100-year-old Ruth Lemay attributes her longevity to regular exercise, a vegetable-rich diet, and maintaining a vibrant social life.
Ruth Lemay, a 100-year-old great-grandmother from Virginia Beach, has gained attention for her remarkable energy and fitness routine, which she credits for her longevity. Lemay, who exercises three times a week, rides a recumbent bike for six miles and walks daily, all while adhering to a nutritious diet rich in vegetables.
In a video shared by the health brand evry.day club on Instagram, Lemay showcased her active lifestyle while pedaling on a recumbent exercise bike at the gym. As she completed three miles in 30 minutes, she was asked about her fitness secrets and how she manages to “look so great” at her age. With a smile, she responded, “Then I’ll do 30 more minutes. And I walk — [I’ll] do a mile.”
Lemay revealed that her journey towards longevity began after she retired, when she started walking four miles every day. “That’s just what keeps you going,” she said. “A lot of exercise. Plenty of sleep. I go to bed at 9:30 at night and I eat a lot of vegetables — trying to keep healthy.”
She and her 78-year-old daughter, Annette Parker, frequent the gym three times a week, typically engaging in individual workouts. Lemay’s routine includes riding the recumbent bike for two 30-minute sessions, covering approximately three miles each time, followed by a 1.4-mile walk. Currently, she is working towards increasing her walking distance to a mile and a half.
On days when she does not visit the recreation center, Lemay finds ways to stay active at home. “I still try and walk from one end of my house to the other,” she explained. “It’s 170 steps, 40 times, which is 6,800 steps (3.22 miles).” In an interview with TODAY.com, she expressed her enjoyment of cooking and noted that she drove a car until she was 98 years old.
“I’ve always exercised,” Lemay stated. “I feel fine. I might be a little bit tired after riding the bicycle and the walk, but that’s OK. I don’t expect not to feel tired.”
Reflecting on her past, Lemay shared that her late husband of 56 years encouraged her to stay active. “He said, ‘You just take the dog and go for a walk, and I’ll fix dinner,’” she recalled fondly. This support played a significant role in establishing her active lifestyle.
Parker emphasized that her mother has always been mindful of her diet. Lemay typically starts her day with non-fat yogurt, walnuts, oatmeal with banana and milk, or a scrambled egg with toast. For protein, she prefers chicken, turkey, or seafood. Her diet is also abundant in fruits and vegetables, including red grapes and blueberries.
“I love vegetables. I grew up in the country, and my dad grew all kinds of vegetables, and they were wonderful for you,” Lemay said, highlighting her lifelong appreciation for healthy eating.
Having never smoked and abstaining from alcohol, Lemay feels she is in “pretty good health for [her] age.” While genetics can influence longevity, she noted that she does not have any family members who have lived as long as she has. Her mother passed away from colon cancer at 65, and her father died from a heart condition at 74.
Aside from a heart valve replacement, Lemay has avoided significant health issues throughout her life. Both she and Parker agree that maintaining good mental health and an active social life have been crucial components of Lemay’s longevity.
As Lemay continues to inspire others with her dedication to fitness and health, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of an active lifestyle and a balanced diet in promoting longevity.
Source: Original article