After turning 100 years old, centenarians have life pretty much figured out — knowing what matters most for health and happiness.
That wisdom is being achieved by more and more Americans.
The number of centenarians in the U.S. grew by 50% in the most recent decade, the U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2025. Most are still “overwhelmingly” female, with women making up almost 80% of this population.
But more men are reaching the milestone, too: Actor Dick Van Dyke turns 100 on Saturday, Dec. 13.
TODAY.com met several extraordinary centenarians in 2025. Some are still working, running a business, lifting weights at the gym, living on their own and getting married.
Here are some of their top tips for a long healthy life:
Keep Working If You Enjoy It
JoCleta Wilson, who recently turned 101, is Home Depot’s oldest employee in the U.S., working two mornings a week as a cashier in a store in Louisville, Kentucky.
She likes being around other people and talking with customers.
JoCleta Wilson keeps working.Courtesy Home Depot
“I retired three different times — 10 years each time in retirement, and it is not what it’s cracked up to be. I got so tired of myself,” Wilson said.
“I had to get out of the house and come back to work and see what was going on in society. … I have a lot of fun.”
The former dancer and business owner lives independently in her house, drives her car to work and cooks for herself.
It’s Never Too Late to Fall in Love
In July, 100-year-old John Glomstad married his 87-year-old bride in a waterfront ceremony in Bremerton, Washington.
Kathie Harless and John “Jack” Glomstad got married on July 26. He loves to drive and has five cars, including a Mazda Miata convertible. “The top is never up,” he says.Courtesy John Glomstad
They met through their church in 2019 after both became widowed. They became friends and companions. He proposed earlier this year.
The couple likes to cook, go on cruises and go for drives in his Mazda Miata stick shift convertible.
“Who knew that there would be life after 100?” Glomstad said. “I’m just an eternal optimist.”
The World War II veteran credits a positive outlook on life, having faith and his Norwegian heritage for his longevity.
Dream Big and Go On Adventures
Jimmy Hernandez celebrated turning 100 by skydiving on his milestone birthday in August.
He got the idea after watching the late President George H.W. Bush jump from a plane in his 80s and 90s.
Jimmy Hernandez went skydiving for his 100th birthday.Courtesy Vickey Hernandez Farley
“It wasn’t scary,” the World War II veteran, who lives independently with his 91-year-old wife in San Luis Obispo, California, recalled. “It came out pretty smooth.”
Have a Purpose in Life
For Anne Angioletti, 101, it’s her jewelry store in Cresskill, New Jersey, which she’s owned for decades and still runs full time.
“It gives me a reason to get up, to shower, to dress, to (put on) makeup, to try to look presentable, and to enjoy my business. It’s all pleasure,” she said.
“I don’t have anything to do if I were at home. So that’s not good.”
Anne Angioletti, 101, poses at the counter of her jewelry store. Courtesy Alison Rubach
Angioletti still drives a car, lives independently in her own apartment, and goes out with friends every Saturday night for dinner and some dancing.
Move Your Body
Ruth Lemay, 100, recently went viral when her workout was featured online. She goes to the gym in Virginia Beach, Virginia, three times a week, riding a stationary bike for an hour, then walking more than a mile on the track.
“I’ve always exercised,” said Lemay, who once worked as a model. “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.”
Ruth Lemay at the gym.Courtesy Alexandra Joy
Mary Coroneos, 100, does a full-body resistance workout three times a week with her trainers at a gym in Norwalk, Connecticut.
The exercises, designed to strengthen her arms, legs and core, and improve her balance, are a challenge, “but then you feel good afterwards,” she said.
“You’ve got to exercise. You’ve got to keep going. You’ve got to keep moving,” said Joseph Caminiti, 100, who does cardio and weightlifting five days a week at a gym in Bristol, Connecticut.
Exercise is even more important than nutrition, said Dr. John Scharffenberg, 101. The physician gives lectures about living longer with simple lifestyle changes. He urges everyone to walk and be active, especially in middle age when people tend to sit around more and eat more.
Eat Healthy Food
Scharffenberg follows a plant-based diet that includes milk and eggs. He advises skipping alcohol and eating less sugar.
Other centenarians pay attention to their diet, too.
Glomstad focuses on eating fresh, whole foods — including two or more vegetables at every meal — and a variety of meats, such as beef, chicken, pork and lamb. He also eats lots of fruit, including blueberries, strawberries or a banana for breakfast with his cereal.
Angioletti eats an egg every day and likes oatmeal — a cardiologist’s favorite breakfast.
Lemay said she loves vegetables. “I grew up in the country, and my dad grew all kinds of vegetables, and they were wonderful for you,” she noted.
Treat Yourself
Every Friday, after Lemay gets her hair done, she enjoys two hot dogs with chili, mustard and lots of onions at a local eatery. “That’s my one treat a week,” she said.
Wilson keeps a chocolate cake in her freezer and takes a slice about once a week. Coroneos loves tiramisu.
Such treats make life sweeter, the centenarians said.
“Dessert, I’ve got to have that,” Hernandez noted. “We always have coffee and pie. I like peach pie and apple pie. A donut once in a while.”