At 102, Deborah Szekely is still active in the wellness resort she co-founded more than 80 years ago. She works three days a week at Rancho La Puerta in Baja California, Mexico, where she has dedicated her life to promoting health and longevity.
While genetics and luck play a role in how long we live, lifestyle choices can significantly impact our health as we age. As more people are living to 100, longevity has become a hot topic. In fact, the number of Americans over 100 is expected to more than quadruple in the next 30 years, according to Pew Research Center.
Szekely, who has made healthy habits a part of her daily life, shared four key tips on how others can live longer and healthier.
1. Exercise Regularly
Szekely emphasizes the importance of “good old-fashioned” exercise. It doesn’t matter the type of exercise, as long as it gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat. She walks at least a mile every day, often in local parks.
A 2019 study published in The BMJ found that people who sit for long hours daily are more likely to die early. However, any level of physical activity can lower the risk of dying from various causes.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
Szekely rejects fad diets, believing food should be a lifestyle. She has been a pescatarian since childhood and grows much of her own food on the ranch. Her daily breakfast consists of bananas and yogurt, though she occasionally enjoys a treat—coffee ice cream.
Research supports her eating habits, as a 2020 study found that plant-based diets can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. Stay Positive and Let Go of Regrets
Szekely maintains a positive mindset, focusing on what she can control. She doesn’t waste time worrying about things beyond her control, explaining, “When you worry, you add to the problems. By not worrying, you subtract from the problems.”
Studies show that centenarians often share this trait of looking ahead and staying positive, which helps them maintain good health.
4. Engage with Your Community
Szekely believes that community support is vital for longevity. “The health and happiness of our neighbors are not only important; they are a requirement,” she said. Research also shows that strong social networks can lead to a longer life. A 2021 study linked support systems with longevity, while a 2024 Purdue University study found that positive relationships help maintain daily functioning in older adults.
Szekely’s tips offer a glimpse into the lifestyle choices that have helped her live a long and active life. With daily exercise, a healthy diet, a positive mindset, and a strong community, she shows that longevity is within reach for many.
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