101-Year-Old Businesswoman Reveals Secrets to Vibrant Living

Anne Angioletti, a 101-year-old jewelry store owner from Cresskill, New Jersey, continues to defy age with her active lifestyle and positive outlook on life. Angioletti, who has run her jewelry business for decades, attributes her longevity to a combination of physical activity, a fulfilling career, and an appreciation for life itself.

Angioletti works six days a week, a routine that keeps her engaged and vibrant. She regularly travels to New York City to source new merchandise for her store. Despite her advanced age, she drives independently and enjoys a lively social life, dining out with friends every Saturday night.

“People just can’t believe it,” said a family member. “Not just how old she is, but how she lives her life — that she’s not at home, she’s active, busy, and running a business six days a week.” Angioletti herself emphasizes the importance of having a purpose, stating, “It gives me a reason to get up, to shower, to dress, to put on makeup, to try to look presentable, and to enjoy my business. It’s all pleasure.”

Born in 1924, Angioletti has witnessed significant historical events, including the Great Depression and World War II. She faced personal challenges as well, becoming a widow at a young age while raising three children. Despite these hardships, she maintains a joyful perspective. “I think my secret is that I love life. I’m happy. I try not to worry about tomorrow,” Angioletti said.

Exercise has been a cornerstone of Angioletti’s daily routine for decades. Since her 40s, she has incorporated physical activity into her life, starting with three-mile walks and climbing stairs. Currently, she engages in a 30-minute exercise session every morning, which includes leg raises, waist bends, and strength training with 2-pound weights. “Of course, I can’t dance like I used to, but I manage one or two dances a night,” she remarked.

Her career path before opening her jewelry store included various roles such as waitress, short-order cook, and bookkeeper. She even contributed to the war effort by making surgical instruments during World War II. Angioletti believes that staying busy is essential for a fulfilling life. “People should have a reason to get up. I don’t have anything to do if I were at home. So that’s not good,” she explained.

Nutrition also plays a vital role in Angioletti’s longevity. Her meals typically consist of chicken, Mediterranean dishes, and a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, and spinach. She enjoys fish and limits her intake of sweets, preferring savory foods. “When I get candy, I give it away. It’s not my thing,” she stated. Family meals during her childhood often featured a sequence of spaghetti, followed by a main course and fruits.

Angioletti’s resilience has been shaped by her experiences, including the challenges of losing her husband at 52 to cancer. She reflects on her past with gratitude, saying, “I had a wonderful childhood and a wonderful life altogether because I’ve been happy with everything.” Her granddaughter notes that Angioletti’s philosophy of life includes not letting worries consume her. “Worrying about anything is not good for you. So not to worry about anything and just kind of letting anything go,” she advises.

As Angioletti continues her journey, her life serves as an inspiring example of how an active lifestyle and a positive mindset can contribute to a long and fulfilling existence. Her story resonates with many, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to living life to the fullest.