“I feel as though I’m free from the virus, I hope,” shared 102-year-old bright and engaged Mrs. Ruth Anderson, after she received her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine recently. She expressed her thoughts in a short video.
Mrs. Anderson enjoys, and prospers at, the Arlington of Naples, which is a community with triple Blue Zones Project designation—home-owners association, worksite, and faith-based organization. She lives the Blue Zones philosophy every day. I know this fact because I was her doctor for many years. She was born in 1918 during the equally deadly Spanish Flu pandemic and does remember as a child learning about an aunt who was affected and survived.
Mrs. Anderson’s life story is intriguing for many reasons, seven of which are Blue Zones principles. During our patient-physician years together, I always marveled at Mrs. Anderson’s energy, personality, character, and creativity.
Although the Blue Zones Power 9® principles were yet to be defined during our patient/physician years, these positive traits spontaneously became apparent from Mrs. Anderson’s comments—having purpose, exercising by moving naturally, consuming a plant-slant diet, not overeating, enjoying family, maintaining friends, and drinking wine modestly. Here are some of Ruth’s delightful and sage comments.
Do you think your long life is due to your attitude?
Ruth: Maybe. I’m a happy person. My dad never said goodbye. He always said, "keep smiling." And maybe I take after him. My dad was a very positive person. My mother was a worrier. My father used to ask my mother, “What’s your worry for today?” I think I take more after my father in this respect.
Do you think we can teach those characteristics?
Ruth: Be a happy person. Look at the good side of things.
Do you see other people around you with that attitude?
Ruth: Most people here at The Arlington smile when you see them. We have very few grouchy people!
One of the ideas behind Blue Zones is purpose. Do you think having that sense of purpose, in addition to optimism and altruism, has helped?
Ruth: It may have because there’s always something new to think about or do.
The Blue Zones Project helps you live longer because...
Ruth: ...you eat better, you exercise. You become a well-rounded, well informed person. You like people.
What goals do you have going forward?
Ruth: Clean my apartment, get rid of old files...I make a to-do list. I don’t always get to everything, but I plan.
What about your diet?
Ruth: I try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. It’s not easy not being able to go shopping. I have a good friend who shops, and I send her what I want every other week. But I also love to go to Dunkin’ Donuts and get a cup of coffee and a munchkin—I haven’t been able to do that during the pandemic!
What would help all of us be healthy and live a long life?
Ruth: Have a hobby. When we first had the virus, I got a bunch of scraps of fabrics and made face masks. I love to sew! This was when face masks were harder to come by, so I made a lot of face masks for people here at The Arlington.
I know that you’re computer savvy. Do you have an Apple watch?
Ruth: Yes. It has a red circle that tells me if I’ve walked my quota.
You never really had any illnesses. What secrets do you have other than some occasional Manischewitz?
Ruth: I think it’s genes. My parents were healthy. 102 is a big number, but you know what? I feel good. I don’t feel like I’m 102. I can stand up without holding on! I was independent all my life (talking about her marriage).
When we grow up, we all want to be like Mrs. Anderson.
image credit: Ruth Anderson