How to live to 100
I'm working on a poetry collection and to kick off my project, I looked at research into advice that people over the age of 100 have shared on how to live a good, long life.
I cherry picked my favourite gems and distilled them into my longest poem yet.
My poem '100' is drawn from real people and their generous words of wisdom. Written in memory of my mum, whose birthday is today, I hope it gives as much inspiration to others as it's given me!
100
By EK Luther
Try to get through each day without hurting anyone
Appreciate solitude from time to time
Be patient, calm and humble
Accept challenges and give the best you can
Never quit right away
Build determination and perseverance
Help others who need it and let people who want to help, help you
Make your own mistakes - that’s how you learn
Keep your mind open to new ideas
Don’t rush to solutions - intelligent answers take time.
Listen to people and let them tell their story
Travel abroad to see the way other people live
Go on as many dates as you can
Don’t judge people on a first meeting
Stop and think before doing or saying something - don’t hurt someone’s feelings
Share kindness and generosity, particularly to people who are worse off than you
Stay close with friends and family
Be friends with your life partner
Help bring out the best in others
Look after your health.
Take time to enjoy the simple things
Make the most of every day
Feel good about yourself
Always say yes to adventures
Soak up the pleasures of life
Create an interesting life, full of great memories to talk about
Change with the times (don’t get stuck in the past)
Live your life the way you want
Keep an up-to-date and working bullshit detector
Always keep your temper.
Drink moderately so you remember the evening
Don’t take your partner for granted
Try not to worry - it upsets the mind and body
Find a purpose to keep you engaged
Smile all the time - even when you’re in trouble!
Love all kinds of music
Grab opportunities
Learn as much as possible as you go along
Enjoy what you do
Have friends of all ages.
Be a team player
Have a good sense of humour and fill your life with laughter
Resist laziness and keep moving
Eat sensibly with lots of fruit and vegetables
Don’t spend too much time on computers
Learn a language
Be sensible with money
Always be pleasant
If it’s within your power to fix something that’s broken, do it
Joy and appreciation are important - treasure them.
Make time to do the things you love
Embrace curiosity
Accept in life you’ll have good days and bad days - then get on with it
Be passionate about your projects
Live in the now - yesterday is gone
Don’t smoke or use drugs
Focus on the good
Dance a lot
Avoid stress
Be yourself and enjoy yourself.
Develop the ability to laugh at yourself
Keep your mind and body active - it makes you feel like you’re living!
Read every day to learn new things, understand different points of view and awaken curiosity
Embrace community life
Take an interest in everything that’s going on
Get a good night’s sleep
Do what you can for others
Keep yourself happy and embrace a positive outlook
Play games
Manage your freedom wisely.
Appreciate what you have
Don’t be greedy
Take each day at a time
Think about how things could be done better
Find a job you like
Don’t be beset with envy
Keep a diary
Do something each day - don’t be idle
Keep your eyes open, your emotions free and leap into the future
Have lots of fun.
You don’t know if you’ll have tomorrow, so enjoy today
Don’t let hate destroy you
Banter keeps you going
Follow what you’re interested in
Trust God
Do the best you can
Always follow your dreams to avoid regrets
Don’t accept the status quo just because it’s what everyone is doing
But accept things as they are
Stay busy - keep on doing things!
Look at things through other people’s eyes and see if there’s some way you can get together
Keep your social life in good order, maintaining friendships with people you enjoy being with
Always enjoy the outside, even if it is raining
Don’t let things get you down too much
Some of the best lessons come from difficulties
Don’t be a complainer - enjoy life
Be sociable
Take it easy
Don’t be nasty
Wear a hat.
