{"id":18362,"date":"2025-08-04T21:51:46","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T01:51:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/?p=18362"},"modified":"2025-08-04T21:51:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T01:51:46","slug":"101-year-old-athletes-longevity-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/08\/04\/101-year-old-athletes-longevity-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"101-year-old athlete’s longevity tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to a Long and Active Life<\/h1>\n

Fay Bond has never been one for idleness. Now, despite her age, that hasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

A Lifetime of Activity<\/h2>\n

She shies away from calling herself athletic and instead says she\u2019s simply been in tune with her body for more than 100 years. \u201cI\u2019ve always been aware of when I\u2019ve needed to put off a little weight or put on a little weight, and be active,\u201d 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\u2019s games.<\/p>\n

Competing and Living Life to the Fullest<\/h3>\n

Bond\u2019s daughter, Irma Bond, who\u2019s also competing, introduced her mother to the games when she was 90. Fay Bond has no idea how she\u2019ll fare, but she won\u2019t waste time wondering about it. She\u2019s ready to secure additional medals and add another record to her growing list. Or at least she\u2019ll try. \u201cIf you see something and think, \u2018Well, I think I could do that,\u2019 get in, and do it,\u201d she says. It\u2019s the advice she\u2019s always given her children and the mindset she\u2019s long maintained.<\/p>\n

Simple Tips for Longevity<\/h2>\n

Ahead are Fay Bond’s best tips for living a long and active life.<\/p>\n

Invest in Your Health<\/h3>\n

\u201cMom has always been health-conscious,\u201d Irma Bond tells TODAY.com. Her mom regularly canned her own vegetables, and \u201cwe never had cookies or soda pops,\u201d 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\u2019ll snack on yogurt and fruit and limits red meat.
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\nTo avoid injury, Fay Bond doesn’t usually practice ahead of the Senior Games. Courtesy Fay and Irma Bond<\/p>\n

Build Community<\/h3>\n

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. \u201cShe\u2019s always been very social,\u201d says Irma Bond. \u201cShe\u2019s known as the sweetheart of Oriental.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

Say \u201cYes\u201d<\/h3>\n

Fay Bond lived on her own until she was 99 years old. When she \u201cstarted getting confused about things,\u201d Irma moved her mother in with her three years ago. Together, they\u2019re game for anything. \u201cWe just enjoy living and enjoy life,\u201d says Irma Bond. \u201cMom has always been a very positive person. (She) enjoys being and doing. I try to entertain her as much as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Be Positive<\/h3>\n

\u201cMom introduced me to Norman Vincent Peal, (author of) \u2018The Power of Positive Thinking,\u2019\u201d Irma Bond recalls. \u201cThat probably did a lot for me growing up as much as anything ever has.\u201d Life isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Have Something to Look Forward To<\/h3>\n

Fay and Irma are grateful for the games because it gives them something to work toward. \u201cYou need to always give yourself something to look forward to,\u201d the Bonds believe. \u201cThis actually gives us something to strive for and look forward to and stay in shape for, so you can\u2019t get any better than that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n