Reaching the centenarian milestone is a remarkable feat, often attributed to a combination of good genes, healthy eating, and an active lifestyle. However, for some inspiring individuals, the recipe for a long and vibrant life includes delightful indulgences alongside dedicated fitness. Such is the case for 100-year-old Mary Coroneos, whose longevity routine notably features “enjoying ice cream, hitting the gym,” and root beer, consumed in moderation. Similarly, Jean Sweetwood, who also celebrated her 100th birthday with an energetic gym workout, balances her active routine with daily ice cream and dark chocolate. These stories challenge conventional notions of extreme restriction, highlighting the importance of balance and joy in the pursuit of a long and healthy life.
Meet Mary Coroneos: The “Mayor of the Gym”
Mary Coroneos, a centenarian who celebrated her 100th birthday in Norwalk, Connecticut, has captured attention for her unique approach to aging. She continues to visit the gym regularly, training multiple times a week with personal trainers who tailor her workouts to focus on strength, mobility, and longevity. Coroneos’s regimen includes high repetitions with resistance bands, light weights, and machines, performing exercises like seated rows, leg extensions, reverse flys, and pulldowns. Her trainers also incorporate standing band exercises and rotational twists to strengthen her core, which is crucial for mobility and injury prevention at any age.
Beyond her physical dedication, Coroneos openly embraces her favorite treats, including ice cream and root beer, consumed “moderately”. Her advice for a long life is simple yet profound: “Just keep moving, step carefully, and look where you’re going”. She also emphasizes the importance of keeping one’s brain sharp, believing that “curiosity about life and learning” fosters a necessary flexibility for a long life. Coroneos, a former teacher who worked full-time into her 70s and part-time until 90, also enjoys the social aspect of the gym, preferring the company of younger people like her trainers.
Jean Sweetwood’s Century of Vitality
Another inspiring centenarian, Jean Sweetwood, marked her 100th birthday with an energetic workout at the McGrath Family YMCA in Rancho San Diego. Sweetwood’s daily routine includes swimming seven days a week, a testament to her unwavering commitment to fitness. Her caregiver notes that while Sweetwood abstains from coffee and alcohol, she enjoys ice cream and dark chocolate daily, reinforcing the idea that balanced indulgence can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Sweetwood’s resilience is deeply rooted in a challenging early life, having lost her parents at 13 and participating in the “Rosie the Riveter” movement during World War II, working 12-hour days building planes. Her determination and work ethic have clearly carried through to her later years.
The Pillars of Longevity: Beyond Just Genes
While genetics play a role in longevity, healthy behaviors are paramount, with research suggesting that over 80% of chronic diseases can be prevented through lifestyle choices. The routines of individuals like Mary Coroneos and Jean Sweetwood, while personal, resonate with broader scientific understandings of what contributes to a long and healthy life.
The Undeniable Power of Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is consistently cited as a cornerstone of longevity. For older adults, exercise offers a multitude of benefits:
- Maintains Independent Living: Physical activity helps people live independently longer.
- Boosts Cardiovascular Health: It strengthens the heart, improves circulation, regulates blood pressure, and lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- Improves Bone and Muscle Strength: Resistance training helps maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. It also prevents muscle wasting (sarcopenia) and improves overall strength, essential for daily activities like sitting to standing or climbing stairs.
- Enhances Balance and Reduces Falls: Exercise improves balance and coordination, significantly reducing the risk of falls and related injuries.
- Cognitive and Mental Health Benefits: Physical activity reduces the risk of dementia and depression, improves sleep quality, lessens anxiety, and boosts confidence and self-esteem. It can also help to slow cognitive decline.
Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, which can be broken down into shorter sessions, such as 30 minutes five days a week. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, yoga, or even gardening are all beneficial.
The Role of Diet and Mindful Indulgence
While many longevity diets emphasize plant-based whole foods, fruits, and vegetables, the stories of centenarians enjoying treats like ice cream highlight a crucial aspect: moderation and psychological well-being.
- Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in plant-based proteins, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains is linked to a lower risk of chronic conditions and increased fiber intake. Reducing processed foods, added sugars, and red meat is generally recommended.
- Moderation is Key: The ability to enjoy favorite foods in moderation, rather than strict deprivation, can contribute to a positive mindset, reducing stress and fostering a sense of enjoyment in life.
- Hydration: Jean Sweetwood’s habit of drinking milk daily underscores the importance of hydration and essential nutrients.
The Power of a Positive Mindset and Social Connection
Both Mary Coroneos and Jean Sweetwood exemplify the significance of mental and emotional well-being.
- Positive Outlook: Staying positive, managing stress, and nurturing a sense of gratitude can significantly impact overall health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions. Cultivating resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity is a key factor in promoting both longevity and mental health.
- Staying Engaged: A curious mind and continuous learning, as advocated by Mary Coroneos, contribute to cognitive health and prevent rigidity.
- Social Bonds: Building and maintaining strong social connections with family, friends, and community provides a vital support network, combating loneliness, and boosting confidence and happiness. The social aspect of the gym is clearly a motivator for Mary Coroneos.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to a Long Life
The inspiring lives of centenarians like Mary Coroneos and Jean Sweetwood offer valuable lessons that extend beyond typical health advice. While consistent physical activity and a nutritious diet form the foundation, their stories underscore that joy, moderation, mental engagement, and strong social connections are equally vital ingredients for not just a longer life, but a truly fulfilling one. Embracing these holistic principles, whether through a dedicated gym routine, a scoop of ice cream, or engaging with one’s community, can pave the way for a vibrant and active journey into a century and beyond.
