About the Author and Her Centenarian Father
Courtesy of Louisa Rogers
Louisa Rogers, the author of this piece, shares the story of her centenarian father who recently passed away at the age of 101. Despite his age, he lived a remarkably healthy life by following the principles outlined in the Blue Zones. Inspired by his example, Louisa incorporates these habits into her own life, striving to achieve the same longevity.
The Healthy Habits Passed Down
The practices my father followed throughout his life were in line with the principles of the Blue Zones, as described by Dan Buettner in his book “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.” He prioritized moderation in his eating habits, engaged in regular exercise, and minimized stress. These lifestyle choices played a significant role in his well-being and longevity.
Incorporating Healthy Habits into My Life
As his daughter, I have adopted many of my father’s practices, making them a part of my own daily routine. One of his favorite sayings was “Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” He followed the advice of stopping eating when he was 80% full. While I have struggled with overeating in the past, I have learned to prioritize my health and eat in moderation. My diet consists mainly of plant-based foods, with occasional fish, and I indulge in junk food sparingly. I also tend to have a lighter meal in the evenings. In terms of alcohol consumption, I enjoy two glasses of wine as my guilty pleasure.
Physical activity was a significant part of my father’s life. He was an avid hiker, backpacker, and runner before transitioning to an exercise bicycle and treadmill in his later years. I have followed in his footsteps and developed a love for various forms of exercise, becoming what I like to call an “adult-onset fitness lover.” From walking long-distance routes around the world to bike riding and paddleboarding, I find immense pleasure in being physically active. Like many centenarians, I have also integrated movement into my daily routine, walking instead of driving whenever possible.
Stress reduction is another crucial aspect of the Blue Zone principles. Despite experiencing significant loss in his life, my father remained resilient and sought companionship through remarriage. I have also learned the importance of minimizing stress, finding solace in activities such as walking, journaling, talking to friends, and meditating.
Centenarians often have a strong sense of purpose, and my father was no exception. He actively engaged in his community, participating in interfaith groups and volunteering internationally. I, too, have found purpose in connecting with others, learning, and pursuing creative outlets like writing, cooking, and painting. During my time in Mexico, I also dedicate a significant portion of my time to volunteering and speaking Spanish.
Maintaining strong connections with family and friends is yet another key aspect of longevity. Even though my father lived far from his children, he made the effort to visit frequently and stay in regular contact. Similarly, I prioritize staying connected with my own family despite the distance. Additionally, I actively seek out new friendships, recognizing that closeness with others may be unexpectedly lost due to various circumstances.
While spirituality is not a universal characteristic among centenarians, my father’s lack of strong faith did not hinder his longevity. I, on the other hand, adopt the mindset of a faithful believer, finding comfort in writing notes to a higher power and seeking guidance during times of struggle.
Ultimately, there are no guarantees in life, and even healthy individuals may face challenges. However, by adopting these lifestyle practices, I aim to optimize my chances of a long and fulfilling life. Furthermore, these habits bring me joy and enhance my overall well-being, making them worth pursuing.
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