People are always looking for the secret to a long and healthy life. While fitness trends and special diets often dominate the conversation, 101-year-old journalist Eileen Lavine believes the answer can also lie in everyday habits. She still works, lives independently, and follows a routine that keeps her mind active and her days meaningful.In an interview with TODAY(dot)com, Lavine opened up about the three habits she believes have helped her stay mentally sharp and continue doing what she loves.
A career built around curiosity
Journalism has been a part of Lavine’s life for decades. As reported by TODAY(dot)com, she began her career at a young age, went on to study journalism, and later worked across newspapers, editing, public relations, and radio. Even at 101, she continues to work as a senior editor at Moment, where she copy edits stories every week.
Keep your brain active
Lavine says she does not rely on physical activity to stay healthy.“I’m not an athlete,” says Lavine. “I’ve got it up here.”Her routine reflects that belief. Every day, she prepares her breakfast before reading The New York Times and The Washington Post. She also reads The New Yorker, solves crossword puzzles, catches up on newsletters, and reads stories from ProPublica, Columbia Journalism Review, and The Hill. She also attends online lectures from time to time, watches her son’s cabaret performances, and ends her day with television game shows, including Jeopardy!She also noted, “There are people here (at her assisted living complex) who forget what they had for breakfast.”
Never stop contributing
Lavine says her mother encouraged her to stay optimistic and always feel that she was making a difference.“My mother taught me to maintain my optimism, ‘to look on the best side of things all the time and to really feel that you’re making contribution,’ says Lavine.”That thinking stayed with her throughout her career. In 1962, she co-founded Information Services with seven others to provide writing and editing support to organizations that needed professional editorial help. “We farmed ourselves out! We were writers and editors, program developers,” says Lavine.Although the company no longer exists, she has continued working and remains professionally active.
Make time for people
Lavine says staying connected with others has been equally important.In her memoir, she wrote, “I keep reading stories about widows and loneliness. But I guess because I still enjoy a lot, I have enough to keep me busy. I’ve never really felt lonely!”She regularly spends time with neighbours playing cards, enjoys poker every Thursday, and watches television with her children when they visit. She also keeps in touch with family and friends through email.According to TODAY(dot)com, her daughter believes that having friends across generations and staying closely connected with family has helped Lavine remain mentally sharp.
Her simple message
Lavine’s routine is not built around complicated rules. Instead, she believes in staying mentally engaged, continuing to contribute through work, and maintaining meaningful relationships. More than a century into her life, those simple habits remain part of her everyday routine.Reflecting on her journey in the epilogue of her memoir, she wrote: “It’s been amazing to look back on it all.” Thumb image: Instagram/@todayshow