By John Salak –
Perhaps everyone has gotten this whole “how to live longer” thing all wrong. Yes, more people than ever are cruising past the century mark. The U.S. Census Bureau, in fact, now reports that there are about 100,000 Americans running about that are at least 100 years old—and this number is expected to surge well over 400,000 by 2054.
So, what’s the secret to hitting the 100 mark? Depends on who’s telling. Advances in medicine help. Another source suggested that keeping a person’s mind engaged through work, remaining connected to friends and family, being optimistic in the face of adversity and walking as often as possible were all keys to a long life.
Prevention Magazine offered a slightly different take that advocates for exercise, relaxing, being social, sleeping well and eating right. It’s admittedly hard to argue with any of the recommendations whether someone is looking to live past 100 or just live well at any age.
However—and there’s always a however—an Alabama woman with impeccable qualifications served up another recipe for reaching 100 and beyond. Helen Denmark, who recently turned 108, attributed her longevity and perpetual youthful disposition to “drinking wine, eating dessert and flirting.”
Denmark was also quite specific about her flirtatious targets. Not just any man would do. She focuses on men with mustaches.
The concoction apparently suits her well. She noted at a birthday party in her honor that she feels strong and healthy—and has no plans on checking out anytime soon.
“Well, I feel all right,” she told a local television station. “I’ll be here when I’m 110.”
All this means that there will be more wine, dessert and flirting with whiskered men in her future.
