At 100, her secret to longevity isn't magic but simple habits like beach walks and reading newspapers. Here's her diet and exercise routine

Mary Coroneos, who celebrated turning 100 this June, isn’t slowing down. Living in Norwalk, Connecticut, with her daughter, she starts each day with purpose—reading two newspapers, heading to the gym, and visiting the beach. Her daily routine might seem ordinary, but according to a report by Business Insider, it’s this blend of discipline, curiosity, and community that’s helped her live a long, fulfilling life.

A Childhood of Adventure and Competition
Growing up in a coal-mining town in Pennsylvania, Mary didn’t have material comforts but made up for it with activity and imagination. “We were always doing things, hiking up in the woods, finding old artifacts,” she told Business Insider. Tasks like vegetable picking or household chores became games, fostering both endurance and joy. These early habits shaped her into a lifelong athlete—she lettered in basketball and volleyball in high school and later earned a Master’s in education.

Strength Training at 100
Even after retiring, Mary stayed active, teaching into her 70s and substituting into her 90s. Her daughter Athena notes, “It gives you vitality. It gives you a more youthful perspective.” Now, she continues her fitness journey with light weights, resistance bands, and cardio exercises like riding a recumbent bike and pushing a weighted sled. After breaking two arm bones recently, she was back in the gym in just three weeks.

Woman, 100, Still Lifts Weights at the Gym. Her Simple Tips for a Long Life
Mary Coroneos does a full-body resistance workout three times a week with her trainers at the age of 100. “The body is meant to be in motion and once you stop that motion, you rust.” She says. pic.twitter.com/ZN2pbXcoVL

— Timothy Karera (@Tkarera) July 12, 2025

A Balanced Diet That Stands the Test of Time
Mary’s eating habits are just as grounded as her exercise routine. “I’m not overeating, and I’m not drinking alcohol,” she says. Her daily meals are straightforward: two eggs with butter and tea for breakfast, chicken vegetable soup for lunch, and whatever her daughter prepares for dinner. She still enjoys small treats like ice cream and root beer floats—moderation being key.

Curiosity Keeps the Mind Sharp
Beyond physical health, Mary emphasizes mental well-being. Staying informed and curious has been a lifelong priority. Her daughter Athena shares, “If you have a curiosity about life and learning, it makes you less rigid. There’s a flexibility that you need for a long life.” Even in her younger years, the family saved for trips to Europe to expose their children to diverse cultures.

Community and Connection Matter
Exercise isn’t just about health—it’s a social lifeline. Mary uses gym time to meet friends and, as Athena jokingly says, “scope out any handsome 80-somethings.” Her faith also plays a role, guiding her behavior and outlook. Her birthday celebration included former students from around the world, highlighting the bonds she’s nurtured over decades.

“Longevity runs in our family, but I don’t take it for granted,” Athena reflects. Mary’s life shows that staying young at heart isn’t about extreme diets or high-tech gadgets—it’s about movement, relationships, learning, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. At 100, her beach walks and morning newspapers are more than routines—they are rituals that celebrate connection, curiosity, and resilience.