Ruth Lemay, a 100-year-old woman from Virginia Beach, has become an internet sensation for her active lifestyle and vibrant energy. She maintains a healthy routine that includes regular exercise, a diet rich in vegetables, and a strong emphasis on mental and physical well-being. Lemay’s routine involves cycling on a recumbent bike, walking, and adhering to a nutritious diet that includes non-fat yogurt, walnuts, and various vegetables. Her family, including her daughter Annette Parker, supports her health habits, and she attributes her longevity to a combination of lifestyle choices and genetic factors.
Lemay shared her secret to longevity during a video posted by the health brand evry.day club on Instagram. The video showed her cycling at the gym, which she described as part of her daily routine. She told TODAY.com that she lives in her own home and enjoys cooking, and she drove her car until she was 98. Her daughter emphasized that her mother has always been conscious of her diet, which includes non-fat yogurt, walnuts, and a variety of vegetables. Lemay also highlighted the importance of mental health and maintaining a vibrant social life as key factors in her longevity.
While genetics may play a role in longevity, Lemay noted that she doesn’t know anyone in her family who has lived as long as her. Her mother died of colon cancer at 65, and her father died from a heart condition at 74. Despite this, Lemay has avoided major health complications, aside from one heart valve replacement. She attributes her health to a combination of exercise, a nutritious diet, and staying mentally and socially engaged. Lemay’s routine includes cycling on a recumbent bike for six miles and walking daily. She also emphasized the importance of getting enough sleep, stating she goes to bed at 9:30 PM.
As an example of her commitment to health, Lemay mentioned that she still performs her routine even when she doesn’t have access to a gym. She told Women’s Health that she walks from one end of her house to the other, completing 6,800 steps (3.22 miles). She also shared that her late husband would encourage her to walk after work, which she found to be a cherished part of her routine. Overall, Lemay’s story highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health, combining physical activity, proper nutrition, and mental well-being to achieve longevity.