Life Lessons: Living long and strong-centenarian secrets – WFMZ Allentown

The numbers are growing!

More people than ever before are celebrating being a centenarian.

In fact, there are 55,000 Americans who are now 100 years old or older, and 80 percent of them are women.

Meet two friends who share their secrets on how to live a long, healthy, and happy life!

Walking has always been 107-year-old Dorrie Aber Noyek’s preferred mode of transportation.

However, Mazie Ford, who is also 107, really misses getting behind the wheel.

“I drove up until three years ago and I still have my license, [but] I gave it up,” says Ford.

However, she hasn’t given up her passion for knitting caps. Ford makes them for newborns at the local hospital.

“I do not watch television, I make my hats,” Ford said.

There seems to be some similarities between those who make it to 100.

About 57 percent have at least a high diploma.

A poll in Forbes magazine says a common theme centenarians have is a positive attitude.

They are highly critical of today’s large portion sizes. Most attribute a loving family or active social life to living longer.

Noyek and Ford happen to live in the same building and volunteer at the same place, Memorial Regional Hospital.

“It’s something that I love to do,” says Noyek.

She also loves books and doesn’t even need to wear glasses.

Ford keeps her mind sharp by working with her hands.

“It helps me to keep alert,” she said.

Both women are just a few years away from being super-centenarians, a title earned at 110.