Additional Coverage:
- A 100-year-old woman said her longevity routine includes lifting weights, eating ice cream, and going to the beach (businessinsider.com)
Norwalk Centenarian Shares Secrets to a Long and Happy Life
Mary Coroneos, a vibrant 100-year-old Norwalk resident, celebrated her centennial birthday this past June with a lively party. Her secret to a long life? Staying active, both physically and mentally.
Coroneos starts her days early, reading two newspapers before heading to the gym for a workout that would challenge many people half her age. Her routine includes strength training with weights, resistance bands, and even sled pushes, along with cardio on a recumbent bike. She credits this active lifestyle, which began in her childhood in a Pennsylvania coal mining town, as a key to her longevity.
“Just keep moving, step carefully, and look where you’re going,” Coroneos advises.
Her daughter, Athena, notes her mother’s competitive spirit and lifelong love of learning as contributing factors to her youthful outlook. Coroneos worked as a teacher into her 70s and continued substitute teaching into her 90s. Athena believes that her mother’s dedication to education and her continued engagement with the world have helped keep her sharp.
Coroneos also emphasizes the importance of community. She enjoys socializing at the gym and maintains strong ties with former students, many of whom traveled from around the world to celebrate her milestone birthday. She also credits her faith as a guiding force in her life.
While Coroneos maintains a healthy diet, she also believes in enjoying life’s simple pleasures, like the occasional root beer float. She follows a regular eating schedule, enjoys her daughter’s home cooking, and avoids overeating and alcohol.
Even a recent injury hasn’t slowed Coroneos down. After breaking two bones in her arm this summer, she was back at the gym within weeks.
Her resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to all who aspire to a long and fulfilling life. According to Athena, her mother’s life is a testament to the power of staying engaged with the world, nurturing relationships, and never giving up on the pursuit of a meaningful life.