From 'eating delicious things' to avoiding marriage, these are the secrets to a long life, according to people who lived beyond 100

Zoë EttingerApr 29, 2020, 22:56 IST

Emma Morano and Alexander Imich both lived over 110 years.Olivier Morin/AFP/Getty Images/Mike Segar/Reuters

These 12 people each lived for more than a century, and they all had different theories on what helped them live so long.
Emma Morano, from Italy, lived to be 117, and credited her long life to a diet that consisted of two raw eggs a day.
At 109, Jessie Gallan was Scotland's oldest living person until her death in 2015. She said that her secret was good exercise and avoiding men — she never married.
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Though improved medical care and knowledge has helped people live longer and healthier lives, there still aren't many that live beyond a century. According to a recent study, just 0.0173% of Americans live to 100.

These people from around the world have all lived well beyond that, beating the odds to achieve long lives. Each centenarian or super-centenarian (those who live beyond 110) on our list shared their tips for longevity.

From daily eating habits to exercise routines, these are their tips for a long life.

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Susannah Mushatt Jones was the world's oldest person until her death in 2016. She swore by bacon as one of her secrets to longevity.

Susannah Mushatt Jones on her 113th birthday in 2012. Debbie Egan-Chin/NY Daily News/Getty Images

Reaching 122, Jeanne Calment is officially recorded as the oldest person to have ever lived. She credited her long life to olive oil, cigarettes, chocolate, and wine.

Jeanne Calment in France in 1996. Pascal Parrot/Sygma/Getty Images

According to his documents, Mbah Gotho lived to be 146. He said he had "a long life because I have people that love me looking after me."

Mbah Gotho at his home in Java, Indonesia, in 2016. Jefta Images/Barcroft Media/Getty Images

Jiroemon Kimura was the world's oldest person until his death in 2013. His slogan was "eat less and live long." He also kept sharp by reading the news daily.

Jiroemon Kimura celebrating being the oldest man in Japan in 2009. The Asahi Shimbun/Getty Images

Bernardo LaPallo lived beyond 100 and said "obedience and moderation" contributed to his long life. He also said rubbing his "body down with olive oil" and crossword puzzles kept him healthy.

Bernando LaPallo, right, greets Derek Jeter in 2013. Paul J. Bereswill/AP Images

Bernardo LaPallo lived beyond 100 and said "obedience and moderation" contributed to his long life. He also said rubbing his "body down with olive oil" and crossword puzzles kept him healthy.

Jeralean Talley was the world's oldest person before her death in 2015. She said that her faith and pork helped her reach such an old age.

Jeralean Talley at the Ford Freedom Awards in 2015. Monica Morgan/WireImage/Getty Images

Duranord Veillard lived to 111, and was married for over 80 years. He credited healthy eating and doing five to seven push-ups daily.

Duranord Veillard at his home in Rockland County, New York. Lohud News

Alexander Imich was a Holocaust survivor and the world's oldest man before his death in June 2014. He credited his longevity to "good genes" and exercise.

Alexander Imich at his home in New York City on May 9, 2014. Mike Segar/Reuters

At 109, Jessie Gallan was Scotland's oldest living person. Her secret to long life was avoiding men. "They're just more trouble than they're worth," she said.

Jessie Gallan was Scotland's oldest resident. STV News

116-year-old Gertrude Weaver said her secret to long life was kindness. "Treat people right and be nice to other people the way you want them to be nice to you," she said.

Gertrude Weaver in Camden, Arkansas, on July 3, 2014. Danny Johnston/AP Images

116-year-old Gertrude Weaver said her secret to long life was kindness. "Treat people right and be nice to other people the way you want them to be nice to you," she said.

Emma Morano was the world's oldest living person from 2016 until her death at age 117 in 2017. She ate two raw eggs a day and loved cookies.

Emma Morano in Verbania, Italy, in 2016. Olivier Morin/AFP/Getty Images

Misao Okawa was the world's oldest living person until her death at age 117 in 2015. "Eating delicious things is a key to my longevity," she said.

Misao Okawa celebrating her 115 birthday. Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images

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From 'eating delicious things' to avoiding marriage, these are the secrets to a long life, according to people who lived beyond 100

Susannah Mushatt Jones was the world's oldest person until her death in 2016. She swore by bacon as one of her secrets to longevity.

Reaching 122, Jeanne Calment is officially recorded as the oldest person to have ever lived. She credited her long life to olive oil, cigarettes, chocolate, and wine.

According to his documents, Mbah Gotho lived to be 146. He said he had "a long life because I have people that love me looking after me."

Jiroemon Kimura was the world's oldest person until his death in 2013. His slogan was "eat less and live long." He also kept sharp by reading the news daily.

Bernardo LaPallo lived beyond 100 and said "obedience and moderation" contributed to his long life. He also said rubbing his "body down with olive oil" and crossword puzzles kept him healthy.

Jeralean Talley was the world's oldest person before her death in 2015. She said that her faith and pork helped her reach such an old age.

Duranord Veillard lived to 111, and was married for over 80 years. He credited healthy eating and doing five to seven push-ups daily.

Alexander Imich was a Holocaust survivor and the world's oldest man before his death in June 2014. He credited his longevity to "good genes" and exercise.

At 109, Jessie Gallan was Scotland's oldest living person. Her secret to long life was avoiding men. "They're just more trouble than they're worth," she said.

116-year-old Gertrude Weaver said her secret to long life was kindness. "Treat people right and be nice to other people the way you want them to be nice to you," she said.

Emma Morano was the world's oldest living person from 2016 until her death at age 117 in 2017. She ate two raw eggs a day and loved cookies.

Misao Okawa was the world's oldest living person until her death at age 117 in 2015. "Eating delicious things is a key to my longevity," she said.