When you hear of anyone reaching 100 years old it is almost second nature to ask 'What's your secret?', and usually they'll reply with something about what they eat every morning.
Having interviewed a few centenarians myself, the most bizarre response came from a British woman who told me her secret was reading murder mystery books - I guess it helps keep you all there upstairs.
Well, now 101-year-old Ruth Goldberg Jaskow has revealed her surprising eating habits which may well have enabled her to live a long life.
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The centenarian, who is a former teacher that lives in New York City, was married to Lou Jaskow, a World War II veteran, who passed away at the age of 103 in 2023 - and she now wants to 'beat' his age.
While longevity can partially come down to genetics, different lifestyle aspects can also play a part.
Speaking to Business Insider, Ruth shared her top tips.
Happiness
The New Yorker urged people to just go and enjoy their lives if they want to reach triple figures, explaining that she herself spends her free time seeing her family and making jewelry, which she enjoys.
In fact, there have been several studies that have concluded happy people are generally healthier - including a 2015 study on happiness and longevity in the US.
Keep active
"You just need to keep moving," Ruth said.
Even at her grand age, she still does a workout each day - having once been an avid dancer and tennis player in her younger years.
Eat what you want
Ruth shared that she has no special diet and doesn't eat anything in particular all the time - instead she consumes whatever she wants because she simply loves food.
Now, that's a diet I can wholeheartedly get behind.
Taking to Facebook to wish Ruth a happy birthday, her retirement home wrote: "Ruth Ella Goldberg Jaskow, at 101, is living proof that age is just a number.
"She met her late husband, Lou, at the tender age of 16 during a summer romance at Lake Mahopac. They married during World War II, and Ruth recalls her happiest day as the moment she saw Lou walking down the gangplank upon returning from the war.
"Ruth's positive outlook on life contributed to their 79 years of happiness together. The couple moved to Atria Rye Brook when she was 96 and Lou was 99. There, they celebrated their 77th anniversary among other happy occasions, sharing their lives until Louās passing at the age of 103."
The post concluded: "Now, Ruth continues her joyful life at Atria Rye Brook, starting each day with exercises that inspire those around her. Her vibrant spirit proves to us all that age truly is just a number."
Topics:Ā New York, Life, Health, Food and Drink
Joe Yates