Her secrets to a long and fulfilling life

Born on July 25, 1909 in Louisiana, Elizabeth Francis is the oldest woman living in America. The 114-year-old Houston, Texas resident became the oldest person living in America after the death of California resident Edith “Edie” Ceccarelli on February 22 on the age of 116.

According to data, Franciszek is currently the fifth oldest person on Earth. She was preceded by Maria Branyas Morera of Spain, Tomiko Itooka of Japan, Inah Canabarro Lucas of Brazil and Juan Vicente Perez Mora of Venezuela.

Francis currently lives in Houston along with her 94-year-old daughter, Dorothy Williams, and granddaughter Ethel Harrison, who cares for each women.

“It’s just amazing,” Harrison, 68, tells TODAY.com. We are very grateful that she remains to be here and that my mother, who’s her daughter – she only had one child – remains to be alive too.”

Franciszek’s three grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren of Franciszek had a probability to live a long life. One of Franciszka’s sisters lived to the age of 106, one other to 95, and their father died on the age of 99.

The keys to a long life

Have faith

Adopting a faith-based lifestyle leads to reduced depression, stronger social networks, a deep sense of purpose, and a longer lifespan.

When you ask Mrs. Francis about her secret to longevity, she attributes all of it to God.

“It’s not my secret. It’s a good blessing from the good Lord,” Francis told TODAY.com. “I just thank God I’m here.”

Francis’ family says being in the neighborhood helped her live a long life.

Their theory can be supported by science. Numerous studies have shown that an energetic social life can have each physical and mental advantages.

AND 2023 Cambridge University Study published within the journal Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences found that older adults’ friendships in lots of cases contributed to improved physical and mental health. Stronger bonds with family and friends may even extend your life for those who get sick. According to study carried out by Joan C. Engebretson, Noemi E. Peterson and Moshe Frenkel for the National Library of Medicine, after interviewing fourteen advanced-stage cancer survivors who lived a median of 11 years after initial diagnosis, a common theme was discovered. All subjects had strong connections with family and friends, which increased their will to live.

Healthy Eating

If you wish to live a few years, you can not ignore the importance of a healthy food plan. Elizabeth Francis had a home garden where she grew vegetables resembling kale, mustard, carrots, and okra.

“You ever went to her house, no matter what day of the week she was cooking,” Harrison says. “I just think that had a lot to do with it too. Just about how she took care of her body and stuff like that.

A study published within the journal PLOS Medicine suggests that eating a more plant-based or Mediterranean food plan, wealthy in beans, whole grains and nuts, may add 10 years to your life. Eliminating sugar, processed meats and refined grains also can improve longevity.

Stay energetic

A healthy lifestyle also helped. Harrison says Francis, who was a single mother, never smoked or drank alcohol, and until the early Nineties walked frequently and worked hard.

“She was a hard-working person. That’s what I remember most about her. Even after retiring, she continued to work. She was a homemaker, but she was at all times working,” Harrison recalled. “Even though she didn’t earn much, she saved money. She didn’t just exit and buy anything.

What experts say about longevity

Harvard University researchers checked out aspects that may increase the probabilities of living longer. Researchers found that the five aspects for a healthier, longer life include eating a healthy food plan, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising frequently for at the least 150 minutes a week, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol sparsely.

The study found that individuals who made these lifestyle changes lived up to 14 years longer compared to individuals who didn’t.

In one other study, researchers found that ladies of their 50s who practiced 4 or five of the healthy habits listed above lived about 34 more years freed from diabetes, heart problems and cancer, or about 10 years longer than women who NO. Men who practiced 4 or five healthy habits at age 50 lived about 31 years freed from chronic disease, compared with 24 years for men who practiced no habits.

The study found that men who were current heavy smokers and men and women who were obese had the bottom disease-free life expectancy.