Mary Coroneos Is 100 and Still Going Strong—Her Longevity Secrets Are Not What You’d Expect
Mary Coroneos Is 100 and Still Going Strong—Her Longevity Secrets Are Not What You’d Expect
Mary Coroneos from Norwalk, Connecticut, has just turned 100, but she lives with the energy of someone decades younger. In June this year, her friends and family threw her a big birthday party at the fitness club where she still works out several times a week. While many people slow down at her age, Mary is proving that staying active, eating well, and keeping a lively spirit can help you live a long and joyful life.
A Childhood Full of Adventure
Mary grew up in a coal mining town in western Pennsylvania. Her family didn’t have much money, but she says her childhood was full of fun and action. She helped her mother around the house while her father worked in the mines, and she spent hours exploring the woods and climbing trees with her four brothers. There were even friendly competitions with her brothers, and she often won, though she admits she sometimes let them have their turn.
At school, Mary loved sports like basketball and volleyball. She also did well in her studies, graduating from college at 21 and later earning a master’s degree in education from Temple University.
A Life of Hard Work
Mary never shied away from hard work. She became a full-time teacher and continued teaching until she turned 70. To help support her family, she even worked shifts at Dunkin’ Donuts. Retirement didn’t slow her down either, she continued as a substitute teacher well into her 90s.
Staying Strong at 100
Even now, Mary goes to the gym several times a week. She works with personal trainers, lifting light dumbbells, using resistance bands, and even doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) movements. Her favorite exercise is the sit to stand, which strengthens the lower body. For cardio, she pedals away on a recumbent bike.
Not even injuries stop her. After she broke two arm bones in a fall last summer, Mary was back at the gym in just three weeks.
Eating Well But With a Treat
Mary believes in eating a balanced diet but also enjoying life’s little treats. Her day often starts with two eggs cooked in butter and a cup of tea with honey. For lunch, she has chicken vegetable soup, and for dinner, she happily eats whatever Athena cooks, sometimes chopped meatloaf or other home favorites. While she avoids alcohol and cigarettes, she never says no to dessert. Ice cream and root beer floats are her guilty pleasures.
Mary takes care of her brain as much as her body. She keeps up with the news, learns new things, and stays curious about the world. At 100, Mary Coroneos proves that strength, curiosity, kindness, and the occasional ice cream, can be the perfect recipe for a long, happy life.
