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How to Build Healthy Habits to Improve Longevity and Healthspan
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At 108 years old, Susan Young Browne likes to drive her blue Subaru everywhere she needs to go
She lives independently in her own house in Dover, Delaware, exercises every day, reads romance novels, and enjoys dancing and socializing
The centenarian has been driving for more than 80 years and just renewed her driver’s license until 2033, when she would be 115
“In order for me to go to the store, I have to drive,” Browne tells TODAY.com. “Anywhere I want to go, I have to drive. … I’m an experienced driver. I try to be very careful.”
Her son, Jim Young, 83, calls her “amazing” and strong
Her daughter, Lynnette Overby, 75, says she’s “quite something, and now she’s quite famous.”
Browne had a huge 108th birthday party earlier this year with guests that included the governor of Delaware
It seemed a world away from the farm where she was born on April 24, 1918, in Lincoln, Delaware. She, her parents and nine siblings lived in a house that had no electricity or running water
Browne went to a segregated elementary school, where she admired her teacher and became determined to become one herself. “One of the most important things that I had in mind was to get an education and be a teacher,” she said in an interview about her life
There were no free high schools for Black students in the area at the time, so the family had to pay to send her to Delaware State College High School, Overby says
Browne went on to attend Delaware State University, graduating in 1945 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She’s DSU’s oldest living alumna
The centenarian worked as a teacher for 30 years, starting in a one-room schoolhouse. She also helped her first husband run a bus business. Browne retired in 1977. She’s lived in her house for more than 70 years
“I don’t know why I’m living so long. I’m just trying to take care of myself,” Browne says
Here is what to know about the centenarian and her tips for living a long life:
Keep Moving
Browne credits regular exercise as a big factor in her longevity. She starts every morning by getting on the floor and doing a 10-minute stretching, strengthening and balancing routine
“Then I get up and stand against the wall and exercise my legs. I make sure my legs are exercised,” she says
“She does things I can’t do,” her son notes
“I can move better than he,” the centenarian confirms teasingly
The exercises work — she walks without the need for a cane or a walker
Browne also does chair dancing at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, a gathering place for older adults where she drives herself three days a week
Eat Healthy Food
The centenarian lists chicken and fruit as some of her favorite foods. She eats an apple most every day — a famously nutritious fruit that delivers fiber, and comes with benefits for heart health, diabetes, cancer, gut health, weight loss and inflammation
She also enjoys peaches and blueberries — a dietitian’s pick for the healthiest berries
Her morning menu includes a cup of black coffee, which has a positive impact on heart health and brain health, plus a frozen waffle and cranberry juice, her daughter notes
Browne avoids fried foods — “of course, I like them, but I know I shouldn’t eat them, so therefore I don’t eat them,” she says
She also doesn’t drink alcohol and skips sugar
“I like sweets, but I just probably avoid them for my health,” she says. One exception is her 7UP cake, which she likes to make for family gatherings
The formula works. At 108, Browne only takes one medication, a pill to control her blood pressure, Overby says. Longevity runs in her family — one of her sisters lived to be 103
Be Independent
Browne was married twice and had no desire to remarry after her second husband passed away
“That’s right. I am not taking care of another man,” she says
“I decided when I was left alone that I didn’t need anybody to take care of me, I take care of myself. So, in order to live a healthy life, you have to make up your own mind.”
Driving her car and living in her own home are important aspects of her self-reliance. “She very, very much wants to maintain her independence as long as she can,” Overby notes
Keep Your Mind Busy
The centenarian likes to read, including romance novels. She also enjoys doing puzzles and word games, her son notes
Browne continues to be active in the community — she goes to church, socializes at the Modern Maturity Center, and meets with members of her sorority, her daughter adds. She’s a life member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Alpha Pi Chapter
The busy centenarian likes to stay on top of all the family get-togethers and other events she takes part in
“She’s very organized,” her son says. “She always makes sure that wherever she goes, she has a little calendar.”
Expand Your Horizons
Alaska and Hawaii became U.S. states while Browne was a teacher, so she visited both, even going to Alaska twice
She’s also traveled to Spain, Portugal, Brazil and other countries around the world
“I enjoyed my trips,” she says. Her favorite place? “Hawaii. It’s beautiful there,” she notes
