While many people consult doctors and plastic surgeons for the secret to a long, youthful life, many of the world’s oldest people will tell you that it’s more about simplicity than secrets. While fancy supplements and super foods claim to keep you going for years, the following individuals are proof that sometimes a good attitude and an apple a day are all you need.
Myrtle Jones, 111 years old, South Africa: Ms. Jones loved to bake and lived independently until the age of 109. Known as having a sharp memory and sense of humor, she did not smoke or drink. Myrtle advised, “An apple keeps the doctor away. An onion a day keeps the cold away.” These are pretty simple tips from someone who saw Halley’s Comet not once, but twice!
Busten Martin and Euphemia Cameron: Busten retired from work when he was 97 years old, but had to get a new job washing vans because he was bored. In 2008, at 102 years old, Busten trained for the London marathon and now holds the record for the world’s oldest 5k, 10k and half-marathon competitor. He finished the half-marathon in five hours, a time that includes a stop for a beer and a cigarette. Euphemia Cameron also believes that staying active is the secret to a long life. While celebrating her 100th birthday in 2009, she declared, “I don’t like to sit about, I keep myself busy. I don’t know what a hobby is – I’m far too busy!”
Beatrise Farve, 113 years old: Described as a “soft, smiling lady,” Farve was healthy her entire life without suffering any medical conditions or taking medications. She lived in the state of Georgia and sold beauty products until she was 100 years old. Her friends and family called her “Mama B” and say that her philosophy was “Work hard and eat a good breakfast.” True to form, Farve started every day with a plate of fried bananas and bacon.
Jeanne Louise Calment: Having lived to the age of 122, Ms. Calment has the longest confirmed lifespan in history. She was “discovered” at the age of 113 when she became known as the last living person to have met Vincent van Gogh. At 85 years old, she took up fencing and was still riding a bicycle regularly at age 100. Calment’s secret? Garlic, vegetables, cigarettes, red wine and “avoiding brawls.” She credited olive oil for her fairly youthful complexion and said she poured it all over her food and rubbed it on her skin. Last, Calment swore by port wine and two pounds of chocolate every week.
While cigarettes and port wine may not be the usual ticket to good health and youthful looks well into later years, all of these individuals were active and interested in different aspects of life, from traveling and art to cooking. Perhaps it is a testament to spending life enjoying your passions or simply to living life to the fullest. If one thing is certain, there doesn’t seem to be a certain “secret” to longevity, but simply an array of positive thoughts and passions for living that the fountain of youth keeps flowing.
