I have been looking into incredible people who have lived to be one hundred or more, to see if they have some wisdom on life, health and wellbeing. Enjoy these top five tidbits to take away!
Tao Porchon-Lynch
This incredible woman was the world’s oldest yoga teacher and ballroom-dancer at Fred Astaire’s Dance Studio, aged 101. In an interview with CBS when asked how old she feels, with a smile, she said: “I don’t feel any age.” She went on to mention having had three hip replacements, and when asked how she keeps dancing after that, she said: “because I’m the boss.” This is a testament to her mindset of not giving into the perception of what she should be doing at her age, and refusing to let her body dictate what she wants to do! Her final words of wisdom in the interview were when asked about where she gets all of her energy from she said:
“The breath of life is right inside of us. To feel the dance of life within you, and know that nothing is impossible.”
Beautifully said Tao, she inspired many, and I feel grateful and wiser to have known about her.
Jessie Jordan
Another amazing woman who lived to 105! Originally from Scotland, where she discovered her love of swimming and of adventure as she moved to Canada. Her idea of happiness in life was to find Peace. In this interview, she said:
“Peace is more like happiness, having Peace in your heart. Not holding a grudge against anyone, forgive and you’ll be forgiven.”
Incredible words that focus on Peace within ourselves and forgiving those around us. Jessie accredits it to her religious beliefs in terms of attaining these pearls of wisdom and a sense of Peace.
Richard Arvin Overton
This 109-year-old World War 2 Veteran, didn’t just live through and survive the war, but lived a life full of whiskey-drinking, not the most nutritious food and smoking 12 cigars a day! I can’t help but feel sentimental as I watch him smile, you can tell the man is full of joy and warmth. His thoughts on living are to go to church, spend time with his cats and his friends, all because they make him happy. Also, to keep driving, going to the shop to do his groceries, and meeting with people. His advice:
“If you give up you’re through, you’re just doubting yourself… I may give out, but I’ll never give up.”
To watch this touching story, click here, it really is worth the watch to truly get a sense of this man’s fantastic strength and loving nature. Sometimes we over-worry about our diet’s and living a healthy life when sometimes longevity might just come from a strong will to never give up.
Tomiko-san
A Japanese farmer Tomiko-san is still working the fields at 106! The Japanese, in general, are thought to live longer due to diet, exercise and things like bathing in natural hot-springs due to the beneficial minerals. Her thoughts on her longevity are to do with continuously moving her body every day and making fresh tofu from soybeans! Is the key to a long and happy life, tofu then?
Mr Seiichi
Although Seiichi is almost at the mark at 97 years old, I had to include him as he had a beautiful perspective. Living next to a shrine in the middle of a farm in Japan, his thoughts on life were: “Maybe the simple life makes me like this… eating brown rice or the eggplants over there in the fields.” As well as eating fresh food, Seiichi said he’s climbed many mountains, saying that he’s hiked Mount Daisen a “couple of hundred times.” He goes on to say:
“I believe living in nature, being surrounded by it, is what makes a life good.”
The other incredible thing about this man is as well as his connection to nature and to peaceful living, his favourite thing to do is to drive his yellow Porsche! Perhaps this strange mixture of simple living and luxurious cars is what keeps him enjoying life!
In conclusion, I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all in terms of longevity or happiness in life, a few key things I will be taking away would be to always move your body, don’t let your age hold you back in doing so. To eat as fresh food as possible, but even if you can’t, to relax and find the joys in your life. To search for Peace mentally, emotionally and spiritually. To love and to love with all of your heart. And lastly, to never doubt yourself, never give up, because anything is possible! And if all fails, then make maybe learn to make tofu?
Written by Jacqueline Renouard
Jacqueline Renouard is a Film and TV Production graduate with a passion for self-improvement. Her passion extends to researching psychology, nutrition and wellbeing through her 8-year yoga and meditation practice, and writing across many different styles.
