A 105-year-old woman shares her secrets to aging gracefully and staying young at heart. Her insights include embracing challenges, cultivating relationships, and keeping a positive outlook.
I asked a 105-year-old woman when middle age starts: Her answer delighted me—and made me feel better about turning 40. My grandmother-in-law, who was then on the cusp of turning 105 in an assisted living facility outside Asheville, North Carolina, shared her wisdom. She believes your mental approach to aging can matter a surprising amount. Taking on new challenges, and figuring out how to cope with life's ups and downs can all help you live, and stay healthy, longer.
Still, it's important to 'keep your sense of humor, give something of yourself to others, make friends who are younger than you, learn new things and have fun,' Harvard Medical School psychiatry professor Dr. George E. Vaillant told the Hodes, who turned 108 this fall. Hodes is a great role model on this score. She's always loved books and theater, learning new things, and cultivating relationships. She worked full-time for about 20 years after her youngest child went to college. After retiring at age 70, when she moved into an assisted living facility, she made it her business to get to know the other residents. 'It keeps me interested!' she told me last year. 'I sit with new people, make conversation, ask questions, get them to open up.'
Aging Wisdom Health Relationships Mentalwellbeing