Woman, 100, from New York shares her longevity habits: blueberries, dancing and optimism

Natalie Gregere, an American woman who will soon turn 101, has shared the habits she believes helped her live a long life, according to a report by the US outlet "Today". Born in New York in 1925, she worked as a telephone operator and now lives in a senior care facility in Englewood. Her story draws interest because it combines everyday habits that research links with health and longevity.

Life and outlook

Gregere married at 21 and spent 68 years with her husband. The couple had two children, and she now has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In October she plans a birthday party with mushroom pizza.

Asked about the secret to longevity, she says she has no idea, but believes in accepting life as it is and enjoying it.

Diet

She starts each day with blueberries, which dietitian Samantha Cassetty names among the healthiest fruits. Blueberry consumption is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes and to better cognitive function. Gregere also eats apples and avocado but follows no specific diet.

She loves dark chocolate and also bacon, which she regularly eats with two fried eggs and an English muffin. Dr. Thomas Perls, who leads the New England Centenarian Study, has explained that long-lived people often have a rare combination of protective genes, so their example does not apply to everyone.

Dance, hobbies and stress

Gregere loves ballroom dancing and danced at home with her husband every Sunday. The US National Library of Medicine says dancing supports heart health, balance and mood and may reduce dementia risk.

She learned to knit in childhood and for most of her life made blankets, hats and sweaters, giving it up a couple of years ago because of hand problems. Now she plays solitaire on an iPad and canasta with friends. She tries not to dwell on difficulties and considers herself an optimist; studies link optimism with reaching age 85 or more.