In a heartwarming celebration of life, 105-year-old Helen Sophis from Ohio recently marked her remarkable birthday on October 10. Known for her vibrant spirit and sharp wit, Sophis shared her insights into living a long and fulfilling life with the Akron Beacon Journal, revealing the elements that have contributed to her longevity.
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Sophis attributes her extended years to a combination of “good genes” and an active lifestyle. She humourously noted that clean living also plays a pivotal role in her well-being. “I feel really good. I feel better now than I did when I was 16,” she quipped, reflecting her unbreakable spirit as she embraces her century-plus of life.
Having grown up in a culturally rich Greek household, Sophis points to her dietary choices as instrumental to her health. Her mother often prepared traditional dishes that adhered to the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which emphasises plant-based foods, healthy fats, and whole grains. “Everything was from scratch,” she recalled fondly, mentioning classics like moussaka and fasolakia, a dish featuring fresh green beans, alongside pastitsio, a baked pasta with meat sauce.
The Mediterranean diet is well-regarded for its health benefits, which include lowering the risk of heart disease and promoting longevity. Foods typically consumed in this diet include an abundance of vegetables, fruits, lentils, and fish, while red meats are generally limited.
Physical activity has also been a cornerstone of Sophis’ life. During her youth, she was an avid sportswoman, participating in basketball and volleyball during her time at high school, and later continuing these pursuits in college at the University of Akron. There, she diversified her athletic interests by taking up tennis, showcasing her commitment to staying fit throughout her life.
In 1940, after the untimely passing of her sister, Amelia, Sophis left her studies to take on a significant role at B.F. Goodrich during World War II. Reflecting on this time, she joked about having a “man’s job” as she worked in the factory, contributing to the war effort. Following the war, she transitioned to an office role within the company while continuing to embrace an active lifestyle through golf, where she excelled and became a star player on the women’s team.
Beyond diet and exercise, Sophis highlighted the importance of having a good sense of humour and maintaining close friendships as key components of her well-being. Her ability to laugh and find joy in life has undoubtedly aided her resilience over the years. “My sense of humour probably did play a role,” she acknowledged.
Despite not marrying or having children, Sophis maintains a close-knit group of friends who keep her engaged and included in various social activities. During her birthday interview, her jovial nature shone through, as she cracked jokes about reaching the milestone age of 105, whimsically referring to it as her “Platina Jubilee.”
As Helen Sophis celebrates a century of life, her story serves as a testament to the power of healthy living, strong relationships, and a cheerful outlook. Her remarkable journey inspires others to cherish their health and the connections they foster, regardless of age.