Reaching 101 years of age is impressive on its own, yet for two remarkable women, simply reaching that milestone is only part of the story. One drives herself to her job four days a week as a part-time fabric cutter and has been doing so for more than two decades. The other runs a jewelry shop in New Jersey, travels into New York City’s bustling diamond district and works six days a week. Both women embody an outlook on aging that is quietly revolutionary. They challenge expectations, defy stereotypes and inspire thousands of people online by showing what later life can look like when it is built on purpose, routine, social connection and self-belief.

This article explores the intertwined stories of these two centenarians, drawing from the provided reference articles and expanding the narrative with context, reflection and broader insights into longevity. While their routines differ, their philosophies share key themes. They have kept moving both physically and mentally, maintained connection with the world around them and held onto a clear sense of purpose throughout their lives. Their stories offer more than admiration. They offer lessons about how any of us, regardless of age, might cultivate a life of vitality.

Their journeys prompt a question that resonates across generations. What does it mean to live well for a very long time? Their answers, shaped by decades of experience, are grounded in simple but powerful daily habits and perspectives that anyone can learn from.

The Decision to Keep Working Long After Traditional Retirement

For many people, retirement is framed as an ending. It is the conclusion of decades of work and a period defined by rest, hobbies or travel. Yet for both of these 101 year olds, retirement was something they tried or contemplated but ultimately rejected.

According to the first reference article, Jayne Burns turned 101 on July 26 and drives herself twenty minutes to her job as a part-time fabric cutter at Joann Fabric and Crafts store. She has worked there for 26 years. Burns attempted retirement multiple times throughout her seventies and eighties, but each attempt left her craving the structure and social connections that her job offered. She simply missed the routine.

Burns says she enjoys what she does, which is the foundation of her decision to keep showing up. She speaks warmly of her coworkers and the customers she meets each day. The pleasant interactions and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a working community seem to support not only her mood but also her health.

The other centenarian, Ann Angeletti of New Jersey, has built an entire identity around staying active. She works at Curiosity Jewelers, the shop she opened in 1964. It is a family business now run alongside her daughter and granddaughter. She works five days a week at the storefront and often uses her sixth day to travel to New York City’s diamond district. For her, work is not just a job. It is a living source of joy and purpose.

Angeletti has said clearly in interviews that if she retired, she believes she would die. She does not mean this in a melodramatic way. Instead, it reflects her view that purpose and engagement form the backbone of her health. Without structure and daily tasks to anchor her, she believes her well-being would decline.

How Purpose and Commitment Shape Longevity

Purpose is one of the most widely discussed themes in research about aging. Many studies suggest that people who maintain a sense of meaning in their lives are more likely to remain mentally sharp, physically active and emotionally balanced.

Both Burns and Angeletti describe work as a supportive force in their lives. They wake up knowing that the day holds tasks and interactions that matter to them. This sense of continuity provides structure that helps reduce stress and keeps the mind focused.

These women do not simply show up to work. They commit to routines that keep them healthy enough to do so. Angeletti emphasizes self-care as a core component of her longevity. She has a simple philosophy. You must get up, shower, eat, take care of yourself and exercise. If something in life is not working, she advises making a change rather than letting dissatisfaction drain energy.

Burns also highlights the benefits of staying socially connected. Her enjoyment of conversations with coworkers and customers helps her maintain an upbeat outlook. Interpersonal connection is a form of emotional nourishment, and it is one of the strongest predictors of long-term well-being.

Lifelong Work Ethics Built in Childhood

Both women began working young, long before nine-to-five jobs were common. Their early experiences helped form identities rooted in resilience and responsibility.

Angeletti left school as a child to help her family run their grocery store in Brooklyn. Her father traveled door to door selling ice before refrigeration became common. Everyone contributed to the household. Later, during World War II, she worked at a Navy Yard while her husband fought overseas. After the war, she took jobs as a waitress, short order cook and bookkeeper.

This variety of work gave her a strong sense of adaptability. She learned how to manage diverse tasks and stay active regardless of the challenge in front of her. These skills set the stage for her to open Curiosity Jewelers in the 1960s.

Burns’ lifelong work ethic is similarly shaped by her love of routine and connection. Although her early years are not described in as much detail, her decades of commitment to her work environment illustrate the value she places on consistency and activity.

Studies of centenarians often reveal that those who stay active in later life are not abruptly changing their habits. Instead, they are continuing patterns established decades earlier. Activity, routine and positive engagement become a lifestyle rather than a late-life intervention.

Building Community through Daily Work

One of the strongest predictors of longevity is social connection. Both women actively nurture relationships that support their emotional and mental well-being.

Burns says that working has helped her live a long life. In her view, the friendships she has formed at her job contribute enormously to her sense of purpose. The workplace provides a daily opportunity to interact with others, share conversations and feel appreciated.

A long-term Harvard study referenced in her story supports her belief. Researchers found that positive relationships help reduce stress, improve emotional resilience and support overall health. Since many adults spend a large portion of their time at work, the environment they work in can shape their long-term wellness.

Angeletti’s storefront functions not only as a business but as a social gathering place. Customers often describe it as warm and welcoming, a reflection of her personality. She invites people to sit, talk and enjoy a moment of connection. Whether or not customers make a purchase seems less important to her than the human interaction.

Her approach shows that meaningful work can become a source of community. By creating a familiar and inviting environment, she has built relationships that span generations.

The Role of Routine in Supporting Physical and Mental Health

Routine may not seem glamorous, yet it is one of the most powerful tools for maintaining health across long spans of time.

Both centenarians follow predictable daily schedules. These routines include getting up at the same time each day, maintaining personal hygiene, engaging in regular activity and preparing meals that support long-term health.

Angeletti in particular maintains a dedicated exercise routine. In her forties she walked three miles each morning, climbed twenty flights of stairs and did sit-ups daily. She no longer trains at that level but still exercises for about thirty minutes each morning. Her movements include stretching, leg lifts and light weight exercises.

These activities help preserve mobility, strength and balance. Exercise is closely linked with longevity, especially when practiced consistently over the years.

Social routines also matter. Angeletti goes out to dinner and dancing every Saturday night. Even at 101, she still enjoys at least one or two dances. These outings are not simply leisure. They reinforce joy, connection and mental engagement.

Burns experiences similar benefits from her work-related social routine. Her interactions with coworkers and customers give her daily opportunities to bond with others.

Nutrition and a Lifetime of Healthy Eating

Nutrition plays a central role in both health and longevity. Angeletti’s diet is described in detail across the reference articles.

Angeletti starts each morning with an egg, oatmeal, orange juice, a tablespoon of olive oil, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a cup of black coffee. This simple but balanced meal reflects both familiarity and practicality. It provides protein, healthy fats, fiber and hydration.

Throughout the day she enjoys fish, chicken, Mediterranean food and vegetables like spinach, tomatoes and broccoli rabe. She rarely eats sweets except for occasional vanilla fudge. She avoids processed snacks such as chips and pretzels.

These habits reflect moderation and consistency. Rather than following trends or strict rules, she eats foods that have supported her well-being for decades.

Burns’ diet is not described in as much detail, but her emphasis on staying active and connected suggests that she makes mindful choices that support her energy levels.

Independence and Confidence in Daily Life

One of the most striking aspects of both stories is the independence these women maintain.

Burns still drives herself to work four days a week. This level of independence requires physical coordination, cognitive sharpness and confidence. It also shows her commitment to maintaining the routines that support her.

Angeletti is still involved in running her jewelry store. She checks inventory, interacts with customers, handles business decisions and travels to New York City to source merchandise.

These actions require stamina, focus and determination. Her independence is not a coincidence. It is the result of decades of habits that support strength and mobility.

Aging, Work and the Broader Cultural Context

The stories of these women encourage reflection on how society views aging. Many older adults are expected to slow down or withdraw from the workforce. Yet the experiences of Burns and Angeletti show that later life can look very different.

According to one of the reference articles, the number of centenarians in the United States is growing. Hawaii has the highest rate with 44.4 centenarians per 100,000 residents. In New Jersey, where Angeletti lives, there are over 2,600 people aged 100 or older.

Japan also continues to break records, with nearly 100,000 citizens over the age of 100. The majority are women.

As the centenarian population grows, there are important questions about how communities can support aging adults. Many regions lack adequate services for seniors. Researchers at Northeastern University found that 70 percent of older adults in high aging communities do not have access to necessary support.

Stories like those of Burns and Angeletti offer valuable lessons. They show that independence and longevity are not chỉ.