A California woman who recently celebrated her 100th birthday by skydiving is sharing the secrets she credits for her remarkable longevity and independence.
Ruby McNally of Roseville, California, still drives herself around town, lives alone in her own home, and prepares her own meals. The centenarian, who worked as a nurse for decades, has seven children now ranging in age from their early 60s to late 70s.
According to TODAY, McNally marked her milestone birthday in August by completing her third tandem skydive, joined by four of her grandchildren. She first tried skydiving at age 80 when a grandson challenged her, and loved it so much she returned for her 90th birthday.
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Six Tips for a Long Life
McNally, who was born in Illinois in 1926 and raised in Vermont, attributes her health and vitality to several lifelong habits:
1. Eat a nutritious, natural diet: Growing up on fresh vegetables and wild berries from her family’s Vermont garden shaped McNally’s approach to food. She now buys almost exclusively organic produce and meat, favoring foods in their natural state without added chemicals.
2. Start with a healthy breakfast: Her typical morning meal includes eggs or whole grain cereal with a banana.
3. Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables: McNally keeps cherry tomatoes, red grapes, and other raw produce on hand throughout the day.
4. Practice moderation: While she ate everything as a young person without gaining weight, McNally now limits sweets and finds she’s not hungry for dessert after eating satisfying, nutritious meals.
5. Drink coffee: The centenarian enjoys two cups each morning, a habit that research suggests offers numerous health benefits. She avoids alcohol entirely.
6. Stay active: McNally spent her childhood climbing trees, swimming, and hiking in the Vermont countryside. Though raising seven children left little time for structured exercise, she has maintained an active lifestyle through regular walking and doesn’t use a cane or walker.
Longevity appears to run in McNally’s family. One sister recently passed away at 101, while two other siblings lived into their 90s.
When asked about her philosophy on life, according to TODAY, McNally keeps it simple: She lives each day as it comes and focuses on enjoying life.
Her daughter Sharon, 74, marvels at her mother’s zest for adventure, noting that few people can say they’ve gone skydiving with their 100-year-old grandmother.
