A 108-year-old woman not only continues to live alone, she also drives everywhere. The centenarian from Dover, Delaware, exercises daily, reads, dances and maintains an active social life, but says she doesn't know why she is "living so much."
At 108 years old, Susan still drives and lives alone. "Trying to take care of myself"
A 108-year-old woman not only continues to live alone, she also drives everywhere. The centenarian from Dover, Delaware, exercises daily, reads, dances and maintains an active social life, but says she doesn't know why...
"To go shopping, I have to drive. Anywhere I want to go, I have to drive. I'm an experienced driver and I try to be very careful," said Susan Young Browne in an interview with Today.
Susan was born on April 24, 1918, in the city of Lincoln, and grew up with her parents and nine siblings in a house without electricity or basic sanitation. As a child, he studied at a primary school that followed a racial segregation policy and, because he admired his teacher, he decided to follow the same profession.
However, as there were no free high schools for black students in the region, the family had to pay for their education at Delaware State College High School, according to their daughter, Lynnette Young Overby.
Susan later entered Delaware State University and completed her degree in Pedagogy in 1945. She is currently the institution's oldest living alumnus.
The centenarian worked as a teacher for 30 years, starting her career in a rural school that had just one classroom. Additionally, she helped her first husband run a bus company before retiring in 1977.
"I don't know why I'm living so long. I just try to take care of myself," she said.
Still, Susan believes that regular exercise — including dancing — plays an important role in her longevity. Every day, she starts the morning with a routine of about 10 minutes of stretching, muscle strengthening and balance exercises.
"Then I get up, lean against the wall and do leg exercises. I make a point of exercising them," he explained.
"She does things I can't do," admitted her son, Jim Young.
"I move better than he does," Susan replied good-naturedly.
In fact, the elderly woman walks without needing a cane or walker.
In addition to physical activity, Susan eats an apple almost every day and prefers chicken meat. For breakfast, he has a cup of coffee, a glass of cranberry juice and a frozen waffle. She avoids fried foods, sugar and also does not consume alcoholic beverages.
"I like sweets, but I probably avoid them because of my health," he explained.
Even at 108 years old, Susan only takes one medication: a pill to control her blood pressure.
She was married twice and, after becoming a widow, decided that she would not "take care of any other man" again.
"When I was alone, I realized that I didn't need anyone to take care of me. I take care of myself. To have a healthy life, you need to make your own decisions," he said.
Despite her age, Susan continues to maintain an active social life, attending church and a senior living center. He also likes reading books and doing puzzles, according to his son.
Traveling is also part of your recipe for a long life. Throughout her 108 years, she has visited countries such as Spain, Portugal and Brazil. Still, her favorite destination remains Hawaii.
"It's a beautiful place," he summed up.
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Source: Noticias ao Minuto - Mundo
This story was originally published by Noticias ao Minuto - Mundo. Visit the original publication for further details.
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