Tips for a Long and Active Life at 100

At 100 years old, Joseph Caminiti frequents the gym far more consistently than many people half his age.

He works out five days a week, mixing cardio and weightlifting into his routine.

Caminiti lives independently with his 98-year-old wife and drives himself each weekday morning to The Edge Fitness Club in Bristol, Connecticut, where he spends about an hour exercising.

He attributes his longevity and good health to his active lifestyle.

"If you saw me, you wouldn’t believe I was 100. Everywhere I go, people say, ‘You’re not 100.’ And I respond, ‘That’s exactly what I am.’"

Those working out next to this energetic, gray-haired fitness enthusiast likely have no idea about the inspiring story behind his life.

Born in 1924 in West Virginia, Caminiti was part of a large family with eight children. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps at 17, serving in both World War II and the Korean War.

He's a Battle of Iwo Jima survivor and witnessed the iconic U.S. flag being raised on the island 80 years ago.

After his military service, Caminiti spent decades working for a General Motors division in Connecticut, manufacturing bearings. He and his wife have been married for an impressive 78 years.

The centenarian, who has experienced minimal health problems and has avoided both cancer and heart disease, credits his good genes as a contributing factor—many of his family members, including his parents and siblings, lived into their 90s. One of his sisters, now 92, is still alive.

Turning 100, he says, "is like any other day in my life. 100 is just a number. I’m just lucky I’ve made it this far."

His Tips for a Long Life:

1. Stay Physically Active

Caminiti has led an active lifestyle since childhood. He had a newspaper route as a kid and visited a Boys Club when he was 12.

These days, he heads to the gym every weekday morning.

His routine involves walking on a treadmill for 30-40 minutes, followed by weight training for various muscle groups. He finishes up with a session on a hydro massage bed to relax.

"Some people get a trainer, but at my age, I don’t need one," Caminiti says. "I’ve been going to the gym since I was a kid. Nothing motivates me—I just go because I love it."

His son, William, 77, also highlights advice Caminiti once received from a doctor to avoid being sedentary. “Dad enjoys going to the gym and says, ‘I’ve got to keep moving,’” William explains.

2. Avoid Harmful Habits

Caminiti avoided smoking cigarettes his whole life and drank alcohol sparingly, enjoying the occasional beer.

When asked for his best longevity advice, Caminiti keeps it simple:

“Don’t smoke. Stay active whenever possible. Try to avoid depending on pills, if you can.”

He notes that he only takes vitamin D and B12 supplements.

3. Find Joyful Activities

Caminiti and his wife enjoy monthly trips to the casino to play the slot machines.

“For her, it’s like therapy,” he says, sharing that his wife finds joy in the experience.

While Caminiti has been visiting casinos for 70 years and hasn’t won big, he still appreciates the excitement of it all.

4. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Caminiti has always enjoyed a good appetite without dietary restrictions. His favorite foods include lobster, baked stuffed shrimp, steak, spaghetti and meatballs, and salad.

“I never avoided any foods. I ate whatever was put in front of me,” he says.

His son adds, “He ate healthily but didn’t restrict himself. He ate whatever he wanted.”

Recently, Caminiti has had difficulty with his esophagus, a common aging-related issue, which has led to weight loss and the need to choose his meals carefully. Despite this, dessert remains a highlight for him.

“Oh, yes. I have ice cream almost every night. I eat pie, cake, and cookies,” he admits.

5. Stay Independent

Caminiti continues to drive and took care of his large house until a few years ago. At 95, he even climbed a ladder to paint the house himself.

A few years ago, he and his wife sold their home and moved into an apartment after maintaining the property became too much work.

Their new living arrangements suit them well, with his wife continuing to cook their meals.

Joseph Caminiti’s story is a testament to the power of activity, balance, and purpose in achieving a life well-lived.

At 100, he serves as a beacon of healthy habits and spirited independence.

Source: today

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.