Additional Coverage:
- New York’s second oldest person just turned 112. She says staying single and eating Italian food helped her live so long. (newsbreak.com)
Louise Jean Signore, a 112-year-old resident of New York and the state’s second oldest person, recently celebrated her milestone birthday by sharing her longevity tips. Born on July 31, 1912, in Harlem, Signore never anticipated reaching such an advanced age.
When she began attending her local senior center, she was in awe of individuals who had reached 100 years old. Now, she has not only surpassed them, but also all her younger siblings, earning her place among the elite group of supercentenarians—those over 110.
In the United States, the population of centenarians is expected to surge from approximately 101,000 in 2024 to 422,000 by 2054, according to Pew Research Center data. This trend places a spotlight on the lifestyle and health secrets of the oldest among us, even though genetics and luck play significant roles.
Louise credits her impressive age to several factors. Foremost among her advice is staying single, asserting that it has kept her life simpler and happier, telling The New York Post, “That’s why I am living.
That’s why I am OK because I didn’t get married… no marriage, no children. I’d rather be single,” reflecting on the potential troubles brought by marriage.
Moreover, Signore advocates for a ‘good living’ strategy that excludes alcohol and tobacco. She maintains a rigorous daily routine that has historically included swimming, walking extensively, playing bocce, biking, and dancing. Even as her ability to engage in such physical activities waned, she continued mobility exercises and makes an effort to walk in her hallway to stay active.
Diet also plays a crucial role in her health regimen. Signore praises the benefits of Italian cuisine, emphasizing a Mediterranean diet rich in salads, fruits, vegetables, tomato sauce, garlic, and olive oil while limiting sweets and soda to just Sundays.
Research offers mixed views on how marriage impacts longevity. Some studies suggest married individuals might live longer, while others indicate little benefit for married women, possibly due to the unequal share of domestic and caregiving duties. Signore’s lifestyle choices exemplify a blend of personal preference and health-conscious decisions that highlight a path to longevity, surrounded by the cultural and culinary comforts of her Italian heritage.