Introduction to a Long and Active Life

Fay Bond has never been one for idleness. Now, despite her age, that hasn’t changed much. For about 50 years, Bond taught water aerobics and stretch classes, and she was an avid gardener and member of a walking club. When the local health club opened in her hometown of Oriental, North Carolina, decades ago, Bond and her husband were the first to enroll.

A Lifetime of Activity

She shies away from calling herself athletic and instead says she’s simply been in tune with her body for more than 100 years. “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,” she tells TODAY.com. This month, at 101, Bond will compete in the 2025 National Senior Games in the discus, long jump and shot put events for the fourth time. More than 12,400 athletes between the ages of 50 and 105 compete in Des Moines throughout July and August for this year’s games.

Competing and Living Life to the Fullest

Bond’s daughter, Irma Bond, who’s also competing, introduced her mother to the games when she was 90. Fay Bond has no idea how she’ll fare, but she won’t waste time wondering about it. She’s ready to secure additional medals and add another record to her growing list. Or at least she’ll try. “If you see something and think, ‘Well, I think I could do that,’ get in, and do it,” she says. It’s the advice she’s always given her children and the mindset she’s long maintained.

Simple Tips for Longevity

Ahead are Fay Bond’s best tips for living a long and active life.

Invest in Your Health

“Mom has always been health-conscious,” Irma Bond tells TODAY.com. Her mom regularly canned her own vegetables, and “we never had cookies or soda pops,” she says. Fay Bond never smoked or drank either, and her go-to meals include oatmeal with fruit, chicken salad on a pita with tomatoes, and fish and chicken, often with sweet potato. She’ll snack on yogurt and fruit and limits red meat.

To avoid injury, Fay Bond doesn’t usually practice ahead of the Senior Games. Courtesy Fay and Irma Bond

Build Community

Fay Bond builds friendships doing the things she loves. She joined a walking club, she played bridge, she and her husband were members of a dance group, and she pickled watermelon rinds to share with the neighborhood. “She’s always been very social,” says Irma Bond. “She’s known as the sweetheart of Oriental.” On Aug. 10, after the games, Fay Bond will host her 55th annual watermelon cutting in the front yard, where the entire community can participate and eat.

Say “Yes”

Fay Bond lived on her own until she was 99 years old. When she “started getting confused about things,” Irma moved her mother in with her three years ago. Together, they’re game for anything. “We just enjoy living and enjoy life,” says Irma Bond. “Mom has always been a very positive person. (She) enjoys being and doing. I try to entertain her as much as I can.”

Be Positive

“Mom introduced me to Norman Vincent Peal, (author of) ‘The Power of Positive Thinking,’” Irma Bond recalls. “That probably did a lot for me growing up as much as anything ever has.” Life isn’t long for everyone, the Bonds have learned. Fay Bond will turn 102 in September, and while her aunt lived until she was 103, and her sister until she was 96, other family members didn’t live as long. Both mother and daughter are committed to seeing the good in every day.

Have Something to Look Forward To

Fay and Irma are grateful for the games because it gives them something to work toward. “You need to always give yourself something to look forward to,” the Bonds believe. “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.”

Conclusion

Fay Bond’s story is a testament to the power of living an active and engaged life. By following her simple tips, anyone can increase their chances of living a long and healthy life. Whether it’s investing in your health, building community, saying "yes" to new experiences, being positive, or having something to look forward to, there are many ways to cultivate a lifelong approach to wellness.

FAQs

• Q: What is Fay Bond’s secret to living a long and active life?
  A: Fay Bond’s secret is a combination of investing in her health, building community, saying "yes" to new experiences, being positive, and having something to look forward to.
• Q: How old is Fay Bond?
  A: Fay Bond is 101 years old and will turn 102 in September.
• Q: What events does Fay Bond compete in at the National Senior Games?
  A: Fay Bond competes in the discus, long jump, and shot put events.
• Q: How many athletes compete in the National Senior Games?
  A: More than 12,400 athletes between the ages of 50 and 105 compete in the games.
• Q: What is the importance of having something to look forward to?
  A: Having something to look forward to gives individuals a sense of purpose and motivation, helping them stay active and engaged in life.