Thirty minutes of sport a day, protein at every meal, a circle of friends: it is possible to stay healthy until age 100. The Journal offers you simple and realistic tips for fending off illness and the secrets of centenarians about their longevity.
At 103 years old, Montrealer Janine Valois is still a formidable card player, an activity that keeps her alert and lit.
“We play Skip-Bo and she snaps at us!” says his son, Louis Valois, while his mother laughs at his side.
Concentrated, the centenarian never misses an opportunity to place her cards, numbered from 1 to 12, to beat her loved ones with whom she plays a few games a week, he says.
“I like playing that,” explains the resident of LaSalle in Montreal. I played Scrabble for a long time too, but I’m no longer capable of words today.”
Photo Hugo Duchaine
Mme Valois said she was very surprised to reach the age of 103 and she has no miracle recipe to share. “I don’t know why they keep me here,” she confides mockingly.
Despite a few ailments, including scoliosis which makes it difficult to move around, she has always maintained good health. Married for 50 years, she has been widowed for over 30 years.
Well surrounded
She remains well surrounded by her children, three of whom are still alive, her eight grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
For her 100th birthday, the whole family gathered at the Le Cavalier residence where she lives. His son, Louis, bassist and one of the founding members of the band Harmonium, even did a show.
“She was a wonderful mother,” praises Louis Valois, proud of his mother.
Having lived all her life in the southwest of Montreal, Janine Valois remembers the time when Newman Boulevard was just a dirt road or when the first cars began to drive there.
The latter nevertheless misses the less hectic pace of life of her youth. “Sundays were long! Life was slower,” remarks the eldest.
