Since founding Gregory’s Fresh Market 6 years ago, an outreach organization where we enrich lives for seniors, I have learned so much from spending time with seniors, centenarians and super centenarians. Here are a few lessons.
Ernestine Shepherd
I met Ernestine Shepherd in September 2014. She is 79 years young. I learned from her that It’s Never Too Late to do whatever you desire in life. Never say or think that you are “too old” to do anything. Ernestine was declared the World’s Oldest Performing Female Bodybuilder by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2010. She did not begin working out until she was 56. She has run nine marathons. Her mantra is “Determined, Dedicated, and Disciplined – To be fit for life.”
Tao Porchon Lynch
In September 2015, I met Tao Porchon Lynch. She is 97 and is the Guinness World Records oldest yoga teacher. She began ballroom dancing in her 80’s and was featured in June 2015 with her 26 year old partner on America’s Got Talent. During our conversation, Tao shared with me that aging begins in the hands and the feet. It’s important to exercise your hands and feet daily. Her mantra is “there is nothing we cannot do if we harness the power within us.”
Diana Gregory and Vicky Moe
Ms. Vicky Moe and I met four years ago at Beatitudes Campus. She is 103 years old and encourages everyone to maintain a positive attitude. Negative thoughts decay your mind. When a negative thought comes up,replace it with a joke or something positive. Avoid spending time with people who complain about how old they feel. They will make you feel old too. Instead, surround yourself with people who feel and act young, both inside and out. Be patient, forgiving and endearing. Keep moving. Exercise daily, even if it’s only walking. She takes a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Google the benefits of extra virgin oil and you will be amazed at what you will learn.
Bernando LaPallo
I have known Mr. Bernando LaPallo, super centenarian and 114 years old for four years. How does his skin remain smooth? He rubs his skin with extra virgin oil daily. It works. Try it for a week. Mr. LaPallo encourages everyone to do whatever you want, but with a degree of moderation. Watch this video and hear more lessons that I learned from Mr. LaPallo.
I learned all that I know about juicing from my dad, the Juice King. My dad is a 20 year cancer survivor. He has maintained a daily regiment of vegetable and fruit juices over the last 30 years.
I learned about serving others and volunteering from my uncle Dick Gregory and the many seniors I have met that are doing exceptional volunteer work. Throughout Dick Gregory’s life, he has been committed to helping others.