Deborah Szekely (102), the Mother of Wellness! My 5 Rules To Not Get Old
Imagine living for over a century and still feeling as energized and purposeful as you did in your youth.
That’s exactly the case for Deborah Szekely, who, at 102, continues to inspire countless people with her approach to living a full, vibrant life. Known as the "Mother of Wellness," Szekely isn't just a figurehead of the wellness movement—she's lived it for over a hundred years. Her wisdom on how to age gracefully can be boiled down to five essential rules. But don’t expect any magical elixirs or new-age gimmicks. Her advice is practical, grounded, and refreshingly simple.
“Don’t let the body rust!” Szekely advises. Even at 102, she’s still working three days a week and maintaining a schedule that would exhaust most people half her age. For her, staying physically and mentally active is crucial. She’s a firm believer in the idea that motion is life. Whether it's daily walks, stretching, or even light exercise routines, Szekely emphasizes that activity keeps the body functioning and the mind sharp. Her work at Rancho La Puerta, the wellness retreat she co-founded, is an extension of this philosophy—guests engage in hikes, fitness classes, and nature walks, all with the goal of rejuvenation and strength.
Food is not just fuel; it’s medicine. Szekely has been a vegetarian since childhood, influenced by her mother, who was vice president of the New York Vegetarian Society. Her diet consists of fresh, nutrient-dense vegetables, fruits, and, more recently, some fish. Her wellness center, Rancho La Puerta, maintains this focus on clean eating, with guests dining on produce grown in the resort’s organic garden. Szekely has long championed plant-based eating, believing that food’s simplicity and wholesomeness play a key role in longevity.
Szekely’s connection to nature has been a lifelong affair. Her formative years, spent on a family farm in Tahiti, ingrained in her the value of the natural world. Her wellness philosophy at Rancho La Puerta revolves around this core belief: nature heals. Whether it's the gentle breeze during a walk, a hike up a mountain, or simply meditating in the garden, she stresses the importance of reconnecting with the Earth. For Szekely, immersing oneself in nature helps not just the body but also the spirit, bringing clarity, relaxation, and peace.
Living to 102 is impressive, but what’s truly remarkable is that Szekely’s mind is as sharp as ever. She credits this to her lifelong love of learning. She reads voraciously and is constantly curious. In fact, she advises others to always “keep a young mind.” To her, curiosity is ageless, and it’s the key to staying mentally young. She believes in challenging yourself with new experiences and keeping an open mind, which wards off stagnation and boredom.
For her, intellectual stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.
What’s most striking about Szekely is her unwavering sense of purpose. At an age when many have long retired, she still goes to work, still dreams of new projects, and still actively contributes to her community. For her, having a purpose is what keeps you alive. Her wellness resorts, her activism, and her work in philanthropy are all part of a life driven by passion.
She believes that when you wake up every day with something to strive for, you’re not just living—you’re thriving.
Deborah Szekely’s rules for living might seem simple, but it’s their timelessness that makes them powerful. Her life is a testament to the idea that longevity isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving with purpose, energy, and joy. Whether it’s through clean eating, physical activity, a deep connection with nature, or an ever-curious mind, Szekely’s approach to life proves that getting older doesn’t have to mean slowing down.
In fact, it might just be the opposite.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to adopt some of Deborah Szekely’s rules into your life? Let us know in the comments—perhaps you’ll be the next to join her in the centenarian club!
