Dorothy Newberry is a delightful, petite, classy lady that thrives and looks forward to new things each day, and she just so happens to be 102 years old. To look at Dorothy, you would never know she is 102. She could easily pass for someone in their early 80’s.
So, what is Dorothy’s secret to living well beyond 100? Here is what she told the team at The Terraces at Bonita Springs where she currently lives:
Dorothy was born and raised in a little town in Iowa, there she met the love of her life, an electrical engineer. Dorothy was a well-educated lady—something not so common in the 1930s. She attended a business school and learned the intricacies of proofing for mistakes in business calculations and bookkeeping.
Her husband, F. Devere Newberry, had attended the University of Iowa and was an electrical engineer. They moved to other areas throughout their marriage, had three children (2 boys and 1 girl), and eventually, found themselves across the world in Malaysia, where F. Devere was transferred to for work. They lived in Malaysia for 4 years and met wonderful people and neighbors from Malaysia and other parts of the world, which had a great impact on Dorothy.
Have an Interest in Continuously Learning
Dorothy explained, “At first I was apprehensive about living in a foreign land, but the people there, Indians, Malaysians, Chinese, and other cultures were not that different from us. We made special bonds, and some of them have even come here to visit me through the years. Although, throughout the world we have different cultures and customs, we’re all similar in the way we live.”
Her secrets to living long and well are to find something to pique your interest. She loves reading fiction and biographies, or anything about Winston Churchill, and her son has recently awakened her interest in nonfiction as well. “Some of these books he gives me, I would have never chosen for myself, but I love them. It’s very interesting to learn something new and it’s important to stay up with the times.” Said Dorothy.
Physical Activity
Dorothy has always been an active person. Today at 102, she still walks 3 miles every day. If the weather is cool enough, she enjoys walking outside in nature, but when it’s too hot or inclement, she walks indoors.
Recently she was walking in the facility and a few residents stopped her and asked her to join the group fitness class they were taking. Now, Dorothy also enjoys taking these classes and meeting new people on a regular basis.
Nutrition
Dorothy also learned a lot about different foods and nutrition from her travels and living abroad. She enjoys eating healthy, nutritious foods and taking care of her body and mind.
Terraces at Bonita Springs
The Terraces at Bonita Springs is a one-of-a-kind Life plan community in gorgeous Florida that offers luxury retirement in a boutique setting. Here, you’ll find an intimate community with elegant surroundings and a worry-free lifestyle that allows you to take advantage of the comforts of home without the responsibility of home maintenance.
Our seamless access to amenities, events, programs, and health care are offered in one convenient location, under one roof – making it easy for you to focus on living vibrantly. Here, you can pursue new interests, enjoy friends, loved ones, and live life to its fullest.
The Terraces at Bonita Springs offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation.
Schedule a community tour and private lunch or dinner today by calling 239-204-3469 or take a virtual tour right now!