Additional Coverage:
- A 93-year-old gym regular says daily workouts keep her feeling 50. She credits exercise, beans, and family for her long life. (businessinsider.com)
Smithtown, NY – Move over, youngsters! There’s a new fitness guru in town, and she’s 93 years young. Meet Cecilia Gomez, a Smithtown grandmother who’s proving that age is just a number when it comes to hitting the gym, socializing, and living life to the fullest.
From Monday to Friday, you’ll find Gomez at Gold’s Gym in Smithtown, a routine she calls “like my religion.” For decades, she’s been a fixture there from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., putting in the work that makes her feel “like I’m 50.” She boasts, “I can play soccer, I play basketball, I do whatever.”
So, what’s her secret to feeling decades younger and staying in “almost perfect condition”? According to Gomez, it’s a simple yet powerful trifecta: consistent exercise, a healthy diet, and a vibrant social life. “When people say ‘I want to be like you,”‘ I say, ‘Welcome to the gym,'” Gomez shared.
Sweating for a Spry Life
Gomez is the proudest and oldest member of her workout classes, a testament to her competitive spirit. Her 60-year-old daughter, Pat Schneider, recalls her mother’s lifelong love for being active, always being picked first for dodgeball and spending her childhood outdoors.
These days, her routine includes a mix of weight training – think three to five-pound dumbbells pressed overhead – and cardio, like marching in place. She participates in SilverSneakers, a fitness program for seniors that recently honored her as a Member of the Year for 2025. The program, available with eligible Medicare plans, focuses on balance and stability, crucial for preventing falls and promoting longevity.
The Power of the Humble Bean
Beyond the gym, Gomez credits her healthy eating habits for her vitality. Beans are a dietary staple, often paired with rice and vegetables. This isn’t just a personal preference; beans are a cornerstone of “Blue Zones,” regions around the world known for their exceptionally long-living populations.
She also enjoys other nutrient-rich produce like plantains, packed with heart-healthy potassium, and oranges, brimming with immune-boosting vitamin C. These whole foods, especially plant-based options, are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all working to combat diseases like cancer and cardiovascular illness, and protect the body and brain over time.
Strong Connections, Stronger Health
Gomez’s robust social calendar is another key ingredient in her longevity recipe. Her daughter, Pat, emphasizes, “That’s actually a key to her longevity, is that she’s always active with everyone.
The grandkids, great grandkids. She’s never alone.”
Living together, Gomez and Schneider ensure weekly Sunday dinners with the extended family. Gomez’s social life also includes singing in the church choir and lively chats with friends before and after her gym sessions.
This strong sense of community provides purpose and routine, even through challenging times. “She’s been in the hospital various times, and they think that she’s not going to make it,” Schneider recounted.
“And she’s like, ‘Oh no, no, I have to get to the gym.’ It really has made a huge difference.”
So, if you’re looking for inspiration to live a longer, more energetic life, just ask Cecilia Gomez. Her advice is clear: get moving, eat your veggies, and stay connected. It seems the fountain of youth might just be found at your local gym, surrounded by good company and a healthy plate of beans.