How to Live Long and Stay Sane: 100-Year-Old Rita Levi's Answer

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"I'm a hundred years old, but I think better now than I did when I was twenty," said Rita Levi-Montalcini on the occasion of her centenary.

In our quest to live a long and fulfilling life, we often look to diet, exercise, and genetics. However, one of the most important factors determining how long we live is inside our skulls: our brains.

Neuroscientist Rita Levi-Montalcini, who lived to the remarkable age of 103, attributes much of her longevity to the health and vitality of her brain.

Her ideas provide valuable guidance on how to keep your mind sharp and live a long, fulfilling life.

This delightful lady always looked impeccable and, despite her mature age, could boast of excellent posture. She remained healthy, had good eyesight, was energetic and cheerful.

Many people wondered what the secret of her health and longevity was?

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The brain as the basis of longevity

"The most important part of the body is the brain. It determines how long a person will live and how he will manage his vital resources," Rita Levy asserted.

Rita Levi-Montalcini, an Italian neurologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986, believed that the length of our lives was inextricably linked to the health of our brains. She argued that while physical health is critical, the state of our brains plays an even more important role in determining how long and how well we live. The brain, she argued, is not only the control center of the body’s functions, but also a reservoir of potential that, if developed, can improve our overall well-being and lifespan.

Rita Levy's Tips for Living Long and Sane

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Lifelong learning

"My eyesight and hearing are weakened, but my brain is in perfect order. I am sure that my intellectual capabilities are now greater than they were in my youth, considering all my accumulated experience. The secret of life is to think constantly. And to stop thinking about yourself."

Rita Levy was a strong advocate of lifelong learning. She believed that keeping your brain active by learning new skills, gaining knowledge, and staying intellectually active could prevent cognitive decline. The learning process stimulates neural connections, increasing the brain’s plasticity and resilience. Whether you’re learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, or studying complex subjects, the key is to maintain a relentless curiosity.

Rita Levi received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine when she was 77 years old!

“If I had not been discriminated against or persecuted, I would not have received the Nobel Prize,” said Rita Levy.

Mental and physical activity

The saying “use it or lose it” is true for brain health. Rita Levy emphasized the importance of regular mental exercise along with physical exercise. Activities that challenge the mind, such as puzzles, strategy games, and reading, can keep the brain sharp.

At the same time, exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, providing it with essential nutrients and oxygen. Activities such as walking, swimming, and exercise benefit both the body and mind, promoting overall longevity.

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Try to remember more

There is a great exercise: before going to bed, try to recreate the entire day in detail. Remember what you did an hour ago, two hours, three… what phrases your relatives said to you, how much money you spent in the store, what clothes the woman who passed by was wearing. The more details you remember, the better. It will be very difficult in the first few days, but after a month you will be surprised at how easily you will be able to reproduce many details and subtleties.

Learn foreign languages

The more, the better. Learning foreign languages ​​broadens your horizons; the number of languages ​​you speak directly affects the depth of your intellect. You don’t have to strive for perfect knowledge of each of them. The main thing is mental gymnastics, which stimulates the formation of new neural connections in the brain. According to Rita Levy, just 20 minutes of study a day can have a significant impact.

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Don't be afraid of difficulties

Rita Levy's life was marked by serious difficulties and persecution because she was born into a Jewish family. She survived World War II, despite these obstacles, she maintained an optimistic and cheerful attitude.

She had a unique ability to see situations from an unusual perspective and felt gratitude for all of life's challenges, even when they seemed insurmountable.

She believed that a positive attitude and the ability to cope with adversity were essential to longevity. Cultivating resilience helps the brain cope with stress and recover from setbacks, promoting a healthier, more energetic mind.

"Above all, don't be afraid of difficulties. They bring out the best in us," said Rita Levy.

Determination and passion

Purposefulness and following one’s passions were central themes in Rita Levy’s philosophy. Activities that bring joy and satisfaction can stimulate the brain and give it meaning, which is vital for long-term mental health and longevity.

She said: "I tell young people: don't think about yourself, think about others. Think about the future that awaits you, think about what you can do, and don't be afraid of anything."

By nurturing our minds through ongoing learning, physical activity, social connections, resilience, and determination, we can pave the way to a longer, healthier, more fulfilling life. The brain is truly the key to our longevity.

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