Who Lived for 106 Years? Uncovering the Secrets of Remarkable Centenarians

Did you know that for people over 105, the rate of death begins to plateau, meaning those who reach this milestone have a surprisingly high chance of living even longer? Exploring who lived for 106 years reveals that there is no single secret to extreme longevity, but rather a combination of diverse habits and a touch of good fortune.

Quick Summary

Many individuals, from famous entertainers to private citizens, have reached the age of 106 by adopting healthy habits, maintaining social connections, and managing stress, proving that longevity is influenced heavily by lifestyle choices rather than just genetics.

Key Points

• Doris Eaton Travis: This former Ziegfeld Girl and actress showcased how staying engaged in creative passions contributes to a long and healthy life.

• Dorothy Staten: A 106-year-old Texas resident, she maintains her independence and credits her longevity to a strict, sugar-free diet.

• Katie MacRae: This Australian centenarian, who celebrated 106 in 2023, recommends regular gardening and a perpetually positive attitude.

• Mortality Plateau: Research shows that after age 105, the risk of death begins to level off, suggesting a unique biological resilience in supercentenarians.

• Lifestyle over Genes: A large body of evidence suggests that lifestyle factors and environmental influences are far more significant for longevity (80%) than genetics (20%).

• Consistent Motion: Daily, moderate physical activity like walking and gardening is a common habit among centenarians, contributing to robust health.

• Social Connections: Strong relationships with family and community are a cornerstone of longevity, providing emotional support and purpose.

The Many Faces of 106

While the search for a single individual who lived for 106 years yields countless names, focusing on specific stories offers a window into the rich tapestry of extreme old age. These individuals represent a spectrum of experiences, from public figures to quiet lives lived to the fullest.

Notable 106-Year-Olds Throughout History

• Doris Eaton Travis: An American dancer and actress who began her career in vaudeville and was one of the last surviving Ziegfeld Girls. She passed away in 2010 at 106, having lived through three centuries. Her life demonstrated the importance of staying active and engaged in one's passions well into old age.
• Walter Walsh: A highly decorated Marine Corps officer and former FBI agent, Walsh lived to be 106, dying in 2014. His long life, characterized by a demanding and physically active career, suggests that a lifelong commitment to duty and exercise can contribute to exceptional longevity.
• Katie MacRae: A modern centenarian, MacRae, who celebrated her 106th birthday in 2023, credits her longevity to simple habits like gardening daily and maintaining a positive attitude. She emphasizes living life to the fullest and finding joy in everyday moments, a common theme among long-lived individuals.
• Dorothy Staten: This Texas woman, who was 106 in 2024, lives independently and maintains a strict, self-imposed diet free of sugar. Her story, alongside others who swear by specific routines, highlights the power of consistent dietary habits.

Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity

The lives of these centenarians, though varied, reveal several recurring themes and habits. Researchers have identified that while genetics play a role, lifestyle choices and environmental factors are far more influential in determining one's life span.

The Centenarian's Lifestyle: A Holistic Approach

Here are some of the key takeaways from those who have lived to 106 and beyond:

1. Mindful Eating: Centenarians often adhere to a plant-based diet, avoiding overeating by stopping when they feel 80% full. This practice, known as Hara Hachi Bu in Okinawa, Japan, prevents the stress that overconsumption puts on the body. Many also limit processed foods and focus on fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients.
2. Consistent Physical Activity: Rather than intense gym workouts, the physical activity common among centenarians is constant, low-intensity movement throughout the day. This includes walking, gardening, and performing household chores. This continuous motion keeps the body's systems functioning efficiently without causing excessive wear and tear.
3. Strong Social Bonds: A robust social network is a significant predictor of longevity. Centenarians often have deep connections with family, friends, and their community, which provides emotional support and a sense of belonging. Maintaining these relationships is crucial for mental and emotional well-being.
4. Effective Stress Management: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can damage cells and accelerate aging. Centenarians often find ways to mitigate stress, whether through spiritual practices, meditation, or simply taking time to relax and decompress each day.
5. A Clear Sense of Purpose: Having a reason to get up in the morning, or a purpose, is a powerful motivator for staying engaged with life. Japanese researchers found that a strong sense of purpose reduced the risk of death from heart disease and stroke in men over 13 years.

Genetics vs. The Environment: A Comparison

To understand the role of genetics versus lifestyle in extreme longevity, a comparison can be helpful. While family history certainly plays a part, it is not the sole determinant of whether someone will live to 106.

Factor	Role in Longevity	Impact on Life	Example from a Centenarian
Genetics	Sets the baseline potential for a long life.	Less than 25% of overall longevity is attributed to genetics.	Dorothy Staten has a sister who also lived to an extreme age, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
Lifestyle	Significantly influences how that genetic potential is realized.	Over 75% of longevity is linked to daily habits and environment.	Katie MacRae's positive attitude and gardening habits are a choice that positively affects her health.
Nutrition	Powers the body and impacts overall health and disease risk.	A diet rich in plants and low in sugar and processed foods is key.	Dorothy Staten's strict sugar-free diet contributes to her health and independence.
Physical Activity	Maintains mobility, muscle mass, and cardiovascular health.	Consistent, low-intensity movement is more beneficial than sporadic, high-intensity exercise.	Katie MacRae's daily gardening keeps her active and engaged.

The Longevity Plateau After 105

In 2018, a study published in Science Advances revealed a fascinating trend: the mortality rate for individuals over 105 begins to level off. This suggests that once a person survives to this age, they have effectively overcome the typical aging-related vulnerabilities that claim others. Their continued survival is a testament to incredible biological resilience, a phenomenon that offers valuable clues to researchers studying the biology of aging. This study, using robust data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics, challenges the previous notion of a fixed human lifespan limit.

Applying Centenarian Habits to Your Life

For those of us not yet approaching the triple-digit milestone, the lessons from these long-lived individuals are invaluable. It’s not about finding a magic pill or a single “secret,” but rather adopting a holistic, consistent approach to health.

• Cultivate a Purpose: Find hobbies, interests, or relationships that give you a sense of meaning and keep your mind active. Lita Touchstone, who was 106 and living in Texas in 2025, returned to painting in her later years, showcasing the importance of continued creativity and engagement.
• Prioritize Sleep and Stress Management: As the National Institutes of Health points out, a healthy lifestyle includes managing stress and getting sufficient rest. Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing into your routine.
• Nurture Social Connections: Make time for family and friends. Join a community group, volunteer, or simply make it a point to connect with loved ones daily. These interactions are a powerful buffer against anxiety and isolation.
• Move Naturally: Forget the extreme workouts. Find movement you enjoy, whether it’s walking with a friend, gardening, or taking a scenic hike. Consistency is more important than intensity.

Following the example of those who lived for 106 years is a powerful blueprint for healthy aging. While the exact habits may differ, the underlying principles of a purpose-driven, connected, and moderately active life are universal. By incorporating these lessons, we can all improve our odds of living a longer, healthier life.

For more research-backed strategies on healthy aging, consult the National Institutes of Health at https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2016/06/can-you-lengthen-your-life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a single secret for people who lived for 106 years?

There is no single, universal secret. Instead, individuals who live to 106 typically have a combination of good genetics, healthy lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise, strong social connections, and effective stress management.

Does living to 106 mean a person has been healthy their whole life?

Not necessarily. Some centenarians, known as 'survivors', have experienced age-related illnesses earlier in life but have shown remarkable resilience. Others, called 'escapers', reach 100 without major health issues.

What role does diet play in living to 106?

Diet is a major factor. Many centenarians consume a predominantly plant-based diet, low in processed foods and calories. They often practice mindful eating, stopping when they feel full rather than overeating.

How important is exercise for living past 100?

Regular, moderate exercise is crucial. Most centenarians are not intensive athletes but stay consistently active through daily activities like walking, gardening, and household chores. This consistent movement supports cardiovascular health and mobility.

What is the importance of social connections for longevity?

Social bonds are a significant predictor of a long life. Maintaining strong relationships with family and community provides emotional support, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of purpose, all of which contribute to well-being.

Is there a limit to the human lifespan?

Recent research suggests the upper limit of the human lifespan may not be fixed. Studies of people over 105 show that their risk of death levels off, indicating that those who pass this milestone have exceptional biological resilience.

Are most 106-year-olds physically and mentally sharp?

Many centenarians experience some decline in physical, sensory, or cognitive function. However, many also maintain a high level of life satisfaction, happiness, and mental acuity, often possessing a positive outlook on life.