When you live to be 99 — and make the most of every year, as Betty White did — it’s only natural that people will often ask what your secrets to a long and happy life are.White, who died Dec. 31, 2021 just weeks shy of her 100th birthday, was always happy to oblige with her best tips. Read on for White’s best tips for living life to the fullest for decades.
“You better realize how good life is while it’s happening, because before you know it, it will all be gone."- to PEOPLE, in 1999
“Accentuate the positive, not the negative. It sounds so trite, but a lot of people will pick out something to complain about, rather than say, ‘Hey, that was great!’ It’s not hard to find great stuff if you look."-toParadein 2018
“I try to avoid anything green. I think it’s working."-to PEOPLE in 2021
“My mom said to never lie about your age because you’ll forget what you told one person and get mixed up. My age has been published over the years, so I could no more say I’m younger than 92 than fly to the moon. It’s amazing—past a certain age, you can get away with murder. You can do anything and people will say, “Well, the poor old soul, she’s … you know …' “-toHarper’s Bazaarin 2014
“I’m a health nut. My favorite food is hot dogs with French fries. And my exercise: I have a two-story house and a very bad memory, so I’m up and down those stairs."-toThe New York Timesin 2012
“Vodka and hot dogs. Probably in that order."-toParade, in 2018
“Taste every moment."- to PEOPLE, in 2021
“First of all, keep busy and don’t focus everything on you. That wears out pretty fast. It’s not hard to find things you’re interested in, but enjoy them and indulge them. And I think that keeps you on your toes.” -to Katie Couric, in 2017
“A sense of humor [keeps me young]. Don’t take yourself too seriously. You can lie to others — not that I would — but you cannot lie to yourself."-to PEOPLE, in 2020
“I never thought about age much. I learned that at my mother’s knee. Age was not important. It was where your head was."-toAARP, in 2011
“I should follow better eating health rules, but hot dogs and Red Vines and potato chips and French fries are my favorite foods … There’s no spare time, so I’m active all the time. I think that forces you to stay well."-to PEOPLE in 2012
source: people.com
