All of us have dreamed, or at least wondered, about living to the ripe old age of a 100. Even those of us who find that age to perhaps be “a bit too old” have much to learn from the experience of those who have spent a century on this planet. Here are just a few shreds of wisdom from our fellow centenarians:

1. “Don’t look at the calendar. Just keep celebrating every day.”
2. “I make myself go out every day, even if it’s only to walk around the block. The key to staying young is to keep moving.”
3. “Travel while you’re young and able. Don’t worry about the money, just make it work. Experience is far more valuable than money will ever be.”
4. “Have lots of people in the house and lots of different kinds of people—young, old, black, white, people from all over the world. People have always energized me.”
5. “We all remember how as children, when we were having fun, we often forgot to eat or sleep. I believe that we can keep that attitude as adults, too. It’s best not to tire the body with too many rules such as lunchtime and bedtime.”
6. “Find a role model and aim to achieve even more than they could ever do.”
7. “Science alone can’t help or cure people.”
8. “It’s just as important to take care of your mind. I take two classes… and I’ve studied everything from anti-Semitism to current events.”
9. “I think [people] have to be curious. They have to be interested in life outside their little aches and pains. They have to be excited about seeing new things, meeting new people, watching a new play—just passionate about life.”
10. “Be honest. I’ve rarely lied. And when you are honest with people, it comes back to you, and they are honest with you. It’s too much work keeping up with a lie. You don’t need the extra stress.”
11. “Keep an open mind, and things seem less strange.”
12. “You get one family, so stick with them. But it depends if these hardships are financial or emotional or other types. Stick it out. Some days are worse than others, and you have to be ok with that. The night is darkest before dawn.”
13. “Laughter keeps you healthy. You can survive by seeing the humor in everything. Thumb your nose at sadness; turn the tables on tragedy. You can’t laugh and be angry, you can’t laugh and feel sad, you can’t laugh and feel envious.”
14. “Quit while you’re ahead.”
15. “There is no need to ever retire, but if one must, it should be a lot later than 65.”
16. “Learn to adapt.”
17. “I put my health down to whiskey and cigarettes. I only drink when I’m out, but my doctor said I wouldn’t be alive without them. I’m still alive, and I can lift my elbows—it’s great.”
18. “Life is fun. It’s all up to the person. Be satisfied. You don’t have to be ‘happy’ all the time, you need to be satisfied.”
19. “Do one thing each day that is just for you.”
20. “Always listen to the other person. You’ll learn something. Try to sit back, because you will learn a lot more listening to others than telling them what you know.”

Bonus Lesson:

21. “Don’t die too early.”

As you’ve probably noticed, not everyone has the same outlook on life after a hundred years on Earth, but they do all have some wisdom to offer. Many of these life lessons aren’t exactly practical; nor do they err on the side of caution – I for one, don’t recommend leaving your health to whiskey and cigarettes – but they do express individuality. These lessons are just what a few people have to offer, and you should follow the path that best works for you!