Introduction: Living beyond 100 or even 110 years, reaching centenarian or supercentenarian status, is no easy feat. Nonetheless, recent studies have been delving into the science of aging—how to slow it down, cope with it, and, most importantly, surpass a century of life with good health. Numerous habits are associated with a long and fulfilling life, with some being more well-known than others. While diet, exercise, and stress management are widely recognized, there are additional, less conventional practices contributing to longevity. One centenarian, Katie MacRae, recently shared her insights with Business Insider after celebrating her 106th birthday, highlighting an unusual but beneficial habit: gardening.
Katie MacRae’s Perspective: Centenarian Katie MacRae doesn’t claim any particular secret to a long life, but she firmly believes in “living life to the fullest,” a principle she has adhered to throughout her existence. Born on the outskirts of London in 1917 amid the turmoil of World War I, MacRae began her professional life as a secretary at the age of 15. Later, she and her husband moved to Australia in 1965, following their son, where she continues to reside. After her husband’s passing, MacRae spent 18 years in a retirement village and subsequently moved to a non-profit nursing home operated by Bolton Clarke in Queensland in August of the current year. When asked for specific advice on reaching such an advanced age, her response was simple: “my advice is to live life to the fullest, smile, and just enjoy whatever comes your way.”
Factors Contributing to MacRae’s Longevity: While genetics likely played a significant role in MacRae’s long life, coupled with the decision not to smoke, she shared four lifestyle factors that she believes contributed to her centenarian status.
- Gardening: For MacRae, gardening has been a fundamental part of her life since childhood, helping her father when they moved to a house with a garden. She even won a gardening competition in her neighborhood at the age of 12-13. Working in her garden has been a lifelong commitment, and she planted “all” the plants in the elderly care center, winning the Best in Grow competition for her English garden.
It’s worth noting that gardening is a key pastime for many residents of Okinawa, one of the renowned Blue Zones located in Japan. Renowned researcher Dan Buettner suggests that gardening could be beneficial for achieving a long life, as it facilitates natural physical exercise, exposure to sunlight for vitamin D, and provides fresh vegetables.
- Lawn Bowling: MacRae frequently engages in lawn bowling, a game similar to bocce. She plans to install a mat at her current residence soon to socialize even more with fellow residents; “even people in wheelchairs can play,” she asserts. Regular exercise is crucial for a longer and healthier life, and it doesn’t necessarily require a gym. Walking, using stairs, or participating in group sports, such as lawn bowling, is sufficient and has shown associations with longevity.
- Working and Staying Occupied: MacRae worked as a secretary for a significant part of her life in both the UK and Australia before retiring to a property she owned with her husband, keeping her occupied. After retiring, she also took on roles in the committee of her retirement residence, organizing shows and excursions.
Ultimately, MacRae kept her brain active, a key factor for her longevity. Recent evidence suggests that staying active and engaged is common among centenarians and supercentenarians.
- Keep Smiling: MacRae’s most significant advice is to “just smile, be happy, and enjoy life.” While it may sound like an overly optimistic piece of advice, research on centenarians has found that these individuals tend to focus on the positive aspects of their lives, express gratitude, and nurture their relationships.
Conclusion: In conclusion, MacRae’s remarkable journey to 106 years offers insights into unconventional yet impactful habits contributing to a long and fulfilling life. From gardening and lawn bowling to staying occupied and maintaining a positive outlook, these habits align with a growing body of research on longevity. MacRae’s story serves as a testament to the multifaceted approach one can take to not just living long but living well.
Keywords: longevity, centenarian, lifestyle factors, gardening, lawn bowling, staying active, positive outlook, unconventional habits, Okinawa, Blue Zones, Dan Buettner, aging science.
