At 100, Ruth Lemay Shares Secrets to a Vibrant Life
Ruth Lemay, a spirited 100-year-old from Virginia Beach, is turning heads online with her energetic lifestyle and fitness regimen. Recently, she was featured in a video pedaling on a recumbent exercise bike, posted by the health brand evry.day club on Instagram.
When asked how she maintains her impressive fitness and youthful looks, Lemay, who completed three miles on the bike in 30 minutes, confidently replied, “Then I’ll do 30 more minutes, and I walk a mile.”
Lemay’s secret to longevity, she says, is her daily four-mile walks, which she took up after retiring. “That’s just what keeps you going,” she insists. She emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, good sleep—she’s usually in bed by 9:30 PM—and a healthy diet rich in vegetables.
She and her 78-year-old daughter hit the gym three times a week, sticking to their own routines. For Lemay, that means two 30-minute sessions on the bike, followed by a 1.4-mile walk. If she can’t make it to the gym, she keeps active by pacing around her home—each trip across her house is about 170 steps, which adds up to a substantial distance.
In a chat with TODAY.com, Lemay expressed pride in her independence, mentioning that she cooked for herself and drove until she was 98. “I’ve always exercised,” she said, adding, “I feel fine.” Though she admits to feeling a little tired after her workouts, she believes fatigue is part of staying active.
Recalling fond memories, Lemay shared that her late husband encouraged her to stay active. “He’d say, ‘You just take the dog and go for a walk; I’ll take care of dinner.’ It was wonderful.”
Her daughter, Annette Parker, noted that their family has always valued healthy eating. Lemay’s breakfast often includes non-fat yogurt, walnuts, or an egg with toast. For proteins, she prefers chicken, turkey, and fish, along with a variety of fruits like red grapes and blueberries, and lots of vegetables—a love for which she credits her upbringing in the countryside.
Lemay has never smoked and doesn’t drink alcohol, which she believes has contributed to her good health. Despite not having relatives who lived as long as she has—her mother passed away at 65 and her father at 74—she remains optimistic. Aside from a heart valve replacement, she hasn’t faced significant health challenges.
Both Lemay and Parker agree that strong mental health and maintaining social connections are crucial for longevity. Lemay embodies a lifestyle that many aspire to, proving that age is just a number when it comes to living fully.
