7 behaviors nearly all people who live to 100 have in common, according to psychology

We’ve all heard the saying, “Age is just a number.” But when it comes to longevity, it seems there’s more to it than just good genes.

Here’s the deal.

According to psychology, people who live to be 100 years old often share a set of common behaviors. And these aren’t any kind of secret rituals or magical potions.

These are simple, everyday habits that anyone can adopt. And what’s more? They may even give you a better shot at joining the century club.

Now you might be thinking, “What does this have to do with my business?” Well, think about it this way. As entrepreneurs, we constantly strive for sustainability and growth.

Isn’t that the same as aiming for a long and healthy life?

So, if you’re curious about what it takes to hit the big 100 and how these behaviors might indirectly influence your entrepreneurial journey, stick around.

We’re about to dive into these seven common habits found in centenarians—backed by psychology.

1) Embrace a positive mindset

Here’s an interesting fact.

Psychologists often find that centenarians tend to have an upbeat outlook on life. They choose to see the glass as half full, even when things get tough.

And no, this isn’t about ignoring reality or glossing over problems. It’s about adopting a resilience-focused mindset that helps them navigate through life’s ups and downs.

Now, let’s bring this back to you and your business.

Imagine facing a challenging situation—say, a major setback in your project. You can either dwell on the negative and let it pull you down, or use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

So, the next time you find yourself in a tough spot, remember this habit of centenarians. A positive mindset can make a world of difference—both in living a long life and running a successful business.

2) Stay physically active

Centenarians, it seems, are no strangers to regular physical activity.

Now, I’m not saying they’re out there running marathons or bench-pressing their body weight. But they do incorporate movement into their daily routines—be it gardening, walking, or even simple stretching exercises.

Let me share something from my own life.

A few years ago, I found myself caught up in the hustle of running my business. Long hours in front of the computer, endless cups of coffee…you know how it goes.

One day, I realized that my energy levels were plummeting and my productivity was taking a hit. That’s when I decided to make a change.

I started with small steps—taking short breaks to walk around the block, swapping elevator rides for climbing stairs, opting for a standing desk.

Over time, these small changes started making a big difference. I felt more energetic, focused, and ready to take on whatever challenges came my way.

So the point is this—staying physically active isn’t just about hitting the gym or training for a 10K run. It’s about making little changes to your everyday routine that keep you moving and ultimately, contribute to your longevity.

3) Cultivate strong social connections

You know, there’s something about human connection that’s just…essential. And it seems those who live to see a hundred get this better than anyone else.

They surround themselves with a network of family, friends, or community members who provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.

This isn’t always easy. Sometimes it means dealing with conflicts or misunderstandings. Other times, it requires stepping out of your comfort zone to meet new people.

But at the end of the day, these social connections contribute to their emotional well-being and longevity.

Here’s how I see it.

In the business world, we often get so wrapped up in numbers, targets, and profit margins that we forget about the human element.

We forget that behind every successful venture are teams of people who work together, support each other, and create an environment where everyone feels valued.

So whether it’s about living to 100 or running a successful business, never underestimate the power of strong social connections. They’re worth more than any number can quantify.

4) Maintain a balanced diet

Centenarians tend to follow a golden rule: everything in moderation.

They enjoy a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. They aren’t about fad diets or extreme food restrictions. Instead, they understand the importance of fueling their bodies with the right nutrients.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “You are what you eat.” Well, it applies here too.

In the world of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to fall into the trap of eating on the run or skipping meals altogether due to a busy schedule. But just like our bodies, our businesses need the right kind of fuel to thrive.

In essence, maintaining a balanced diet isn’t just a key to long life—it’s also an investment in your personal health and productivity. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

5) Keep the mind sharp

Here’s something you might not expect.

Many centenarians are lifelong learners. They engage in activities that stimulate their minds—be it reading, puzzles, playing a musical instrument, or even learning a new language.

Research suggests that keeping the brain active and engaged can slow cognitive decline and contribute to overall longevity.

It’s kind of like a mental workout that keeps the brain agile and healthy, much like physical exercise does for the body.

Now, apply this to entrepreneurship.

In an ever-evolving digital world, staying on top of new technologies, trends, and business strategies is crucial.

It’s about being a lifelong learner in your field and constantly looking for ways to grow and improve.

So, keep your mind sharp. It’s not just a ticket to long life—it’s also a recipe for success in the business world.

6) Practice gratitude

Gratitude, it turns out, is a common thread among those who reach the age of 100.

They make it a habit to appreciate the small moments and express thankfulness for the people and experiences that enrich their lives.

This simple practice has been linked to increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved overall well-being.

I understand that life, whether personal or business, is not always smooth sailing. There are highs and lows, successes and failures, joys and disappointments.

But amidst all this, finding moments of gratitude can add a layer of richness to our lives that’s hard to quantify.

So go ahead and take a moment to appreciate what you have. It could be your dedicated team, your loyal customers, or even a successful project.

Gratitude is more than just a feel-good habit—it’s a way of life that could very well take you to your hundredth birthday and beyond.

7) Adapt to change

The ability to adapt to change is a common trait among centenarians.

They’ve seen the world evolve over a century, after all. They’ve witnessed wars, economic depressions, technological revolutions, and societal transformations.

Through it all, their ability to adapt and adjust has been a key factor in their longevity.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, change is the only constant. Markets fluctuate, customer preferences shift, and new technologies emerge.

Being able to adapt to these changes is critical for the survival and growth of any business.

So remember: flexibility isn’t just about staying physically agile—it’s also about being mentally prepared to embrace change and make the most of it. Adaptability could very well be your secret weapon to living a long life and running a successful business.

Reflecting on longevity

As we’ve journeyed through these seven behaviors, it’s worth noting that longevity isn’t just about the number of years lived. It’s about the quality of those years—filled with joy, purpose, and meaningful connections.

Remember, these habits aren’t exclusive to centenarians. They are accessible to all of us, at any age. Incorporating these behaviors into your own life can lead to a healthier, happier, and potentially longer life.

Adapting to change, staying mentally and physically active, maintaining a healthy diet—all while cultivating strong relationships and practicing gratitude—are not only keys to longevity but also to a fulfilled life.

This isn’t about changing everything overnight. It’s about small steps, gradual changes that over time become part of who you are.

So as you move forward, take a moment to reflect on these behaviors. Which ones resonate with you? Which ones do you feel you could incorporate into your life?

In the end, it’s not just about living to 100—it’s about living well at every age. So here’s to a long, healthy, and fulfilling life that goes beyond the numbers.