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As shared by Babette Hughes (not pictured), a 101 year-old author from Cleveland, Ohio:

1. Don’t ever believe you’re “done”

Some cultural ideas are good, but many are wrong. People give up on their lives much too early.

When your mind focuses on what the culture teaches us — that we’re done when we get past a certain age — it gets into our sense of self. If our sense of self says to be alone and sad and useless when we are 70, 80, 90, whatever, that’s really dangerous.

2. Talk to friends of all ages

My friends are a wonderful source of wisdom, energy and authenticity.

I have a few friends that are two and three generations younger. I’ve learned from them, and I think they’ve learned from me. Each decade teaches us something else.

There’s a huge difference between being 30 or 40 and being 90 or 100. And yet, when we come together, it can be fabulous because we all have much to teach each other. It gives us another way to think about things.

3. Let little things make your day

It’s not the top of the mountain that makes us happy. It’s the small pleasures.

Our culture often tells us that if you want to be successful, it’s a big thing. It’s a big effort. It’s about big returns. But that doesn’t work. I don’t even know if the mountaintop exists, but small pleasures do exist, and they can be dynamite.

4. Do things you love

When I’m writing, I feel different. I feel better. I feel happier, I feel more centered. I feel more confident. There’s really something magical about creative work. Of course, it’s not magic; it’s an expression of the human soul.

The pleasures you get from doing something creative that you love are tied to parts of the self that are not always available or conscious.

It goes back to knowing yourself and being authentic.

5. Move your body, rest your mind

For about seven years, I’ve worked out with a trainer twice a week. For a 101-year-old, I’m strong. I can lift 10-pound weights and get up off a chair holding the weights. I’m so proud of that.

When I had pneumonia and I was in the hospital, someone there told me that my exercising probably saved my life. So it isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential.

At the same time, you have to get a lot of rest. The brain needs rest in order to rejuvenate.