Turning a century: how famous long-livers managed to prolong their youth

How to prolong youth? Doing what you love, healthy lifestyle and preserving childlike spontaneity – these and other secrets of longevity were told by celebrities who lived to be 100 years old.

Olivia de Havilland

The actress you may remember by the role of Melanie in the movie “Gone with the Wind”. Olivia lived a long life and died at the age of 104. Until the end of her life, she remained active, lived in her apartment in Paris, sometimes came out to communicate with journalists. The secret of her longevity – good genetics. Both parents of the actress were also long-lived, and her own sister Joan Fontaine died at the age of 96 years.

Here’s what Olivia de Havilland said about her longevity: “I would prefer to live forever in good health, but if I ever have to part with this life, I would like to do it on a chaise lounge, perfumed, dressed in a velvet robe and pearl earrings, with a glass of champagne next to and, just guessed the last word in the British crossword. For the rest of her life, Olivia groomed herself and kept a positive frame of mind.

Kirk Douglas

The famous actor Kirk Douglas passed away at the age of 104. After the 100th anniversary of the man gave an interview in which he revealed his secret of longevity. According to him, it’s all about his happy relationship with his wife Ann: “I am very lucky with her, we are in tune with the soul. You can not imagine how important it is. Although when we met, I was already 63 years old. I believe that our wonderful marriage and conversations at dawn and dusk have helped me live this long. Yes, I really have nothing to complain about.”

In his book “Good Luck” Kirk Douglas wrote that he never really followed his health: did not control the pressure, did not limit the diet. The actor suffered a stroke, after which he was partially paralyzed: there was broken speech, vision, motor functions. Kirk even thought of taking his own life, but then and realized that the most important thing – not to give up.

“When things get bad, always remember that it could be worse, so you’re not in the worst position,” Douglas said.

Until the end of his life, he remained optimistic and was considered one of the oldest bloggers.

Vladimir Zeldin

Vladimir Zeldin lived a long life and even in his old age continued to work and act in movies and TV series. The actor believed that the more a person works, the more he lives. However, Vladimir kept a balance in the work and allowed himself to rest: “You can not be a driven horse, in everything you need to know the measure. The only way to prolong the creative marathon – leave time for rest”.

The actor admits that he has always been a child at heart and retained a young spontaneity. Vladimir was in love and fascinating person, and it was not only about women, but also about life in principle.

The man never drank or smoked, so it was customary in the house of his parents. Zeldin often went for walks at the dacha in Serebryany Bor, and sometimes went to sanatoriums, if the work schedule allowed.

David Rockefeller

The grandson of the first dollar billionaire lived 101 years and survived seven heart transplants. David said that each new heart gave him new life. The man led an active lifestyle: after the first transplant, he went jogging a week later.

Rockefeller’s diet consisted of 75% vegetables. He woke up at seven and went to bed at nine. The day had a clear order and regularity. David traveled extensively, choosing the right climate for him. Because of heart transplants, he was constantly under the supervision of doctors who adjusted lifestyle, diet and intensity of physical activity.

Igor Moiseyev

The ballet dancer died at the 102nd year of life. In an interview, Igor Moiseyev answered questions about longevity: “There is a holy truth that Confucius expressed several thousand years ago – everything is good in moderation. It is important to realize that the time of youth, when you can get away with everything, will pass and you will definitely have to pay the bills”.

Also, according to the artists, the secret of longevity lies in doing what you love. “The greatest misfortune if a person lives all his life and does not love the work to which he is doomed,” he noted. The dancer even at an advanced age came to work and could perform some difficult pas. In addition, Igor had a hobby – chess. So he relaxed and “saved nerve cells”. The dancer believed that old age could be pushed back if you were not lazy, ate the right food and led a healthy lifestyle.