Secrets of the World’s Oldest People: How to Live Longer and Happier

Many people dream of living to 100 years old, but only a few actually reach this milestone. No matter what physicians, dietitians, or wellness coaches suggest, there is no single guaranteed formula for longevity.

However, if you are going to put your faith in something, why not listen to the advice and habits of people who have already achieved this extraordinary goal? These men and women, many of them living well past 100, have shared their secrets to a long and fulfilling life. Their stories give us a fascinating look into healthy living, longevity secrets, and the habits that truly matter.

Travel While You Can

Old age does not always lend itself to easy travel, but Gladys Gough, a British woman who turned 103 in 2011, proved otherwise. She traveled the world while she was able. Her friend Jean Cross, age 84, said:

“She never married but has traveled to so many countries, I can’t think of many places she hasn’t been.”

Travel, curiosity, and an adventurous lifestyle clearly added richness to her years — a great reminder that experiences matter as much as years.

Eat What You Love — Even Bacon

Susannah Mushatt Jones, who lived to 116, swore by her love of bacon. Every morning she enjoyed bacon and eggs, a routine that lasted over a century. While it may not sound like a healthy lifestyle in the modern sense, her story shows that joy in eating may be just as important as strict dieting.

Eggs and Cookies for Longevity

Emma Morano, who lived to 117 and was once the world’s oldest living person, credited her longevity partly to her diet. Every day she ate two raw eggs, one cooked egg, and plenty of cookies. She had been eating eggs daily since the age of 20!

Even without teeth in her later years, she stuck to her habit, showing that consistency in nutrition can support a long life.

Stay Home and Rest Early

Morano also believed in staying home and going to bed early. She hadn’t left her apartment in 20 years. For her, a calm, quiet lifestyle free from stress was the real secret.

Work Hard and Stay Active

Hard work appears again and again in the stories of centenarians. Lumbreras fought in the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Jones worked on farms and as a nanny. Jessie Gallan, who died at 109, started working at age 13 as a milkmaid.

She explained:

“I always worked hard and seldom would I ever take a holiday.”

Staying active and dedicated gave them purpose — and purpose often leads to longevity.

Prioritize Rest and Naps

Healthy living also means rest. Kamato Hongo (died at 116) and Leandra Becerra Lumbreras (died at 127) loved to sleep. Hongo often slept so much her family fed her during naps. Regular rest and recovery may be more important than modern society admits.

Be Generous and Kind

Susannah Mushatt Jones wasn’t only about bacon — she was also remembered for her generosity. She baked cakes for guests, supported nieces’ education, and even created scholarships for students in Alabama.

Generosity, kindness, and giving back seem to play a powerful role in mental wellness, reducing stress and creating a sense of fulfillment.

Stay Single (Maybe)

Surprisingly, many of the oldest women in the world attributed their long lives to staying single.

• Leandra Becerra Lumbreras (127) credited her longevity to avoiding marriage and enjoying chocolate.

• Emma Morano left an abusive husband in 1938 and never remarried.

• Jessie Gallan said: “My secret to a long life has been staying away from men.”

• Gladys Gough (104) also believed her independence contributed to her longevity.

For them, freedom from stress in relationships seemed to be a key factor in healthy living.

Stay Relaxed and Calm

Not every centenarian worked hard. Mary Francis Carruba, who turned 100, shared a different approach:

“I was always a relaxed bird. That’s the secret to living longer – be relaxed and calm.”

This shows that peace of mind, balance, and avoiding unnecessary stress may be just as important as diet and exercise.

The Key Takeaways: Longevity Secrets for a Healthy Lifestyle

Looking at these stories, there isn’t one single path to living past 100. Some centenarians credit hard work, others rest. Some enjoy bacon, while others rely on eggs and cookies. Many highlight kindness, independence, calmness, and adventure.

Common themes stand out:

• Purpose and activity – keep moving, stay engaged.

• Healthy habits – whether diet or sleep, consistency matters.

• Low stress – calmness and balance are crucial.

• Joy and generosity – happiness and kindness fuel longevity.

Final Thoughts on Healthy Living and Longevity

There may never be one formula for how to live longer, but the wisdom of the world’s oldest people points us toward what truly matters: balance, joy, resilience, and peace of mind.

So whether your secret is bacon, naps, or staying away from stress — perhaps the real lesson is to live life your way, happily and fully.

What habit from these longevity secrets will you try to add to your own healthy lifestyle today?