The Secret to Living to 100-According to Centenarians

**The Secret to Living to 100—According to Those Who’ve Done It**

What’s the real key to hitting triple digits? Forget strict diets and grueling workouts—at least, that’s what centenarians themselves say. From Sardinia’s villages[1] to interviews with lively 100-year-olds[2][4], here’s what those who’ve lived a century swear by:

### “Do everything wrong” (and other surprising advice)
One 100-year-old woman laughs off conventional wisdom: *“Don’t have diet Coke—have regular Coke! Don’t exercise. And most importantly, don’t worry.”* She enjoys coffee, ice cream daily, and even alcohol occasionally[2]. Another centenarian skips rigid routines entirely: *“I eat anything and everything”* while prioritizing theater outings and dancing[4].

### Happiness first
All three women interviewed—aged 90, 100, and 101—agree: **joyful living beats strict rules**. They credit their longevity to reading books (up to two daily!), socializing with friends, and avoiding stress at all costs[2][4]. As one puts it: *“Stay happy. Life isn’t worth stressing over.”*

### Morning rituals matter
Recent studies of centenarians highlight simple daily habits:
– **Hydrate immediately**: Many drink warm water or lemon water upon waking[3].
– **Move naturally**: Think walks or gardening—not gym sessions[3][5].
– **Pause before rushing**: Meditation or prayer helps them start days calmly[3].

### The hidden factor nobody talks about
Dr. Nir Barzilai, who studies centenarians globally, notes genetics play a role but emphasizes their **resilience against stress**[5]. This aligns perfectly with the women who say avoiding worry is their top secret[2][4]. Whether it’s dancing through hardships or laughing off life’s chaos, their mindset seems crucial.

So what can we learn? While science still debates diet specifics (Sardinia’s longevity might involve local nutrition)[1], these centenarians prove attitude matters most. As one wisely says: *“Eat the cake. Hug your friends. And stop counting calories.”*