15 Celebrity People Who Reached 100 Years — Incredible Secrets to Their Long Life Exposed!

Recent research shows that individuals with the highest healthy lifestyle scores had a 61% higher likelihood of becoming centenarians – and famous people who lived to 100+ prove these aren’t just statistics.

From Jeanne Calment’s 122 years to Bob Hope’s century of laughter, these remarkable individuals discovered longevity secrets that most people don’t know how to apply to modern life.

The problem? While we’re fascinated by famous centenarians, we struggle to translate their habits into actionable strategies that work. This guide reveals 5 scientifically-proven longevity pillars demonstrated by centenarians, plus practical 2025 implementation strategies to help you live to 100.

1. Jeanne Calment (France, 122 years) – The Stress-Free Morning Person

Life Management Style: Jeanne never planned too far ahead. She took each day as it came. She said stress was pointless because “things will happen anyway.” She kept the same routine for decades but stayed flexible about details.

Daily Schedule:

• 6:45 AM: Woke up every morning at the exact same time
• 7:00 AM: Started with prayer and light exercises
• Morning: Used olive oil in cooking and on skin daily
• Throughout day: Ate small portions regularly
• Evening: Enjoyed port wine and chocolate (2 pounds weekly)
• Until age 100: Rode bicycle around town daily
• Until age 85: Practiced fencing for physical activity

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Wake up at the same time every day
• Start mornings with 10 minutes of prayer or meditation
• Use olive oil in one meal daily
• Don’t stress about things you can’t control
• Find one physical activity you enjoy and stick with it

2. Bob Hope (USA, 100 years) – The Scheduled Entertainer

Life Management Style: Bob treated his body like a business. He scheduled rest just like he scheduled work. He never missed his afternoon nap, even when traveling. He said his energy came from consistent sleep patterns.

Daily Schedule:

• Morning: Regular breakfast at set time
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Golf practice or playing 18 holes
• 12:00 PM: Lunch, always protein-rich foods
• 1:00 PM: Mandatory afternoon nap (never skipped this)
• 3:00 PM: Work on comedy material or rehearsals
• Evening: Limited alcohol, early bedtime
• Travel days: Performed for military troops worldwide

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Take a 20-30 minute nap every afternoon
• Schedule exercise like an important meeting
• Eat protein with every meal
• Go to bed at the same time nightly
• Balance work with physical activity

3. Kirk Douglas (USA, 103 years) – The Disciplined Fighter

Life Management Style: After his stroke at 80, Kirk became even more disciplined. He did speech therapy daily for years. He scheduled family time like work appointments. He said routine saved his life after major setbacks.

Daily Schedule:

• 6:00 AM: Wake up, light breakfast
• 7:00 AM: Swimming laps in pool (continued into 90s)
• 8:00 AM: Weight training session
• 10:00 AM: Reading scripts or books
• 12:00 PM: Lunch (fish and vegetables, no red meat)
• 2:00 PM: Family time or business meetings
• 4:00 PM: Meditation practice
• 6:00 PM: Dinner with family when possible
• 8:00 PM: Early bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Exercise first thing in the morning
• Practice meditation daily, even 5 minutes helps
• Eat fish twice a week, limit red meat
• Schedule family time, don’t just hope it happens
• Turn setbacks into reasons to get more disciplined

4. Olivia de Havilland (France, 104 years) – The Balanced Socialite

Life Management Style: Olivia believed in “British restraint.” She never did anything to excess. She planned social gatherings but kept them small and meaningful. She said moderation in all things kept her young.

Daily Schedule:

• 8:00 AM: Gentle wake-up, no rushing
• 9:00 AM: Light breakfast with tea and reading
• 10:00 AM: Gardening at her Paris home
• 12:00 PM: Correspondence (letters and calls)
• 1:00 PM: Light lunch, usually soup and salad
• 3:00 PM: Reading books or scripts
• 5:00 PM: Afternoon tea with friends (regularly)
• 7:00 PM: Simple dinner
• 9:00 PM: Early bedtime with consistent sleep

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Never rush in the morning, wake up gradually
• Spend time in nature daily (gardening, walking)
• Write letters or call people regularly
• Keep social gatherings small but frequent
• Practice moderation in food, drink, and activities

5. George Burns (USA, 100 years) – The Routine Comedian

Life Management Style: George said his secret was “moderation and humor.” He did the same things every day for decades. He never varied his schedule much, even when working. He joked that his routine was more important than his talent.

Daily Schedule:

• 7:00 AM: Early wake-up, consistent timing
• 8:00 AM: Morning walk around neighborhood
• 9:00 AM: Breakfast and newspaper reading
• 10:00 AM: Work on comedy material
• 12:00 PM: Lunch, always moderate portions
• 2:00 PM: Afternoon nap (religiously observed)
• 4:00 PM: Daily martini and cigar
• 6:00 PM: Light dinner
• 8:00 PM: Early bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Read something informative every morning
• Take afternoon naps seriously
• Allow yourself small daily pleasures in moderation
• Keep the same schedule even on weekends
• Find humor in daily problems

6. Strom Thurmond (USA, 100 years) – The Political Athlete

Life Management Style: Thurmond treated his body like an athlete well into his 90s. He never drank alcohol and exercised twice daily. He said his political work kept his mind sharp, but exercise kept his body working.

Daily Schedule:

• 5:30 AM: Early wake-up, cold shower
• 6:00 AM: Swimming at Senate gym
• 7:00 AM: Healthy breakfast, no alcohol
• 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Senate work and meetings
• 6:30 PM: More exercise or gym time
• 7:30 PM: Dinner, usually alone or with staff
• 9:00 PM: Reading legislation or reports
• 10:00 PM: Strict bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Exercise twice daily if possible (morning and evening)
• Avoid alcohol completely or limit to special occasions
• Keep your mind busy with challenging work
• Maintain strict sleep schedules
• Take cold showers for energy

7. Norman Lloyd (USA, 106 years) – The Active Artist

Life Management Style: Norman never retired mentally. He kept working past 100 because he loved it. He said staying curious about new projects kept him young. He made friends with people of all ages.

Daily Schedule:

• 7:00 AM: Wake up naturally, no alarm
• 8:00 AM: Tennis practice (continued into 90s)
• 10:00 AM: Reading scripts or industry news
• 12:00 PM: Lunch with colleagues or family
• 2:00 PM: Work on creative projects
• 4:00 PM: Social time with industry friends
• 6:00 PM: Light dinner
• 8:00 PM: Watching films or reading
• 10:00 PM: Regular bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Stay curious about new things in your field
• Make friends with people younger than you
• Never fully retire from what you love
• Play sports or games regularly
• Keep learning throughout life

8. Irving Kahn (USA, 109 years) – The Information Addict

Life Management Style: Irving said learning something new daily kept him alive. He read multiple newspapers every morning until he died. He walked New York streets for exercise and to stay connected to the world.

Daily Schedule:

• 6:00 AM: Wake up, immediate newspaper reading
• 7:00 AM: Breakfast while reading financial papers
• 8:00 AM: Walk through New York streets
• 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Active financial work
• 12:00 PM: Lunch (fish and vegetables)
• 6:00 PM: Dinner with family when possible
• 7:00 PM: More reading and analysis
• 10:00 PM: Bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Read news or educational material every morning
• Walk in your city or neighborhood daily
• Stay engaged with work you find meaningful
• Eat fish several times per week
• Never stop learning new things

9. Hester Ford (USA, 116 years) – The Faith-Centered Farmer

Daily Schedule:

• 5:00 AM: Wake up with sunrise
• 5:30 AM: Morning prayer time
• 6:00 AM: Garden work or farm chores
• 8:00 AM: Breakfast (homegrown food)
• 9:00 AM: More outdoor work
• 12:00 PM: Lunch and rest
• 2:00 PM: Cooking from scratch
• 4:00 PM: Family or community time
• 6:00 PM: Simple dinner
• 8:00 PM: Evening prayers and bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Wake up early and go to bed early
• Grow some of your own food, even herbs
• Cook from scratch more often
• Spend time in prayer or meditation daily
• Make family gatherings a priority

10. Maggie Barnes (USA, 115 years) – The Rural Traditionalist

Life Management Style: Maggie’s life followed the natural rhythm of farm work. She ate her biggest meal at lunch when she needed energy most. She said physical work kept her healthy, and church kept her connected.

Daily Schedule:

• 4:30 AM: Wake up with farm schedule
• 5:00 AM: Farm work and animal care
• 7:00 AM: Breakfast (eggs, homemade bread)
• 8:00 AM: More outdoor physical work
• 12:00 PM: Large lunch, main meal of day
• 1:00 PM: Rest period
• 3:00 PM: Lighter outdoor work
• 5:00 PM: Simple dinner
• 7:00 PM: Family time or church activities
• 8:30 PM: Early bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Eat your largest meal at lunch, not dinner
• Do physical work outside when possible
• Follow natural light patterns for sleep
• Connect with community groups regularly
• Keep life simple and focused

11. Esther Wojcicki (USA, 80s and counting) – The Purposeful Educator

Life Management Style: Esther stays busy with purpose. She teaches, writes, and mentors people. She said having goals for the future keeps her young. She maintains strong family bonds while pursuing her own interests.

Daily Schedule:

• 6:30 AM: Wake up, Mediterranean breakfast
• 7:30 AM: Daily walk or light exercise
• 8:30 AM: Reading and staying informed
• 9:00 AM: Teaching or writing work
• 12:00 PM: Lunch with vegetables and whole grains
• 1:00 PM: Family calls or meetings
• 3:00 PM: More educational work
• 6:00 PM: Family dinner when possible
• 8:00 PM: Reading or learning
• 10:00 PM: Regular bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Eat Mediterranean-style foods daily
• Set goals for the next 5 years
• Teach or mentor someone regularly
• Stay informed about your field
• Balance family time with personal pursuits

12. Misao Okawa (Japan, 117 years) – The Calm Fish Eater

Life Management Style: Misao never worried about things she couldn’t control. She ate fish daily and slept plenty. She said staying calm was more important than staying busy. Family time was her main social activity.

Daily Schedule:

• 7:00 AM: Gentle wake-up
• 8:00 AM: Traditional Japanese breakfast
• 9:00 AM: Light exercises or walking
• 10:00 AM: Social time with family
• 12:00 PM: Lunch including fish (especially mackerel)
• 1:00 PM: Rest period
• 3:00 PM: Tea and light activities
• 6:00 PM: Dinner with sushi or fish
• 8:00 PM: Family time
• 9:00 PM: Early bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Eat fish, especially oily fish, daily
• Get 8-9 hours of sleep nightly
• Don’t worry about things beyond your control
• Spend quality time with family daily
• Practice being calm in stressful situations

13. Sarah Knauss (USA, 119 years) – The Peaceful Crafter

Life Management Style: Sarah’s motto was “things happen.” She never got upset about problems. She kept her hands busy with crafts and her garden. She said worrying was a waste of time and energy.

Daily Schedule:

• 7:30 AM: Natural wake-up
• 8:00 AM: Breakfast with garden vegetables
• 9:00 AM: Needlework or crafts
• 11:00 AM: Garden work
• 12:00 PM: Lunch, moderate portions
• 1:00 PM: Afternoon rest
• 3:00 PM: More crafts or socializing
• 5:00 PM: Light dinner
• 7:00 PM: Family time
• 9:00 PM: Consistent bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Keep your hands busy with hobbies
• Grow your own vegetables if possible
• Accept problems without getting upset
• Maintain consistent sleep patterns
• Find humor in daily challenges

14. Jiroemon Kimura (Japan, 116 years) – The Disciplined Reader

Life Management Style: Jiroemon was incredibly disciplined about meal portions and timing. He read newspapers every morning until his final years. He said gratitude and routine were the keys to long life.

Daily Schedule:

• 6:00 AM: Wake up at exact same time
• 6:30 AM: Morning exercises in garden
• 7:00 AM: Breakfast (porridge and miso soup)
• 8:00 AM: Reading newspapers
• 10:00 AM: Light household work
• 12:00 PM: Lunch (vegetables and small portions)
• 1:00 PM: Afternoon rest
• 3:00 PM: Garden walking
• 6:00 PM: Light dinner
• 8:00 PM: Reading time
• 9:00 PM: Strict bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Eat smaller portions at set meal times
• Read something informative every morning
• Take walks in natural settings daily
• Practice gratitude regularly
• Stick to the same daily schedule

15. Herman Wouk (USA, 103 years) – The Balanced Writer

Daily Schedule:

• 6:00 AM: Wake up for prayer time
• 7:00 AM: Simple breakfast
• 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Writing work
• 12:00 PM: Lunch break
• 1:00 PM: Swimming or exercise
• 3:00 PM: Family time or correspondence
• 5:00 PM: Light dinner
• Friday evening – Saturday: Complete rest (Sabbath)
• Sunday: Family gatherings
• 9:00 PM: Regular bedtime

Action Points You Can Copy:

• Work intensively but take complete breaks
• Exercise after mental work
• Take one full day off per week
• Follow traditions that force you to rest
• Balance creative work with family time

The Universal Daily Pattern

Looking at all 15 people, here’s what they all did:

Morning (6:00-9:00 AM):

• Woke up at consistent times
• Started with prayer, meditation, or quiet time
• Ate simple, nutritious breakfasts
• Read something informative

Midday (9:00 AM-3:00 PM):

• Did their most important work
• Took afternoon naps or rest periods
• Ate their largest meal at lunch
• Stayed physically active

Evening (3:00-9:00 PM):

• Spent time with family or friends
• Ate light dinners
• Pursued hobbies or learning
• Went to bed early

Weekly Pattern:

• Took at least one full day of rest
• Had regular social gatherings
• Balanced work with family time
• Maintained the same schedule even on weekends

The secret wasn’t perfection. It was consistency. They did simple things the same way for decades.