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Lessons in Longevity:
What Centenarians Teach Us About Living Well
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO LIVE PAST 
100? The answer can be found in the 
daily habits of our centenarians, who 
demonstrate how social engagement, 
regular exercise and brain-healthy nutrition 
work together to support both longevity 
and quality of life.
According to the Pew Research Center, 
there are approximately 672,000 to 722,000 
centenarians worldwide, with roughly 70,000 
to 100,000 living in the United States. The 
centenarian population is surging, driven by 
advances in longevity and improvements in 
global healthcare and sanitation.
As the “Un-Retirement community,” Hillcrest 
has a rich history of being home to many 
residents in their 90s and beyond. In 2025, 
eight residents over 100 years old were living 
at Hillcrest, and together, they embody the 
community’s mission of fostering longevity, 
purpose and connection.
Staying engaged with a community helps 
foster a sense of belonging and purpose, 
reduces stress and keeps the mind active. 
Seeking out activities, groups and friendships 
that match your interests and personality can 
be more challenging for older adults, but it 
only takes one or two meaningful connections 
to keep sharp.
A growing number of seniors are also 
going back to school through continuing 
education classes. Many senior communities 
are located near universities, like the 
University of La Verne, which offer classes, 
volunteer opportunities and shared 
learning experiences. And this helps older 
adults find opportunities to connect with 
younger generations.
Just as building relationships contributes 
to healthy aging, supporting cognitive 
health is another important component of 
longevity. Food is medicine, as we’ve heard 
for years, and consuming healthy foods 
daily is important. The Mediterranean-DASH 
Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, 
or MIND diet, is an easily followed, science-
based approach to supporting cognitive 
health through nutrition.
Eating brain-healthy foods at breakfast, lunch 
and dinner, such as leafy greens, berries, 
whole grains, nuts, lean proteins and olive oil, 
helps support cognitive wellness and overall 
quality of life. 
Alongside social connection and brain-healthy 
nutrition, physical activity remains one of 
the most important predictors of healthy 
aging. Regular movement helps maintain 
strength, mobility and overall well-being while 
reducing the risk of chronic disease. Find 
programs tailored to your interests, including 
aquatic exercise, strength training and seated 
movement classes. Daily walking, taking 
the stairs and stretching are all important 
components of longevity.
The increase in the number of centenarians in 
the U.S. and around the world is not slowing 
down. The Pew Research Center projects that 
the number of Americans aged 100 and older 
will quadruple in the next three decades, 
reaching about 422,000 by 2054.
Here are some highlights and words of 
wisdom from Hillcrest’s centenarians:
At 100 years old, Joe Schechter remembers 
this meaningful quote from his pastor: 
“The people that matter don’t mind and 
the people that mind don’t matter.”
Ruth Walker Kurtz, who is 107 years old, 
celebrated her 90th birthday by going up 
in a hot air balloon with her family. She 
feels that family connection keeps her 
going, noting, “They still call me or visit 
every day. I really appreciate that.”
Margery Spillman still drives her red 
Cadillac at 104 years old. She said, “I do 
not let rules get in my way.”
At 103, Graham Lovelace remembers his 
career as a teacher and the principles he 
tried to instill in his students: “I tried to 
show my students they have self-worth 
and that each is really a good person.”
While each centenarian has followed a unique 
path to longevity, their stories share several 
common themes: meaningful relationships, 
a sense of purpose and daily habits that 
support both physical and cognitive health.
They remind us of the importance of kindness 
and respect toward one another.
They share their secrets to longevity, such as 
healthy eating, staying active and maintaining 
a positive attitude.
They emphasize the value of family and 
community, which resonates deeply with us 
at Hillcrest.
Today’s centenarians are living reminders that 
healthy aging is built through connection, 
purpose, good nutrition, physical activity 
and a supportive community. Their stories 
continue to inspire other residents, families 
and staff alike while offering valuable lessons 
on how to live well at every age.
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