The Secret to Living to 100

Sharing a Letter from our Chairman & CEO

Please Click Here to Manage Your Preferences or Unsubscribe Here's a statistic that gave me pause: By 2054, the number of Americans living past 100 is expected to quadruple! That's not a typo. According to Pew Research, we'll have over 400,000 centenarians compared with about 100,000 today. It's an incredible shift that raises some big questions: How can we give ourselves the best shot at reaching that milestone? And once we get there, how well will we live? What will we do with the gift of extra time, and how can we make it count? It's a lot of questions, I know, but if we're going to live longer, we now have more time to answer them… I've been in the flower and gift business for almost 50 years. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that life's magic happens in milestones and moments. There are the birthdays and the holidays, but also the unplanned laughter, the quick phone call that turns into a two-hour conversation, and the unexpected hugs that say more than words ever could. So, when I think about living beyond 100, I picture more candles on more cakes, and more sitting on the porch with family, hearing my great-grandchildren ask questions no one's thought to ask before. And I imagine still telling stories — and ears ready to hear them. The keys to a longer life You'll often hear that the secret to a long life lies in medicine or winning the genetic lottery. Sure, both clearly play a role, but researchers are learning that longevity is about far more than prescriptions and DNA.  In fact, many of the most powerful tools for living past 100 are well within our control that we've been hearing about for years. Rather than fancy equipment or elite healthcare, they just require persistence and the right mindset. Let's start with the basics. Exercise There's no need to train for a marathon. In fact, most centenarians (or any genarian) don't. What they do is move naturally and regularly, whether it's gardening, walking, or doing chores. A Harvard study found that even modest activity, like only walking 4,000 steps per day, was associated with lower mortality rates in older adults. The key isn't intensity but consistency. Sleep Poor sleep has been linked to everything from weakened immune function to obesity to increased risk of dementia. On the flip side, good sleep hygiene like regular bedtimes and limited screen time before bed can help protect both physical and mental health. According to the National Institute on Aging, maintaining quality sleep (7 to 9 hours a night) becomes even more critical as we age. Diet The world's longest-living people (the current oldest living person is 115 years old, in case you were wondering) tend to eat in ways that are simple. Diets rich in whole, plant-based foods like vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds — like the Mediterranean Diet — are consistently linked to longer lifespans and a lower risk of chronic disease. One study found that individuals who followed plant-based dietary patterns had lower mortality rates than those who consumed more processed or animal-based foods. But that doesn't mean you have to skip dessert forever. I certainly won't. Nutritionist Sophie Anson, who joined me for a conversation on my podcast, shared how eating for longevity isn't about restrictions and strict rules, but rather consistency and balance. A cookie shared over coffee with a friend can be just as nourishing to the soul as a salad is to the body. The role of connection When we talk about health and longevity, one of the most important factors often gets left out — our relationships. Strong social ties not only make life richer but also help us live longer. A landmark study from Brigham Young University found that having meaningful relationships can increase longevity just as much as quitting smoking. Feeling seen, heard, and valued (especially as we age) might be one of the most powerful forms of medicine. How do we hold onto those connections as we grow older? One way is through work — not just in the traditional sense, but by continuing to contribute. Whether it's through a job, a volunteer role, mentoring, or simply being there for someone else, showing up still matters. My friend Cynthia Covey Haller calls it "living life in crescendo." Like a symphony that builds toward its final note, it's the idea that life should keep gaining meaning and passion right to the end. Dr. Monique Andrews, a teacher and scholar in embodied neuroscience, put it this way in a recent podcast: "People who are in their 90s and thriving all have one thing in common. They're still working. That means they still have purpose. They're curious. They're connected." And if you're looking for proof, just take a look at my friend Alan Patricof. At 90, he's still working full-time as a venture capitalist and living with more energy and adventure than people half his age. At 88, he ran the New York City Marathon. He's parachuted. He's been to Burning Man. He even got married again. Alan's secret? Living with intention. That includes long walks every morning, mindful eating, and — maybe most importantly — a vibrant social life. When I asked what keeps him going, he said something I'll never forget: "I heard once that humans could live to 115, maybe 120. So, I thought, why not me?" And honestly … why not us? All the best, Jim They've mastered arenas and end zones — but their biggest wins? Bedtime routines, birthday chaos, and building a business while raising four kids. In this episode of Power & Impact, I sit down with Jessie James Decker and Eric Decker, multitalented entrepreneurs, parents of four, and partners in both life and business. Our conversation dives into the Deckers' journey from NFL stadiums and concert stages to raising a young family and building brands. Jessie shares her evolution from singer-songwriter to fashion founder, opening up about the challenges of launching and growing her clothing brand Kittenish, balancing creativity with motherhood, and staying grounded through faith. Eric reflects on life after football, the impact of a simple gesture for a young fan, and how he's rediscovering purpose through family, community, and service work. We explore their approach to parenting, creating meaningful family traditions, and raising kids with strong values in a tech-saturated world. They talk candidly about navigating marriage, managing ambition, and finding joy in the everyday moments. This week's episode is co-hosted by ReShon Anderson, general manager of Things Remembered. Looking ahead to Memorial Day Can you believe Memorial Day (May 26) is just around the corner? If you're like me, you probably looked at the calendar and wondered how we got here so fast! As we approach the unofficial start of summer, I'd love to hear from you: What are you most looking forward to this Memorial Day Weekend? What's a Memorial Day memory that's stayed with you? If you could write a letter to someone who served and is no longer here, what would you say? Whether it's a long-standing tradition or a quiet moment of reflection, I'd love to hear your story. I'll be featuring a few responses in next week's Celebrations Pulse, and to help kick off the season, I'll be surprising five contributors with a little something from our family of brands to start summer off right. Let's celebrate — and encourage — our graduates Graduation season is here, and with it comes all the emotion you'd expect: pride, reflection, and a healthy dose of hope and optimism for what's next. These ceremonies are more than caps and gowns. They're a chance to pause, recognize a big achievement, and offer something meaningful like your encouragement and maybe even some advice. If there's a graduate in your life, consider sharing something you've learned along the way. A story from your own early steps into adulthood, a moment that shaped your path, and a lesson that stuck are great ideas. And don't forget to ask them what they're dreaming about next. A little curiosity and a lot of support can go a long way in helping them move forward with purpose. If you're looking for a meaningful gift (or timeless inspiration), I hope you'll consider my book, Lodestar: Tapping Into the 10 Timeless Pillars of Success. It's a guide to finding your way forward by drawing on the best self-help wisdom. It explores principles that have stood the test of time, and I believe they still light the way today. Reel in the gold standard of salmon Every spring, I'm reminded how some of life's greatest pleasures are also the most fleeting. One of them? Copper River king salmon. I'm no chef, but I've come to appreciate that this isn't just any type of salmon. When the Copper River salmon fishing season opens in Alaska in mid-to-late May, you can feel the buzz. Markets and restaurants in the region hang up signs saying, "It's here!" and folks who know start placing their orders before the nets hit the water. And it's easy to see why. These wild-caught Alaska fish are packed with omega-3s and flavor, thanks to their annual return to one of the most powerful, glacier-fed rivers in North America. That natural preparation gives the fish its deep, rich taste and buttery texture. Some even compare it to Wagyu beef. What really impressed me is the care that goes into harvesting them. The fish are gently handled and chilled promptly to preserve its freshness. And thanks to Vital Choice, you don't have to live in Alaska to enjoy it. You can have it delivered right to your door, just in time for a spring dinner or Memorial Day celebration. Share the story of your Amazing Dad Father's Day is now one month away, and it's got me thinking about the dads who've made a difference with their inspirational pep talks, corny jokes, and steady hand on our shoulders when we needed it most. For everything they've done (and keep doing), I believe dads deserve more than a single day. They deserve to be seen, celebrated, and remembered. That's why next month we're launching Amazing Dads, and I'd love your help bringing it to life. Do you know an Amazing Dad? Maybe he's the patient one who taught you how to drive — or how to stay calm in traffic. Maybe he's the one who always showed up to your recital, or was open to having difficult conversations, or manned the grill at your Sunday BBQs. Maybe he's no longer here, but his presence still guides you. Whatever your story, I'd love to hear it. Send yours to celebrationspulse@1800flowers.com, and we may feature it in an upcoming Celebrations Pulse. Related articles that caught my eye Written by our Founder and CEO, our Celebrations Pulse Letters aim to engage with our community. From sharing stories to welcoming your ideas, we want to help you to express, connect, and celebrate the important people in your life. View as webpage This email was sent by: 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Two Jericho Plaza Suite 200 Jericho, NY, 11753, USA Manage Email Preferences | Terms & Conditions | Unsubscribe from Pulse Newsletter