**How Centenarians Are Outsmarting Aging—And What You Can Steal From Them**
Centenarians—people who live past 100—aren’t just lucky. They’ve cracked a code that blends lifestyle, mindset, and community. Here’s what researchers and the oldest among us say really works:
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### **1. Move Naturally (No Gym Required)**
Forget marathons or weightlifting. Centenarians in Sardinia stay active by doing daily tasks like herding sheep, making cheese, or walking steep village paths[1]. The key? Movement is built into their routines. Antonangelo, 91, milks his flock every morning and says work keeps him alive[1]. **Steal this:** Walk more, take stairs, garden—make movement a habit, not a chore.
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### **2. Eat Like Your Great-Grandparents**
Blue Zones like Sardinia and Okinawa thrive on simple diets: local vegetables, beans, whole grains, and minimal meat[4][5]. Processed foods? Rarely on the menu. These meals are packed with nutrients but low in sugar and artificial additives[4]. **Steal this:** Cook at home using fresh ingredients; prioritize plants over packaged snacks.
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### **3. Stress Less (Yes, Really)**
Two centenarians aged 100 and 101 swear their secret is avoiding stress by focusing on joy and social connections[3]. In Blue Zones like Icaria (Greece), people nap regularly and prioritize downtime[4]. **Steal this:** Build daily rituals to unwind—tea time with friends or reading a book can be your “stress reset.”
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### **4. Find Your Tribe**
Strong relationships are non-negotiable for longevity experts like Dr Nir Barzilai[2], who studies centenarian genes but also emphasizes community ties as critical for aging well[2][5]. In Sardinia’s villages families live together for generations; Carolina credits her longevity to staying close to her children[1][5]. **Steal this:** Invest time in family dinners or weekly calls with friends who lift you up emotionally rather than drain you energetically!
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### **5 Live With Purpose (“Ikigai” Or Bust)**
Okinawans call it *ikigai* – having a reason to wake up each day whether it’s gardening volunteering mentoring younger generations etc.[4] Similarly Giuseppino at age still walks everywhere because he believes staying engaged keeps him young![1] **Steal this**: Identify what gives your life meaning then structure days around those activities even small ones count!
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While genetics play some role especially early in life most centenarians prove environment matters more than DNA![1][2] Start small: add one plant-based meal walk instead of drive call someone you love today…because aging isn’t about adding years to life but life to years!