Rides a Bike at 100 and 3 Favorite Foods of the Long-Lived Woman

3 Favorite Foods of the 100-Year-Old Woman Who Still Rides a Bike

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Rides a Bike at 100 and 3 Favorite Foods of the Long-Lived Woman

She still rides a bike until she was 100 and practiced fencing at 85 – Jeanne Calment holds the record as the world’s longest-living person.

According to the Guinness World Records, the French woman spent her final years in a nursing home in Arles. Born in 1875 and passing away in 1997, Calment lived for 122 years and 164 days.

Her life spanned two world wars and the Spanish flu pandemic. She even witnessed the construction of the Eiffel Tower. She claimed to have met Vincent van Gogh in 1888 when he bought pencils from her father’s shop—a plausible story since the artist painted his famous Sunflowers in Arles.

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A Unique Diet and Lifestyle: She Rides a Bike at 100

Calment in her youth and old age. Photo: Guinness World Records

Jeanne Calment’s extraordinary longevity was not just a matter of genetics but also a reflection of her lifestyle and habits. Even at an advanced age, she remained remarkably active, embracing both physical activity and a balanced diet.

A 1995 video of Calment, who was hard of hearing and nearly blind at the time, showed that while she had to give up smoking two cigarettes a day and drinking a glass of red wine before meals, she still indulged in her love for chocolate. Her ability to maintain small pleasures in life while adapting to her changing health reflected her resilience and positive outlook.

According to Surrey Live, Calment believed that olive oil, red wine, and chocolate were key factors in her long life. However, it wasn’t just what she consumed that made a difference—her calm personality and active lifestyle played a significant role. She took up fencing at 85 and continued cycling until she was 100, proving that age was never a barrier to movement and vitality. Her ability to stay physically engaged, combined with a stress-free attitude, likely contributed to her record-breaking lifespan.

The Health Benefits of Olive Oil

While red wine and chocolate may not be the healthiest choices, olive oil is undoubtedly beneficial. Known for its ability to combat chronic diseases like heart disease, olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. This diet has been linked to improved quality of life, increased longevity, and reduced mortality rates.

Olive oil has many health benefits, scientifically proven. Illustrative photo: Pexels

Key Benefits of Olive Oil

Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
Helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Supports brain health
Aids in managing body fat composition
Fights chronic illnesses

Monounsaturated fats can lower the risk of heart-related issues, including heart attacks and strokes. They also help regulate cholesterol levels.

Studies show that diets rich in monounsaturated fats can reduce body fat and improve insulin sensitivity. Excess fat accumulation is closely linked to health concerns like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Olive oil contains powerful antioxidants such as oleocanthal and oleacein, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is associated with health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

A Secret to Longevity?

Research suggests that olive oil can help prevent cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. A 2015 study found that older adults following a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil or nuts had better cognitive function compared to those on a low-fat diet.

As a staple in the diets of some of the world’s healthiest communities, olive oil is widely regarded as a beneficial choice. However, occasional reports of allergies—mainly linked to olive pollen rather than the oil itself—have been noted.

When incorporating olive oil into your diet, extra virgin olive oil is the best option since it is the least processed and retains the most beneficial compounds. Since olive oil is calorie-dense, moderation is key—consider using it as a replacement for other fats in your meals.