While the rest of the world tries to figure out the secret to longevity through studies and data points, Eva Marie Saint is thriving after celebrating her 100th birthday in 2024 while keeping things nice and simple. talking to the people In 2024, the oldest living Oscar winner admitted: “I definitely don’t feel 100 years old.” Saint went on to detail the simple and cheerful daily routine that has helped her succeed, saying, “I keep walking outdoors, like watching baseball – especially the Los Angeles Dodgers, and enjoying time with my family and friends. Good life.”
During a 2014 conversation with Fox NewsThe “On The Waterfront” star also confirmed that she set aside an hour of her day to go for a walk with her husband, Jeffrey Hayden. Now, on paper, this may not seem like much. However, research indicates that St Habits that make you more likely to live longer. A 2025 He studies The Annals of Internal Medicine compared the risks of mortality and cardiovascular disease in people who walked for 5 minutes or less, 5 to 10 minutes, 10 to 15 minutes, and 15 minutes or more. The study found that the risk of both health problems decreased steadily in each group that got more activity.
Meanwhile, another He studies A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that Americans over the age of 40 could live about 5.3 years longer if they engaged in as much physical activity as the top 25% of the population. An hour’s walk can be particularly beneficial for those who live a sedentary lifestyle and may increase life expectancy by 6.3 hours.
Eva Marie Saint’s decision to prioritize her family can also positively impact her health
When you walk every day, a lot of good things happen to your body. According to 2023 He studies At GeroScience, regular walking can be especially beneficial for older adults. It can reduce the risk of serious health problems such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and other cognitive impairment issues. In addition, this low-impact exercise can also help maintain good mental health and improve sleep quality.
Walking can be beneficial for those with arthritis due to its positive effect on joint and muscle health. As a bonus, regular walking may help increase energy levels and support immune system function. However, it’s not just walking that makes Eva Marie Saint thrive at 100; It’s also the time she spends with her family.
Research has shown this Good relationships can prolong your life. According to 2023 a report According to the US Surgeon General’s advisory, the odds of premature death rose by 26% for those who were lonely and by 29% for those who were socially isolated. The lack of strong social connections increases the risk of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%. Furthermore, it can make a person more susceptible to dementia, depression, and anxiety. In general, social isolation can be considered as dangerous to health as smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day. In contrast, being around positive social connections can release dopamine, which not only increases momentary happiness but also keeps the brain sharp, prompting it to remember the feeling and encouraging it to keep searching for it.
