100-year-old couple share 5 tips for a long life – including McDonalds for breakfast
John Carroll, 101, and his wife, Jerry, 100, share five tips on how to live a long life, and one may surprise you
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Tess HillNews and Features Writer
17 minutes agoAug 21, 2026, 3:21 PM GMT+1
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Turning 100 is no small feat, doing it with your wife is even more difficult
JohnCarroll, 101, and his wife, Jerry, 100, have been married for 80 years and still live independently in their house in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. During a recent interview with Today.com, the centenarian couple shared five tips for a long life.
“You’ve got to work hard and work every day and eat well and go to the doctor twice a year,” John, who is a World War II veteran, told the publication about what he believes has contributed to his longevity
Keep reading to see if you are following the tips that John and Jerry recommend…
John and Jerry still have big appetites
Eat a broad array of food
The couple enjoy good food. When they eat at home, they have cereal with fruits like bananas, blueberries, and other fruits. And, they still go out to eat a few times a week. At restaurants, John and Jerry enjoy country style steak, fried chicken, or turkey and dressing paired with turnip greens, spinach, salads and other leafy greens
Jerry’s favorite foods are spaghetti and pineapple upside down cake, but told Today.com: “I like most every food.” As for if John thinks the food he eats has helped him live longer, he said: “I don’t know. I just eat average food, beans and taters, I guess.”
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The couple are each other’s best friends
Love with your whole heart
John and Jerry have been married for eight decades. They met through Jerry’s aunt after John delivered her groceries. On April 18, 1946, the two tied the knot and are still happily married 80 years later
“Just love each other and take care of each other,” Jerry said when asked for relationship advice. As for John, he said the secret is saying, “Yes, dear,” adding: “We’ve maintained a good relationship and a good life and just kept adding the years to it.”
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John is a World War II veteran
Maintain your independence
While they’ve been together for years, both Jerry and John have maintained their independence. At 101 and 100, they live in their own house with help from their family. Weekly, their son picks up their groceries and medication, and helps around the house by mowing their lawn, ordering clothing, or anything else
“I was trying to make it to 99, which I did, and so now I’m over the mark, and I don’t know what the next day is going to bring,” John said
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The couple look forward to their Fridays at McDonald’s
Socialize as often as possible
John and Jerry enjoy regular visits with their family and friends. Every Friday, the couple goes to the local McDonald’s. They order sausage McMuffins with eggs and coffee, and enjoy a relaxed morning meal at the restaurant
John is a pro at using his iPhone and texts his daughter every day, explaining that keeping in touch with his family and friends is key. “Just don’t isolate yourself,” Jerry said, agreeing with her husband
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Their son drives them to McDonald’s every week
Stay active
Until the couple was in their late 80s, they walked two miles a day at the local mall. Twenty years later, staying active looks a bit different. John uses a walker and Jerry uses a cane, so they walk less
Every morning, John wakes up at 4 a.m., sits on the floor and touches his toes. And Jerry moves about the house all day. “Taking care of the house the best I can is most of my exercise,” she explained
