107-year-old woman shares her longevity mantra: Spicy food, creative art, and family love keep her young at heart
At 107 years old, Mildred Baron from Freehold, New Jersey shows no signs of slowing down. Instead, she celebrates each day with gratitude and energy, surrounded by family, friends, and a close-knit community.
During her milestone birthday celebration, she revealed the philosophy that has guided her life: 'Be very calm, be peaceful, and adopt my saying — 'This too shall pass.'' This simple yet profound mantra has helped her navigate some of history's most challenging periods, from Prohibition and the Great Depression to World War II and even the COVID-19 pandemic. Mildred's story is not just about longevity; it's about resilience, positivity, and embracing life with a joyful heart.
107-year-old
Mildred Baron's inspiring journey
from breadlines to career success
Born in Brooklyn in 1918, Mildred's childhood coincided with a time of severe economic hardship. She remembers standing in breadlines with her family, while her mother stretched a single sack of potatoes to feed five children. Rather than viewing these experiences with sadness, Mildred frames them as lessons in patience and perseverance. 'But as I said, that too, passed,' she recalls, reflecting her lifelong belief in overcoming difficulties without dwelling on negativity.
This early exposure to hardship shaped her emotional resilience, teaching her to focus on solutions rather than problems.
As reported by People.com, during World War II, when most men were drafted into military service, Mildred took a job in accounting. It was a career she would maintain for over 40 years, a testament to her discipline and work ethic. The consistency and financial security this career provided gave her a stable foundation, allowing her to live independently and support her family.
Her work life also demonstrated her belief in staying calm, focused, and persistent, even when the world around her was uncertain and chaotic.
Mildred stays active with art, parties, and her love for spicy food
Retirement did not slow Mildred down. After moving to the Applewood Village senior living community just before her 100th birthday, she embraced new hobbies and social roles. She enjoys 3D art projects, helps with party planning, and is known to attend cocktail hours where her favorite drink is ginger ale—though she jokes about preferring beer from time to time.
Her friend Arline Fischer, aged 95, shares that Mildred always carries her own jalapeños, showcasing her love for spicy food. This zest for life and refusal to stick to 'age-appropriate' norms keeps her socially active and physically engaged. It also underscores her belief that small joys—like enjoying the food you love—play an important role in happiness and longevity.
Mildred's family connection and optimistic vision for a peaceful world
For Mildred, family is her greatest source of pride and joy.
She has an 80-year-old daughter, Bonnie Greenstein, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Even though she has mild hearing loss, Bonnie and Mildred communicate through a clever method—Bonnie speaks through a cardboard paper towel tube to amplify her voice. This creative approach reflects their strong bond and ability to adapt to challenges with humor and love.
These close family ties provide emotional support, laughter, and motivation for Mildred to keep living vibrantly.
When asked about her hopes for the future, Mildred's answer is simple yet profound: 'I'd like to see peace in this world. All over. I don't think I'll see it, but hopefully, it'll happen someday.' This statement reflects her decades of experience living through wars, social upheavals, and rapid changes in the world. Despite everything she has seen, her perspective remains optimistic and hopeful.
107 year old woman life philosophy to maintain
positive outlook
Mildred's life philosophy—
'This too shall pass'
—has shaped her ability to handle stress, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook. Combined with healthy relationships, active social engagement, joyful hobbies, and a balanced approach to challenges, she provides a powerful example of how to live well beyond 100. She belongs to an elite group of just 2,367 centenarians in New Jersey (2025), but what makes her unique is her attitude toward life rather than just her age.
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