Life Lessons From 100-Year-Old Americans Who Didn’t Expect To Live So Long
In a world where the secrets to longevity are often shrouded in mystery, five centenarians share their remarkable insights, drawn from extraordinary lives spanning over a century. This compelling video from Business Insider invites viewers into the enriched journeys of individuals who never anticipated celebrating their hundredth birthday. Through heartfelt reflections, they unveil crucial lessons about love, adapting to change, health, and financial wisdom that resonate across generations.
The video begins with a poignant introduction, setting the stage for a series of personal narratives that explore the early lives of these centenarians. Each story reveals a unique background filled with challenges, triumphs, and an era of significant transformation. Their experiences offer a rich tapestry of American history that goes beyond statistics, providing real-life context to the societal changes that have shaped the nation over the last 100 years.
As the discussion transitions into matters of love and marriage, the centenarians delve into the complexities of relationships. Their insights emphasize the importance of communication, patience, and mutual respect—fundamentals that have shaped their decades-long partnerships. Their advice serves as a guiding light for younger generations navigating the intricate landscape of modern relationships.
Reaching the milestone of 100 years is no small feat, and the centenarians candidly share the myriad challenges they faced along the way. From economic downturns to personal losses, their resilience shines through, underscoring the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity. This segment reinforces the idea that life’s hurdles can fortify one’s spirit and character, ultimately contributing to a rich and fulfilling life.
The video also highlights how evolving technologies, particularly the advent of the internet, have fundamentally changed society. The centenarians reflect on their initial hesitations and eventual embrace of modern communication tools, revealing a newfound appreciation for the ability to stay connected with family and friends, no matter the distance. Their experiences illustrate a profound adaptability and demonstrate how remaining open to change can enhance one’s quality of life.
Health is a recurring theme, and the centenarians impart invaluable advice on maintaining physical and mental well-being. From nutritious diets to the importance of routine check-ups and exercise, their collective wisdom underscores a lifestyle that balances enjoyment and self-care. They advocate for staying active—both physically and socially—encouraging viewers to engage in games and friendships that nurture the spirit.
Financial literacy emerges as another critical lesson through their narratives. The centenarians share hard-earned wisdom regarding money—emphasizing the importance of saving, living within one’s means, and making informed financial decisions. These insights can be vital for younger demographics facing economic uncertainties, providing a roadmap to financial stability and peace of mind.
As the video draws to a close, the centenarians reveal their secrets to longevity and happiness. Their combined wisdom reflects a mindset that champions gratitude, positivity, and the significance of embracing every moment. They encourage viewers to prioritize relationships, find joy in small things, and approach life with an open heart.
In this poignant exploration of aging and the wisdom that comes with it, Business Insider successfully amplifies the voices of those who have witnessed the world’s evolution firsthand. The lessons learned from these remarkable individuals not only inspire others to savor life but also serve as a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Watch the video by Business Insider
Video “Life Lessons From 100-Year-Old Americans Who Didn't Expect To Live So Long | Business Insider” was uploaded on 05/10/2025 to Youtube Channel Business Insider
Excellent
such a beautiful piece of history!
My God, they are treasures all. Thank you for finding them and sharing their stories. I wish we had more of them left. We need their wisdom.
❤❤❤❤
Something was in my eye half the time I was watching this. Smh. 🥹🙂
Don't do drugs. Don't smoke or drink alcohol. Eat a balanced diet. Avoid fast food. Avoid excess sugar. Exercise daily. Stay away from harmful chemicals. ( This will increase your chances of living longer. )
Good exercise, good food, good attitude, having a purpose equals longevity — if you have good genetics.
Hot damn.
This knocked my socks off.
I want all these folks to collectively be president. Yesterday.
Wow, these people all look amazing for being over a hundred. I've met 70-year-olds that look like they're 120. It really is about positive attitude and taking care of yourself. My dad just turned 70 and he still looks like he's 50. Keep active and take care of yourself.
Hell, I'm 40 and I've hated phones, the internet, social media for the last 15 years. I believe it's going to be the downfall of everything. It has some great porn though
I already hate talking to people most days. Even with as easy it is to talk to my sister in Texas or my friend in New York or my cousin's in Seattle. I couldn't imagine going back to writing letters like when I was a little kid. Ain't nobody got time for that. I really feel like the kids nowadays that are 15 and younger are never even going to use the mail or birthday cards or anything like that. They're just going to fondle somebody digitally
I intend to play Scrabble to the bitter end
Aren’t they precious ❤
Great content
I am at the beginning of my "investment journey", planning to put 385K into dividend stocks so that I will be making up to 30% annually in dividend returns. I’d appreciate any recommendations for strong, high-performing dividend stocks!!
Sometimes you need these videos to put things into perspective
That was some great advice and insight!
a 100 year old still driving a car 😯 amazing
It's is mind-blowing to think that those seniors have been alive for 1 full 3rd of the country's existence 😳
This is some fantastic stuff that men of this era absolutely need!
I’ve been binge-watching these!
The secret to long life is a good partner based in what they said❤
Oh my God they're all so beautiful!
Blah blah blah all I hear is acceptance!
The price you have to pay for living a long life is watching all of those you love… pass before you however they're still sitting right next to you in a non-physical aspect don't be afraid to speak to that voice in your head it is them! We don't die
Thank you for this emotional and wise message
She says an hour of getting your love on! Great exercise
That handsome man says to think young and I know I have a 15 year old in my head in fact I just had my 37th anniversary of being 15 I am 52 OMG I have to be here another 50 years?
Noooooo… LoL! Too moch fun!
If we are supposed to live that long, why now a day we can’t end life by ourselves?
I asked my higher power one time how old I was going to live to be and it said 120 and then later on it said hey could be as much as 140 cuz I love
I love their positive attitude!
Absolutely beautiful. This is the beauty of a well lived life. I'll definitely cherish the elderly in my life more. Thank you for this priceless wisdom!
We learn lot from the elderly. They can be my great grand parents
Diane was stunning when she was younger.
This was so lovely. Thank you to the Centerians for sharing with us.
Diane really grew on me over those 15 minutes.
Clip told us nothing about how to live longer.
Need more content like this on social media. Positive.
What they all have in common it seems is that they are nice and don't center on complaining.
I am a nurse of 51 yrs. Still work but now in a nursing home. These people are 100% right in everything they say.
I know as well from personal experience. Very wonderful of these folks to share!
BRAVO‼️👏👏👏 PRAISE GOD‼️🙏🙌💋🥰😍😘🧑🦳🧓🧔 FOR THE ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE A LOT OF WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND LIFE'S EXPERIENCES TO SHARE AS OUR CURRENT CONTRIBUTIONS AFTER RETIREMENT YEARS‼️ GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING WITH US‼️ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOTTOS IS…"ONE DAY AT A TIME SWEET JESUS"‼️😃🫶💜💜💜🔥🙏👑✝️📖🔥🕊️
Miracle because…..
Sitting 5 minutes with the old will have you learn more than 100 hours reading a book
It's pretty wild to know it's possible that someone who lives to be 100 or more, might outlive their children. That, and outliving friends, would be the downside of living so long. I don't want any part of it. Get me to 75 or 80. That'll be enough.
I recently met a couple at mcdonalds, they were both 99 years old, still walking and driving and seemed happy, my goal is to hit a century
Part of me wants to live long then I see this and idk
I expect them to talk like biden
When I'm 100 I'm probably half cyborg living on Mars.
There is an old saying in mandarin "家有一老,如有一寶", which means to have an elderly people at home just like having a treasure chest.