get as much happiness and experience as you can out of it. Being outside on my allotment and getting outdoors and gardening definitely helped!”
So, whatever you enjoy, whether it’s a full-body workout at the gym, walking, dancing, lifting weights, cycling, yoga, or gardening – keep moving!
Feed your body and soul with the right foods
Ruth Onley, an official supercentenarian aged 110, says the secret to her longevity is cooking and enjoying food.
Food has always been a big part of life for Onley, from Maryland. She used to prepare a “soul food” buffet every Sunday after church for her family and neighbours. The spread included chicken salad sandwiches, roast chicken, ham, candied sweet potatoes, greens, macaroni and cheese, cabbage, fried chicken, peach cobbler, and pound cake.
Even today, food remains an important part of Ruth’s life. Every morning, she has oatmeal or whole-grain pancakes. Lunch and dinner typically include meat and vegetables. Abstaining from alcohol, Onley prefers plain warm water.
Enjoy everything in moderation
Dr Howard Tucker is 102. A neurologist who has worked in medicine for almost 80 years, he says: “Heredity and family history of longevity is a healthy start. However, it must be supported by moderation of nutrition, alcohol, and happiness.”
Tucker never smoked. He drinks alcohol socially and occasionally enjoys a Friday-night martini. Meanwhile, when it comes to food, he enjoys everything in moderation.
Tucker’s prescription for a long life includes four key instructions: be kind, be happy, don't smoke, and don’t hate.
Get better sleep
According to 102-year-old Blanche Fromenton, the key to a long and happy life is getting a good night’s sleep.
She says: “Make sure you always get a good night’s sleep; you’ll wake up with a spring in your step ready to take on the day. It’s always worked for me.”
So, if you’re looking to increase your longevity, do what you can to get a good night’s sleep every night, whether that’s avoiding certain foods before bedtime, getting into a routine, or creating a restful environment.
Get in touch
If you’re looking to live a long and happy life, you’ll need to make sure that you also have enough money to maintain your lifestyle and do everything you want to do.
We’re here to help you understand your current finances, identify your financial goals, and develop a plan to help you achieve them.
Email enquiries@alexanderpeter.com or give us a call on +44 1689 493455.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
.jpg)
