Roger Wonson, a centenarian who has just celebrated his 100th birthday, attributes his long and healthy life to his passion for music, reducing food intake, and maintaining empathy. Wonson believes that his love for music has kept him positive throughout his life and helped him stay motivated even in tough times.
Despite being 100 years old, Wonson is proud of not fitting the stereotype of an old-fashioned person. He believes that good genetics from his parents, both of whom lived to old age, have played a significant role in his longevity. Additionally, he advocates for eating half portions of food, drinking plenty of water, and engaging in weight training to keep the body fit and strong.
Wonson practices weight lifting while watching TV to maintain balance and strength. He emphasizes not overexercising and recently reduced the weight he uses to prevent injury. His approach to eating is similar to the Japanese principle of stopping when 80% full, which allows the stomach time to signal to the brain that it is satisfied. This helps prevent overeating and maintains a healthy weight.
Empathy is key to Wonson’s relationships with others. He believes that understanding the other person’s perspective mitigates conflict and helps build stronger connections. He emphasizes listening and respecting opinions to maintain harmony in personal relationships as well as professional ones. Stress weakens the immune system and can accelerate aging or lead to chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Wonson’s approach to life focuses on finding joy in his passions such as music, photography, and lifelong learning through sources like Ted Talks.
In conclusion, Roger Wonson’s journey towards a century is a testament to the power of passion for music, discipline in dietary habits, empathy towards others and a desire for continuous learning which has contributed significantly towards his longevity.