Thirty minutes of exercise 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.
As he turns 99, a Waterloo resident with an iron memory continues to adopt exemplary lifestyle habits and calls approximately 300 people each year on their birthday.
“I’m still careful not to eat too many desserts, otherwise I’ll gain weight!” confides Léonide Berger with a laugh, who still has a “big appetite” at his venerable age.
A few days from his 99e birthday, on January 17, the resident of Waterloo in Estrie embodies the dream of many Quebecers to live a long and healthy life. Met in his CHSLD, this former insurance broker stands straight as a rod and moves easily.
“It’s my doctor who wants me to take the walker, to avoid breaking my hip,” he admits before letting go of it to show that he can walk alone.
Even though he is still independent, Mr. Berger has lived in a CHSLD since last year. He moved there to be with his wife (his second) who was at the end of her life.
Goal: stay active
Dean of his residence, Mr. Berger has a vigor that contrasts with that of his neighbors, most of whom are no longer independent.
“I walk at least 30 to 40 minutes a day. I have a goal, I want to stay active!”, he insists.
Impressive fact: he calls his loved ones (families, friends, former clients) every year at their party and wedding anniversary.
“I make seven to eight calls a week! I have it all in my notebook. It makes me happy,” explains the man who has been singing in choirs for 65 years.
-Father of two children and grandfather four times, he still adopts an exemplary lifestyle: exercises and walking every day, a diet rich in vegetables, reading and singing.
“I’ve always eaten a lot of carrots, that’s why my eyesight is still good!” laughs Mr. Berger.
Exemplary lifestyle habits
Throughout his life, the man admits to having had very good lifestyle habits. He never drank alcohol and always remained active.
“Life is beautiful. We have to see the good days ahead of the rest of us and we have to put our all into it,” believes the old man.
Photo Héloïse Archambault
Although he takes some medications, Mr. Berger has never had a serious illness. He hopes to become a centenarian, but not at any cost.
“I live one day at a time so as not to worry about anything. I want to make it to 100 as long as I’m healthy. If I have to spend months in the hospital, I prefer to leave before,” he says wisely.
