Meet Miriam Todd.
She has a secret to getting the best out of life.
We’ll tell you what it is in a second, but first, it’s important to know that Miriam is a 100-year-old from New Jersey who works 50 hours, six days a week, at her family’s furniture store office and has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Born in 1924, Miriam started working at Nehlig’s Furniture, which her parents founded in 1929. She worked there for a few years in the 40s before getting married. After being a stay-at-home mother until 1975, she resumed her role at the furniture store. Mrs.Todd was married for 51 years until her husband passed away in 1995. She continues to drive, do all her grocery shopping, and cook from scratch for herself and her son.
Her secret?
Simple.
She says, “I try to eat right, sleep right, and live right.”
Her granddaughter adds that “she’s very conscientious about getting her fruits and vegetables” and “her plate is always multi-colored.“
When she’s craving a treat, she satisfies her sweet tooth with dark chocolate, which helps reduce heart risk and improve brain function.
She credits her longevity to consuming six key foods: tomato, zucchini, sauerkraut, pepper, cucumber, and yellow squash. Mrs.Todd eats fresh and organic produce, avoids fried and fast foods, typically steers clear of alcohol, and has never smoked. Apart from visiting an eye specialist for macular degeneration, she hasn’t visited a doctor in years.
The 100-year-old enjoys swimming in the family pool and gardening and stays active throughout the day due to her work. She believes in continuing to work and feels guilty when she enjoys what she’s doing. Mrs.Todd also attributes her “optimistic outlook” on life as one of the reasons for her happiness and health.
We hope all of that sounds familiar because it’s the same thing Joe used to say on the radio, and the same thing Dante & Joey are saying on Generation Health! Eat your colors. Move your body. Have a reason to stay engaged!
Miriam is mindful of the challenges young people face today and advises them to save instead of spending with a credit card. She celebrated her 100th birthday last month and was surprised by a customer who brought a chocolate cake decorated with tiny furniture into the store in her honor.
Sources:
https://askjoedimatteo.com/summer-yum/
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/choose-dark-chocolate-for-your-heart
https://www.healthline.com/health/senior-health/your-guide-to-staying-active-in-older-adulthood
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/positive-attitude-about-aging-could-boost-health/