Health
Centenarian Shares Secrets For Lifelong Vitality
Health Points
- Building community and staying social support longevity as we age
- Making healthy choices daily adds up over the years
- Keeping a positive outlook and setting goals boosts vitality
At 101 years old, Fay Bond proves that staying active doesn’t age out. For five decades, she taught water aerobics and stretch classes, kept busy gardening, and never missed an opportunity to walk with her club. Her hometown’s first health club found two of its earliest members in Fay and her husband. Even now, she finds little reason to slow down.
Despite her humility—she insists, “I’ve always been aware of when I’ve needed to put off a little weight or put on a little weight, and be active”—Bond continues to be in tune with her health after a century of living.
July brings another milestone: at 101, Fay Bond returns to the National Senior Games in discus, long jump, and shot put. It’s her fourth appearance, joining more than 12,000 athletes from 50 to 105, all gathering in Iowa to compete. She’s not alone—her daughter Irma, now 75 and also an athlete, introduced her to the competition a decade ago. “If you see something and think, ‘Well, I think I could do that,’ get in, and do it,” Fay shares—the same advice she’s given her family all her life.
Fay Bond and her daughter Irma with their medals at the National Senior Games. Courtesy Fay and Irma Bond
What can we learn from someone whose century is marked by health, resilience, and joy? Here are Fay Bond’s timeless tips for living a long and full life.
Prioritize Health Every Day
Healthy habits took root early for Fay and her family. “Mom has always been health-conscious,” Irma Bond explains. Fay canned her own vegetables, never kept soda or cookies around, and avoided smoking and alcohol. Her typical meals include oatmeal with fruit, protein-packed salads, plenty of chicken and fish, and fiber-rich sweet potatoes. Snacks are wholesome, like yogurt with fruit. Red meat? Kept to a minimum.
To avoid injury, Fay Bond doesn’t usually practice ahead of the Senior Games. Courtesy Fay and Irma Bond
Irma credits her own athletic streak to watching her mom’s approach to wellness. Irma herself now sprints every morning. Their family shares the fitness bug—Fay’s son, at age 79, is heading to California to compete in national slalom water skiing, defending his title from last year.
Connect Through Activity
Friendship goes hand-in-hand with movement for Fay. She’s long participated in a walking club, enjoyed bridge games, danced with her husband, and shared treats—like pickled watermelon rinds—with the neighborhood. “She’s always been very social,” Irma says. Fay’s annual front yard watermelon cutting is legendary: this year marks its 55th year, inviting the whole community to enjoy a sweet tradition.
Fay Bond competes in the National Senior Games. Courtesy Fay and Irma Bond
Embrace New Experiences
Fay remained independent until age 99, moving in with Irma three years ago after some confusion began. The mother-daughter pair are all about living in the moment—they’ll try anything, from canoeing to swimming in the local sound. “We just enjoy living and enjoy life,” Irma shares. “Mom has always been a very positive person. (She) enjoys being and doing. I try to entertain her as much as I can.” If something sparks their interest, they make it happen.
Stay Positive, Always
Norman Vincent Peale’s classic, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” resonated in the Bond household. Irma notes, “That probably did a lot for me growing up as much as anything ever has.” While they both know that long life isn’t promised, Fay—who turns 102 in September—continues to focus on what each new day has to offer. “Seeing the good” is a Bond family value.
Fay Bond and her daughter Irma Bond, compete in the National Senior Olympic Games. Courtesy Fay and Irma Bond
Set Goals, No Matter Your Age
Having something exciting on the calendar gives Fay and Irma the energy and motivation to keep moving forward. “You need to always give yourself something to look forward to,” they share. “This actually gives us something to strive for and look forward to and stay in shape for, so you can’t get any better than that.” Their commitment shows how goals—big or small—can keep us young at heart and strong in spirit.