Longevity tips from Elizabeth Francis, the 115-year-old who lived through both World Wars

Time of India

06-05-2025

Talk about a life spanning over a century, bearing witness to historic events like World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic, the technological revolution, and even man stepping foot on the moon!
Elizabeth Francis
witnessed it all, as she lived a full, healthy, and long life.
Francis, the third-oldest person in the world, who celebrated her 115th birthday in July last year, passed away in October 2024.
As old as history goes:
Francis officially became the
oldest living American
after Edie Ceccarelli died at the age of 116 in February last year. She was awarded a plaque as well by LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks and compiles information about the world's oldest people.
Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest, referred to her as "America's grandmother," highlighting her resilience throughout her extensive life experiences.
Although Francis passed away a few months after she rang in her 115th birthday last year, her life hack for longevity still remains relevant.
Take a look.
The secret behind a long life:
Born in 1909 in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, Francis raised her now-95-year-old daughter as a single mother and operated a coffee shop in Houston. She has lived through significant historical milestones, including the Great Depression and the first transatlantic flight, and has witnessed the presidencies of 20 different leaders, ranging from William Howard Taft to Joe Biden.
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Undo
After Francis passed away at home, her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, told ABC News that her grandmother loved the Lord, saying, 'Her faith was extremely strong." Harrison detailed that her faith was one of the factors that helped her be up and about despite her old age.
So did her diet and lifestyle.
Francis maintained a routine of walking and refrained from smoking or consuming alcohol.
She consistently focused on her health, continuing her walking habits into her 90s and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, as shared by her granddaughter, Ethel Harrison, in an interview with Today.
She prepared meals using vegetables from her own garden, including collard greens, mustard greens, carrots, and okra.
Harrison mentioned to ABC13 that she never witnessed her grandmother eat fast food.
"Whenever you visited her home, regardless of the day, she would be cooking. I really believe that played a significant role in her longevity," she remarked about her grandmother's lifestyle.
Nutritionists often advise people to base their diets on whole foods, with one study indicating that consuming more plant-based and less processed foods could potentially extend a person's life by a decade.
Francis also dedicated significant time to her family; Harrison would frequently visit her mother and grandmother at their home, and she told Today that they were consistently engaged in activities together as a family unit.
Research indicates that having solid relationships and social interactions can contribute to a longer, healthier life.
Francis also diligently worked to support her family as a single mother and remained active even after retirement.
"She was an incredibly hard worker. That's the most vivid memory I have of her. Even post-retirement, she continued working. Though she did domestic tasks, she was always engaged in work," Harrison reflected.
Tips and tricks for longevity:
To summarize, Elizabeth Francis'
longevity tips
revolve around mental and emotional well-being, a strong faith, a positive outlook, and enjoying life to the fullest, while also emphasizing the importance of hard work and strong social connections.
Here are the key takeaways:
Speak your mind:
Francis emphasized the importance of expressing oneself openly and not holding back, which she believed contributed to her mental and emotional health.
Faith and gratitude:
She credited her longevity to her strong faith in God and a sense of gratitude for the life she was given.
Enjoying life:
Francis stated she eats everything she wants and enjoys the simple things, like spending time with family and watching old TV shows.
Work ethic:
She was a hard worker throughout her life, even after retiring.
Strong social connections:
Francis valued her family and friends, spending time with them and engaging in social activities.
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