Spain has the second highest number of people over 100, next to Japan. With over 100,000 centenarians, according to recent statistics, the country has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world. According to OECD, life expectancy in Spain is pegged at 83.2 years, second to Japan’s 83.4 years.
In a special report on Reuters, some of the country’s centenarians share their secrets to living a long life. The report featured interviews with some of these citizens, covering different areas in the country.
Take Up A Hobby
Having interviewed several people over 100, the report cited some common observations about their lives. These may have more likely contributed to long life. According to the report, most of the centenarians had pastimes or hobbies that they took up. These range from joining a drama club or playing an instrument such as the piano.
One of the interviewees, Pedro Rodriguez who is 106, shared that he learned to play the piano from the nuns. He continues to play every single day in their home in Asturias, northern Spain.
Another interviewee, Rafaela Pons, 102, has taken to watching football and supporting Real Madrid, as her pastime.
Work Everyday
Keeping oneself busy, through daily chores or activities, is one more common thing among the centenarians. Work may constitute simple farm activities like feeding livestock and tending a vegetable garden. Some work may also caring for their grandchildren or children with special needs.
Maria Josefa Guillen, 103, cares for her son who is disabled who lives with her. Another interviewee, 101-year old Pilar Fernandez, lives with her daughter in a farm where she takes care of farm animals and grows vegetables.
Stay Close To Family
Unlike the elderly in the United States for example, Spain’s elderly choose to live close to their relatives. According to the daughter of one centenarian, Francisco Nunez, 112, her father does not need to leave his home and stay in a special care facility. Because she is single, she lives with her father.
The report also noted that most of those interviewed either had close ties with family and relatives or lived nearby or with family members such as sons and daughters. If they were not living close to family, they had family members who kept in touch with them and checked on them regularly.
Tips From The Centenarians
When asked about tips on living a longer life, the centenarians were quick to share some of them. One recommended taking a spoonful of honey everyday, while another said that a daily bowl of gazpacho, a cold Spanish soup made of cucumbers and tomatoes will do the trick.
One interviewee, Avila resident Gumersindo Cubo, 101, said that his long life is “from inhaling pine resin from the woods.” As a child, he grew up living in the woods where his father was a park ranger.