'I'm 101 and everybody asks my secret to a long life - I credit it to an activity I do twice a week'

Nutritionist Rob Hobson shares what foods to have for longevity
GB News
Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 23/03/2025

- 09:33

Updated: 25/03/2025

- 14:13

Carole Roth has shared why she believes she has had such a long, healthy life

Longevity is influenced by factors such as lifestyle, diet, stress, genetics, and exercise.

A woman who lived past 100 years old credited reading as one of the reasons behind her long life.


Carole Roth, a 101-year-old who survived the Holocaust in 1945, shared on YouTube her journey through life.

She said: "When I was young, I was in danger. Now that I am old, I do not feel danger. I am very satisfied with my life and my age. I am very proud of myself, and have done a lot of things in my life."

101-year-old Carole speaking

The centurion put down her success to a long life by being social and reading

YouTube/Yair Brachiyahu

Speaking to content creator Yair Brachiyahu, the centurion was asked about her secrets to a long life.

Carole explained: "Everybody asks me my secret; there is no secret. I make sure I read a lot, at least two books a week, and I read everything."

A study published in the National Library of Medicine supported Carole's methodology. It stated: "A 20 per cent reduction in mortality was observed for those who read books, compared to those who did not read books.

"Further analysis demonstrated that any level of book reading gave a significantly stronger survival advantage than reading periodicals."

When she is not reading, the 101-year-old lives a "nice, social life" with her husband.

She said: "I used to go to theatres and movies. I loved to dance a lot with my husband. He was a great dancer.

"We used to have big parties my husband and me. We loved to party and invited around 250 to 300 people."

Carole suggested having something to aim for in life, as this can help keep you motivated and driven.

101-year-old Carole smiling

Carole reads at least two books a week

YouTube/Yair Brachiyahu

She said: "You work hard and achieve what you want to reach. That's a secret, everybody could do it.

"I lived a normal life, like everyone else. I don't think about age. If my children are alive and I am healthy, I want to live longer. Take everything the way it comes."

A World War II veteran has separately suggested a positive mindset and physical activity as the key to a long life, noting that he has maintained his muscle strength since his time in service.

The pensioner claimed it was one of the lifestyle components that helped with age so successfully.