At 106 years old, Dorothy Staten emphasizes the importance of having a room of their own. She still lives in her apartment, enjoying good health and dispensing tips to live a long life.
She has rules about sugar, alcohol, cold drinks, and ice cream and believes in moderation. Dorothy is cheerful and energetic when a reporter calls.
Staten has lived in her apartment for over 40 years, says her daughter, Rosie Lyles, who lives across the hall from her mom in the same apartment building. This arrangement allows her to take care of her mother anytime she needs.
“Everybody needs their place. She’s got her place, and I’ve got mine,” says Lyles, her daughter to TODAY.com.
A pacemaker helps keep her heartbeat steady. Other than some vision problems, Staten is doing well, her daughter says. She cooked for herself until a few years ago but has found it more difficult recently. She loves food and enjoys the meals Lyles prepares for her.
“I have a good appetite,” Staten says, lighting up when certain foods, like beans, are mentioned.
Longevity runs in her family: she has a sister who is 104 years old. She was born in Austin Texas, then moved to El Paso to enjoy the lower humidity there.
The centenarian used to be “a professional cook for rich people,” so she has lots of experience with healthy, good food, Lyles says.
Her tips:
Much of her longevity advice is centered around diet. Her tips to live a long life are very relevant today. She says, “Fill your diet with fruits and vegetables, avoid sugar, enjoy beans, avoid greasy food, enjoy tea, go for walks, avoid alcohol, and live an honest life.”
Staten likes everybody and believes in treating everyone the same, her daughter says.
“She’s straight up with people,” Lyles notes. “(She believes) the way to live a long life is to obey your mother and father, and love your sisters and brothers.”
Also read about woman who left school young becomes a doctor at 41