Living for 100 years, you’re sure to gain some valuable nuggets of wisdom in your time on earth. So, here are some inspiring quotes from centenarians.
With many years of life behind them, those who have been lucky enough to make it into their 100s have plenty of wisdom and advice to share with younger generations.
From not taking life too seriously to being grateful for every day and experience you gain, their words are sure to provide inspiration to many.
With age comes wisdom, and with time comes experience. So, here are ten inspiring quotes from centenarians you need to hear today.
10. “Travel while you’re young and able. Don’t worry about the money; just make it work. Experience is far more valuable than money will ever be.” ‒ anonymous, Thought Catalog
In an interview with Thought Catalog, this 100-year-old shared some advice for young people who dream of travelling.
In one of the most inspiring quotes from centenarians, they explain that experience is more valuable than money will ever be. So, book that plane ticket while you can!
9. “Be as independent as you can, but don’t be reluctant to ask for help when you think you need it.” ‒ Cliff Crozier
In a video on YouTube, Cliff Crozier, who was 101 at the time, shared his advice for life.
He encouraged young people to be independent, but he also highlighted that there’s no shame in asking for help when you need it.
8. “Don’t look at the calendar; just keep celebrating every day.” ‒ Ruth, Huffington Post
In an interview with the Huffington Post, a centenarian named Ruth offered this valuable piece of advice.
We sometimes forget that every day is a blessing, spending too much time counting down the days to our next holiday, our next payday, or whatever it may be.
So, this wholesome piece of advice is something we could all heed more often.
7. “Find your passion and live it.” ‒ anonymous, Thought Catalog
We love this next valuable piece of advice from the anonymous centenarian who spoke to Thought Catalog.
Throughout life, we often leave behind our passions to pursue the more sensible or safer option. Unfortunately, this can lead many of us to feel unfulfilled.
So, this centenarian advises finding your passion and living it with joy!
6. “It is very important to have a widespread curiosity about life.” ‒ Irving Kahn
In her book, Extraordinary Centenarians In America: Their Secrets to Living a Long Vibrant Life, Gwen Weiss-Numeroff garnered some inspiration from inspiring centenarians.
One such figure was American investor Irving Kahn. He says it’s important always to remain curious about life. After all, as Albert Einstein said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.”
5. “Don’t stay mad at anything. You have to get used to the losses; otherwise, you can’t win.” ‒ Benjamin Goldfaden
We’ve all been afraid of failure at some point in our lives, whether that be failing an exam, feeling like we’re not good enough, or even failing at love.
However, the only thing that fearing failure does is hold us back. Everybody fails; the most important thing is that we learn from it, get back up, and try again.
(Also from Extraordinary Centenarians in America).
4. “Think positively, enjoy your children, enjoy your life.” ‒ Anne Lamont
In one of the most inspiring quotes from centenarians, Anne Lamont keeps it short and sweet, inspiring readers to think positive, enjoy their children, and enjoy their life.
We’re sure life will be a lot more fun if we learn to live by those three rules.
(Also from Extraordinary Centenarians in America).
3. “Don’t fight the day; just let it be. Get up and be positive.”‒ Gussie Levine
We’ve all had days that we’ve been dreading, whether it be stress at home, a difficult presentation to give, or a task we just don’t want to do.
Levine advises against fighting it because, after all, that will just make it worse!
(Also from Extraordinary Centenarians in America).
2. “Never be too good to start at the bottom.” ‒ Andy Anderson
Mary Cate Williams interviewed her 104-year-old grandfather for an interview with Popsugar Magazine.
He gave 25 valuable pieces of advice. However, this one where he says you should “never be too good to start at the bottom” is one of our favourites.
1. “Do things that you’ve never done before.” ‒ Lillian Modell
Life is all about learning, experiencing, and trying new things, which is why this quote from Lillian Modell tops our list of inspiring quotes from centenarians.
(Also from Extraordinary Centenarians in America).