If someone asks what is the secret to longevity the chances are most of us will say it’s a healthy lifestyle and eating good, healthy food.
Although that’s true and no one could deny that regular physical exercises, balanced diet, and tranquility are important for our overall wellbeing there is another secret to long life you’ve probably had never thought of. The unusual explanation came from a 109-year-old woman called Jessie Gallen.
In 2015, Holiday Retirement carried out a detailed survey all over America. The aim was to find out which are the factors influencing longevity. They talked to many people at the age of 100 or older. Among the reasons provided for their longevity were the role of family or living life to the fullest. However, Jessie Gallen (born in 1906) who grew up in Kintore, Scotland, on a farm that belonged to her family, gave a different answer.
Jessie led a simple rural life.
She went to school for a short period then started working in a farm kitchen and then as a housemaid in a rich family in the city. After that, she started a job in the service industry.
Gallan spent her last years in the Crosby House a home for ill or alone seniors. She will be remembered as a lovely, independent woman who liked spending her time with her best friend, Sarah. Jessie adored music and wouldn’t miss her exercise class.
Before passing away in March 2015, she shared the secret of her long life.
“My secret to a long life has been staying away from men,” she said. “They’re just more trouble than they’re worth.”
She also added:
“I like my porridge. I have all my life.”
Jessie Gallan’s opinion is really interesting and gives us food for thought. Is the fact that many (amazing) women can’t find a right partner disturbing and sad thing? Or it’s a blessing in disguise? No one can give an exact answer to that question. Or claim that Jessie Gallan was completely wrong or right about what she thought was the reason for her longevity. Taking into consideration the fact she lived to be 109 years old means her theory should be given some credit.
Get to know Jessie Gallan in her previous interview for STV News:
