"We Don't Look Like Old Ladies." Simple Advice From Centenarian Sisters on How to Live Long

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Sisters who have lived for a long time, aged 103 and 106, shared tips on how to maintain a strong spirit and a thirst for life in old age. How to live long and keep your mind sharp.

Ruth Swidler, 103, who lives in Connecticut, has remarkable ability and effortlessly holds conversations on contemporary topics for long periods of time. She speaks proudly of herself, stating, "I don't sound like an old lady. I never talk like an old woman."

"My doctor loves to talk to me," says Ruth Swidler. "He says, 'You're amazing.' And I say, 'Because I'm an old, long-lived woman?' And he says, 'No! Because you're interesting.'"

Likewise, her 106-year-old sister Shirley Hodes shares this sentiment, expressing a keen interest in lifelong learning and reading.

Shirley says: "I don't feel old, that's true."

These two remarkable women are defying age with their sharp minds and zest for life. At 106 and 103, these extraordinary sisters hold the keys to maintaining mental clarity and zest for life well into old age. What’s their secret, you ask? Let’s dive into their invaluable insights on how to stay sharp as time goes on.

4 tips from long-lived women:

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1. Connect with other people. Maintain relationships at any age.

According to Shirley and Ruth, maintaining meaningful relationships is more than just a source of joy, it's a cornerstone of health.

Both Shirley and Ruth speak enthusiastically about the importance of family and especially a good marriage.

"There's nothing better than this," says Ruth. "How wonderful it is to love and be loved."

"I was very lucky. My husband was easy to get along with," Shirley says. Up until his death, they had a "great relationship."

"The people around you, your friends, your relatives, your family," she adds, "have a huge influence on you. That's what you'll remember most."

Although Ruth’s husband also passed away, other close relationships she maintained lasted for decades. “I like having friends. I like people,” she says. The former president of her congregation still visits, she says, as does the rabbi.

"Curiosity keeps your mind active and busy," says Shirley.

"Some people are not interested in anyone but themselves, I'm not like that. I've always been interested in hearing people's stories, their backstory. They're full of surprises," she says.

“People love to talk about themselves,” adds Ruth. “Just give them a chance to open up.”

Sisters Shirley Hodes and Ruth Swidler

2. Work

Both sisters stopped working after 70 years of age.

If you're lucky enough to have a job you enjoy, it's definitely a path to a long life, says Ruth.

While life presents many uncontrollable circumstances, prioritizing activities that bring happiness is of paramount importance.

3. Explore and be curious

Ruth's favorite pastimes are those that excite her or give her interesting ideas. When she was younger, she loved going to the theater with her friends. "We saw some great plays!" she says.

"I don't watch TV except for the news," she says. "I love reading! It's my passion."

"Older people can become self-absorbed when they have illnesses and things like that. It can make it difficult to want to learn, to want to learn new things," Shirley says.

Her thirst for knowledge led her to take an auditing course at a local college once she retired. Although she had to sit in the front row to see and hear the instructor, she excelled in the class and became one of the best.

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Art and literature have also broadened her horizons. “I have some great favorite books,” she says. Lately, she’s been listening to nonfiction audiobooks about elephants, Jews, and American opera singer Jessye Norman. “They’re very different from my background. There’s always something new to learn!” she says.

The sisters advocate continuous learning and exploration as a means of keeping the mind active. They emphasize the importance of taking on new challenges, from solving puzzles and reading to learning new languages ​​and playing strategy games. Ruth's lifelong love of reading, coupled with Shirley's openness to new experiences, are testament to their commitment to lifelong learning.

4. Appreciate life and be grateful for everything

Shirley never had the chance to go to college when she was little. It's one of her regrets. She and Ruth were the youngest of eight children in a cramped apartment. Their parents were immigrants who barely survived.

"We had to give up a lot because there were so many of us," she says.

However, she acknowledges that “you can’t have everything,” and “when you have something to be grateful for, you shouldn’t forget about it.”

"My secret? I am a happy person. Although I have had illnesses and problems, I have overcome them," she says. "I have decent health, I enjoy my health, I am grateful for the wonderful life. This makes me go on."

Ruth is currently unable to travel or walk much. Although she used to walk several kilometers every day, her mobility is now limited, so she cannot go outside every day.

But she is grateful for what she has. “Luckily, I can still read,” she says, “and I read wonderful things.”

Shirley agrees. “If you want to live a long and healthy life, be grateful,” she says.

Despite life's inevitable challenges, both Shirley and Ruth emphasize the power of gratitude and a positive outlook in maintaining health.

What do you think about this? What do you like to do? What brings you happiness? Are you ready to live to 100 years?