Life Spanning Centuries On April 30, 2025, the world’s oldest woman, Ina Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun, passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 116 years and 326 days. The internationally renowned organization “Quest for Longevity” confirmed her status as the longest-lived person still alive in January of that year. Born in 1908, Ina Canabarro Lucas lived through two World Wars, numerous global public health crises, and significant social changes, yet she maintained both physical and mental well-being throughout her life. Based on interviews with her and recollections from those around her, her secrets to longevity can be summarized in the following four points: 1. Regular Routine and Moderation in Lifestyle Nun Lucas strictly adhered to the monastery’s daily routine, with fixed times for prayer, work, reading, and rest. She rarely stayed up late or overworked herself. Her diet was light, primarily consisting of vegetables, beans, and whole grains, with almost no processed or high-sugar, high-fat foods, and she always ate until she was 70% full. This disciplined and self-controlled lifestyle laid the foundation for her long-term physical health. 2. Continuous Moderate Physical Activity Even in her centenarian years, she continued to engage in light physical tasks such as gardening and sewing in the monastery, and she never stopped walking regularly. Research shows that moderate physical activity can prevent muscle atrophy, enhance cardiovascular function, and promote brain nerve activity. Nun Lucas’s practice of maintaining her body active through work validated the scientific principle that “life is movement.” 3. Active Social Interaction and Spiritual Fulfillment As a nun, she spent her life with faith, which kept her mind peaceful and fulfilled. She enjoyed interacting with younger nuns and participating in community activities, and she continued to read and write in her later years. Psychological studies indicate that a stable social network and spiritual belief can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and slow down cognitive decline. Her case demonstrates that mental and emotional health are crucial pillars of longevity. 4. An Open-minded Attitude and a Low-stress Environment Nun Lucas often spoke of a “let-it-be” philosophy of life, remaining calm regardless of personal health fluctuations or changes in her environment. The relatively enclosed and low-competition atmosphere of the monastery also reduced the negative impact of external stress on her well-being. Modern medicine has proven that long-term stress can accelerate cellular aging, while an open-minded attitude helps stabilize the immune system. Ina Canabarro Lucas’s longevity was the result of a combination of genetics, environment, and personal choices. Her story reminds us that healthy aging depends not only on medical advances but also on individuals adopting a scientific lifestyle and on society creating an inclusive environment for older adults. As Lucas said, “Every day is a gift from God.” How we make this gift more meaningful requires the collective wisdom of society, families, and individuals.