101-Year-Old Jewelry Store Owner Shares Secrets to Longevity

Anne Angioletti, a 101-year-old jewelry store owner from Cresskill, New Jersey, continues to defy age with her vibrant lifestyle and passion for her work. Operating her business for decades, Angioletti shares her secrets to longevity, which include an active routine, a positive outlook on life, and a commitment to social engagement.

Angioletti works six days a week, commuting regularly to New York City to acquire new merchandise for her store. Remarkably, she still drives and maintains an active social life, dining out with friends every Saturday night and dancing, a pastime she cherishes. Her energetic demeanor and youthful spirit leave many astonished, not just at her age but at her ability to remain so engaged and active.

Embracing Life and Staying Active

When asked about her secrets to happiness, Angioletti simply states, “I think my secret is that I love life. I’m happy. I try not to worry about tomorrow.” Born in 1924, she has lived through significant historical events, including the Great Depression and the challenges of raising three children after becoming a widow at a young age.

Exercise has always played a crucial role in her life. Starting in her 40s, Angioletti adopted a rigorous routine that included walking three miles each morning and climbing 20 flights of stairs to stay fit. Today, she dedicates 30 minutes each morning to exercises such as leg raises and arm workouts with 2-pound weights. While she acknowledges that her dancing has slowed, she still enjoys one or two dances during her weekly outings.

For Angioletti, her business is a source of purpose. Before establishing her jewelry store, she held various jobs, including waitress, short-order cook, and even a role as a bookkeeper. During World War II, she contributed to the war effort by making surgical instruments. She emphasizes the importance of having a reason to get up each day, stating, “I don’t have anything to do if I were at home. So that’s not good.” This dedication to her work provides her with both fulfillment and social interaction, which her family indicates is vital for her well-being.

Diet and Lifestyle Choices

Angioletti’s approach to diet complements her active lifestyle. She typically enjoys a lunch of chicken, Chinese or Mediterranean food, while also relishing fish and a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes and spinach. She has a keen preference for savory foods and indulges in beer once a week, opting to share any candy she receives, as sweets are not part of her usual diet.

Reflecting on her childhood, Angioletti recalls family meals that started with spaghetti, followed by a main course of chicken, fish, or steak, and often included fruit and nuts for dessert. Her long life has not come without hardship, but she remains optimistic, stating, “I had a wonderful young childhood and a wonderful life altogether because I’ve been happy with everything.”

Her granddaughter notes that Angioletti has always believed that worrying is detrimental to health. “She’s always said to me that worrying about anything is not good for you,” she explains. This mindset contributes to Angioletti’s ability to live a life free of stress and anxiety, allowing her to embrace each day with joy and enthusiasm.

As she continues to inspire those around her, Anne Angioletti exemplifies the power of a positive mindset, active living, and a deep love for life. Her story serves as a reminder that age is merely a number, and a fulfilling life can be achieved through dedication, passion, and a commitment to health and happiness.