How to Live to Be 100 (and Not Wish You Were Dead)

by WiredBerries Editors — January 2, 2008

Aside from the obvious things like good diet and exercise, being hip and connected may lead to a longer life as well. Evercare, a company that specializes in coordinating care for senior health, commissioned a survey of around 100 Americans who were 99 years old or older, reported the following:

• American centenarians are surprisingly plugged into popular culture. Nearly a third have watched reality TV shows as well as MTV or music videos. One in seven plays video games.

• 82% said their dietary habits had improved or stayed the same as compared to 50 years ago.

• Most of them never smoked. Only 23 percent said they have ever smoked. On average, those who quit did so 41 years ago.

• Favorite memory? 28% said their wedding day, followed by 13% citing the birth of a child, and 13% their 100th birthday. One said his favorite memory was "when I learned to fly at age 76."

• 34% said the person they would most trust to tell the truth would be their priest, rabbi, or preacher.

• 70% now live at home, either alone or with a spouse.

This survey echoes conclusions of other studies: centenarians are forward-thinking, open to new experiences, eat generally healthy foods, don't smoke, have strong religious faith, and cherish their independence.