I read a story this week about the oldest person in the world who died. According to the Guinness World Records, Besse Cooper was the oldest woman at 116 years old. She passed away Tuesday in a Georgia nursing home. I thought about this woman who lived to be 116-years-old.
What was her secret to longevity? What kind of lessons could she teach us?
Last month, an article was posted by Jim Daly on Focus of the Family Communities.
According to the interview with her son, Sidney Cooper, Besse Cooper illustrated these five instructions to living right. Could this be the reasons to her longevity?
Here are her 5 lessons to longevity:
1. Cultivate a Sense of Wonder: “My mom thinks everything is great,” Sidney Cooper said. “When the telephone was invented she thought it was great. When air travel became possible, she thought it was great. She thinks life is a great and wonderful gift.”
Consider all the wonderful things life has to offer. Why not look at things in a different way, perhaps through the eyes of a child?
2. Take in Stride What Comes Your Way: “She’s never been a worrier,” Sidney said. “What good will it do you?”
Many of us worry about how we’re going to pay the bills. The Bible teaches us not to worry, but it’s easier said than done. Most of us worry about something. Perhaps we can take a cue from Ms. Cooper.
3. Read Your Bible: Up until her eyesight failed her three years ago, Mrs. Cooper read her Bible every day. “She especially loves the Psalms.”
What do you fill your mind with? She read her Bible daily. The Book of Psalms lifts the spirit and encourages the heart.
4. Don’t Eat Junk Food: Very few make it to 116 years of age without eating in moderation and maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.
5. Mind Your Own Business: Mrs. Cooper has outlived all her peers, but according to her son, she said getting into other people’s business just wasn’t her style. This practice allowed her to better manage the challenges in her own life.
Great words of wisdom from a woman who lived a very long life.
Born August 26, 1896, Besse Cooper saw plenty during her lifetime.
From Ford’s first automobile to the first man on the moon, from Orville and Wilbur Wright‘s first powered flight over Kitty Hawk to the first black President, Besse witnessed many firsts in American history. After the 19th amendment was passed, she participated in registering women to vote.
Her son, Sidney told the press that his mother was a strong, determined woman who often referred to her 80’s as the best years of her life.
Besse Cooper’s death makes Dina Manfredini, 115-years-old, who lives in Johnston, Iowa the new record holder.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
Related articles
- Besse Cooper, World’s Oldest Person, Dies at Age 116 (newsfeed.time.com)
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