At 101 years old, Roy Cohen shares the surprising foods he never eats and his secrets to a long, healthy life. Living in the United States, Cohen credits his longevity to a balanced diet, daily physical activity, and keeping his mind sharp.
Roy Cohen, a former pharmaceutical CEO, retired at 81 but has stayed active for over two decades with a disciplined routine. In a recent interview with Business Insider, he opened up about the lifestyle choices that helped him live a long and vibrant life.
Following a Mediterranean diet for lasting health
Cohen swears by the Mediterranean diet, highlighting its role in his wellbeing. This diet emphasizes fresh fish, vegetables, and olive oil. When he wants a snack, he picks something healthy like cauliflower, carrots, or red peppers. “I eat a lot of kale and salads,” he said, explaining how these choices keep him feeling balanced.
One crucial part of his diet is avoiding processed foods and red meat entirely. Cohen knows that by steering clear of these, he’s protecting his body and ensuring he gets plenty of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 through other sources. These nutrients are vital to staying physically well, especially at an advanced age.
His daily exercise plan isn’t extreme but purposeful: he takes walks and performs 20 minutes of leg workouts to stay mobile. This gentle but consistent movement has been key since retiring.
Daily exercise and mental activation keep the body and mind young
Cohen’s story is inspiring for anyone looking to age gracefully. He stresses that keeping the brain engaged is just as important as physical fitness. “I handle all my finances. I manage every detail before it becomes a problem. That keeps my mind active,” he said.
Besides managing money, Cohen enjoys doing hands-on projects around the house, refusing to sit still for long. “Being busy makes me happy,” he explained. This busy mindset fuels both his mental and emotional wellbeing.
Maintaining a positive attitude matters, too. Cohen pointed out that many people waste energy being upset or envious over trivial things, but that can drain your spirit. Instead, focusing on happiness and resilience helps him navigate life with grace.
Life lessons from a century of experience
Born in 1922 on a farm without electricity or running water, Cohen’s early life was full of hardships. But his determination to learn and grow led him to earn a scholarship for agricultural microbiology and later earn a master’s degree in biochemistry and nutrition. These achievements paved the way for a successful career in pharmaceuticals, culminating in the role of CEO.
Beyond his career success, Cohen is a proud father of three and grandfather of six. Looking back, he credits his longevity to a blend of balanced nutrition, physical exercise, a sharp mind, and a positive outlook.
I can’t help but reflect on how easy it is to overlook these basics in our busy lives. The lesson here is simple but powerful: taking care of what you put in your body, moving regularly, and keeping your mind active are timeless keys to a longer, happier life.
What about you? Which habits do you think make the biggest difference in living well into old age? Have you tried any forms of the Mediterranean diet or daily routines to boost longevity? Share your thoughts and experiences below — let’s inspire each other to live our best lives every day!
Thank you! This is some very good information. I will fake it to heart.