Reaching 100 years old with the vitality and energy that Ruth Lemay has is something many of us would sign up for. This woman, who lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States, was discovered by Evynn O’ Leary and Ryan O’ Leary at a gym, and they decided to post a video about her on their Instagram account, explaining her exercise routine, which has gone viral. In an interview with TODAY.com, Lemay has explained the secrets to achieving this successful aging and the reasons for her longevity, highlighting the importance of maintaining an active aging process. Her daily routine includes physical exercise, a healthy diet, taking care of mental health, and pampering herself from time to time.

Ruth Lemay

Born in 1925, Ruth Lemay is a centenarian living in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. Her lifestyle has nothing to do with what one would expect from someone her age, and perhaps that is the reason she enjoys such enviable health. She lives with her daughter Annette Parker, 78, who helps and takes care of her. In the interview they gave to TODAY.com, Parker stated, “I probably take it for granted because we’ve had her for so long and we just do everything together”.

Lemay has become well-known thanks to the curiosity of Evynn and Ryan O’Leary, who run a social media account dedicated to creating content related to health and exercise. They noticed her regular presence at the gym and decided to ask her and film a video where she explains her exercise routine, which has received more than 600,000 likes on Instagram. “We were truly surprised to learn that she was 100 years old, as she looks incredible for her age. The greatest lesson in longevity we are taking from her is the importance of staying active” Ryan O’Leary told TODAY.com.

Keys to living a long life, Lemay style

In her interview with TODAY.com, Lemay listed the tips she has been following to achieve active aging and to remain fully independent while leading a healthy life.

Move your body

Lemay trains three times a week at the gym, where she rides a recumbent bike for 30 minutes, rests for five minutes, and then rides for another 30 minutes. She also walks more than a mile on the indoor track. Additionally, on days she doesn’t go to the gym, she does stretching and weightlifting at home. “One of my favorite exercises is walking. It always made me feel better,” she said.

Healthy diet

She has never smoked and does not drink alcohol. Lemay still cooks, and his diet is very varied, including chicken, seafood, fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fat-free yogurt. “I love vegetables. I grew up in the countryside, and my dad grew all kinds of vegetables, and they were wonderful for you,” says Lemay.

Favorite treats

Despite being consistent with his exercise and good nutrition, he does not give up his indulgences from time to time. Every Friday he enjoys his favorite dish, hot dogs from a local restaurant. “That’s my only treat of the week. I like hot dogs, and I get two hot dogs. They have chili, mustard, and a lot of onions. And that’s the kind I like”.

Genes aren’t always what matter

Lemay said that no one in his family had reached his age: his mother died at 65 and his father at 74. His health problems have not gone beyond undergoing a heart valve replacement, to which he admits, “I have been luckier in that way”.

Being independent

For decades he was a manager of a credit union and an analyst, so he made sure to have a salary that matched his skills and the work he performed. That financial freedom allowed him to drive until the age of 98 and still own his house today.

Socializing

According to his daughter, the good state of his mental health is one of the keys to his longevity. “She is very, very social and very receptive, and people are very receptive to her. When she walks outside, neighbors stop in their cars and talk. So she probably talks more than she walks, but that’s fine”.