This 113-Year-Old Woman Proves You Can Live Longer Without Kids – Her Secrets Are Jaw-Dropping

Herlda Senhouse, who was once the second-oldest person in the United States, passed away at 113 this week. She attributed her remarkable longevity not just to her genes but also to certain lifestyle choices she made throughout her life. Senhouse, who was born in 1911, believed that not having children, eating a healthy diet, and staying connected to her community played key roles in helping her live well past a century.

In 2024, Senhouse reflected on three modern conveniences that she particularly appreciated: electric light, indoor plumbing, and having a Black female vice president. She was born before many of these advancements, and seeing such changes in her lifetime was an incredible experience.

Senhouse, who spent her final years in Wellesley, Massachusetts, had an inspiring history. She worked as a housekeeper and nanny for white families, enduring racial discrimination, including being denied the opportunity to pursue nursing. In an interview with The Telegraph in 2021, Senhouse shared how racism shaped her life. Despite these challenges, she was a founder of the Boston Clique Club, a group of dancers and musicians who raised funds to support Black students’ education in Boston.

Reflecting on the progress made, she once remarked, “I never thought I’d see a Black woman vice president, which is amazing, and I’m so happy.” Her optimism and pride in the progress of her community were clear.

Even after her death, Senhouse continued to give back. She donated her brain to Boston University researchers studying the factors that contribute to living beyond 100 years. This donation will aid the New England Centenarian Study, which explores how genetics may play a role in longevity.

Herlda Senhouse believed that certain lifestyle factors played a major role in her long life. Here are some of the habits she swore by:

Not Having Children: A Way to Avoid Stress

Senhouse often spoke about how not having children might have helped her live so long. “I never thought I’d see a Black woman vice president, which is amazing, and I’m so happy,” she once shared. According to Stephanie Hawkinson, a public information officer in Wellesley, Senhouse firmly believed that raising children could bring unnecessary stress, which is a known factor that accelerates aging.

While some studies, like one in 2017, suggest that childless people might live shorter lives due to a lack of family support, Senhouse thought that avoiding the stresses of parenting contributed to her good health.

Healthy Eating and Avoiding Harmful Habits

Senhouse took pride in her healthy lifestyle. She told WBZ News in 2022, “I don’t smoke or drink. And I don’t drink those fizzy waters… no soda. I seldom eat fast food.” Her diet was in line with many longevity studies, including a 2023 study that found those who eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts have a lower risk of death from diseases like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues.

People who live long, healthy lives are also less likely to smoke and more likely to exercise regularly. Senhouse’s healthy eating habits reflect the best practices for maintaining well-being in old age.

Being Part of a Community

Another key to Senhouse’s longevity was her strong sense of community. Hawkinson shared that Senhouse had a vast circle of friends, family, and church members who supported her throughout her life. One of her closest friends was Margaret Robinson, whom Senhouse had known for over 60 years. The two spoke daily and spent time together regularly, enjoying activities like getting their hair and nails done.

Research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development supports the idea that strong relationships and social connections play a crucial role in a long and healthy life. These relationships help lower the risk of death and reduce physical pain as we grow older.

Letting Go and Focusing on the Positive

Senhouse also believed in the importance of letting go of things beyond her control. “Do your best to fix issues in your life, but if you can’t, let it go,” she advised. This mindset is common among centenarians, many of whom focus on the good things in life rather than dwelling on challenges.

Longevity researchers have found that people who live past 100 tend to have a positive attitude, persevere through difficulties, and avoid stressing over things they cannot change. Senhouse’s approach to life reflected this wisdom.

In the end, Herlda Senhouse’s life teaches us that there are many factors, both genetic and lifestyle-related, that can influence how long we live. By making mindful choices about stress, health, community, and perspective, we can all learn to live fuller, longer lives, just like Senhouse did.