101-Year-Old Working Woman Shares Realistic Secret to Long Life
Jayne Burns still knows all about working 9 to 5, despite being well past the average age of retirement.
At 101 years old, she still holds a part-time job, even hopping in her own car to drive there and back each shift she works cutting fabric at her local Joann Fabric and Crafts store, where she's been employed for the last 25 years—something she says is essential to her longevity.
“You’ve got to keep moving and not sit around the house all day,” Burns recently explained to TODAY.com. As to why she's leaving the house for a job versus an exciting outing each day, she said, “I just like working and I like working with people.”
Previously working as a bookkeeper, Burns tried to retire a few times but it never quite took.
After her husband passed in the '90s, her daughter, who was also working at the store part-time, introduced her to it. The manager knew Burns was "into fabric" and invited her to join the team. "I started working with him and liked it and stayed there," she shared.
While she sometimes struggles with the heavier vinyl fabrics, overall, her strength and eyesight—two essential job requirements—are right on par with her responsibilities.
She's got six crucial pieces of advice when it comes to her long and fulfilling life:
Your genetics aren't the be-all, end-all: Burns' mother died of an aneurysm in her 40s, while her father died at 65.
Everything in moderation: Burns partakes in just about whatever she wants at this point, including meat, milk chocolate and butter. She used to monitor her sugar intake but no longer does, and used to drink socially when out with her husband.
Related: 30 of the Best Anti-Aging Foods To Make Sure You Are Incorporating Into Your Diet
Stay active: Burns has bowled, played golf, and exercised regularly throughout her life.
A health setback isn't a death sentence: Burns was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1995, undergoing surgery to have part of her colon removed. Today, her biggest problem is arthritis, but it's only slowed her down a bit.
Establish a self-care routine: Even today, Burns keeps up with her beauty routine, using both moisturizer and makeup. She used to avoid using soap on her face, but is less stringent about it today.
Make friends wherever you go: The one thing Burns' favorite jobs have had in common is nice co-workers.