For as long as we've existed, humans have been obsessed with the idea of eternal youth and longevity. We're constantly on the lookout for products that promise to make us look and feel younger, and extend our life expectancy.
Every so often, we come across people older than us who are willing to share their secrets to living longer. More recently, Theresa Rowley, a 104-year-old woman claimed that her daily consumption of Diet Coke is how she managed to stay alive this long, despite the fact that these types of sugary drinks are frowned upon by health experts.
"I drink it because I like it," Theresa said. "I'm going shopping Wednesday, and I need more Diet Coke. I have a bag full of empty Diet Coke cans that I need to return to buy more Diet Coke."
Turns out, Rowley isn't the only senior who opted for an not-so-healthy approach when it comes to their diet habits.
Actress Betty White, 95, has recently opened up about her secrets to longevity and it involves some interesting food and drink choices.
The Golden Girls star, who will turn 96 on January 17, is still very active in the entertainment industry, her memory is razor sharp, and she has had very minimal health problems throughout her life.
White has previously revealed that she doesn't sleep much, eat anything special or follow a strict exercise routine. So what's her secret?
She once told Oprah that her genes are responsible for her longevity.
"I think it's my gene pool," she said. "I can give my mom and dad the thanks for that."
In a recent interview with Parade Magazine, White got a little more candid and offered up some more details about how she manages to stay healthy and happy.
Her biggest tip? Stay positive.
"Enjoy life. Accentuate the positive, not the negative. It sounds so trite, but a lot of people will pick out something to complain about, rather than say, "˜Hey, that was great!' It's not hard to find great stuff if you look," she advised.
White then told the publication that her diet of vodka and hot dogs, "probably in that order," may have contributed to her long life.
White gave a similar response in a previous interview with Harper's Bazaar. At the time, she included french fries in her list of favorite foods.
"French fries. Hot dogs if I can get 'em. And I'm not a big breakfast eater. I'll have a sandwich at lunch," White told the magazine.
We're not so sure about the hotdog, but studies have shown that a daily glass of certain alcoholic drinks can lower the risk heart disease, Alzheimer's, and reduce the risk of premature death.
What's your secret to staying healthy and happy? Let us know!
