What a 101-Year-Old Woman Wants You to Know About Aging Well
She’s 101 years old, thriving, and definitely knows something we don’t. What’s her secret?
I’ve met countless incredible people in my 25-year medical career and 19-year television career.
However, I met someone last week who I’ll never forget. Meet Carole Roth. She’s 101 years young and a TikTok celebrity, courtesy of her TikTok famous grandson Ryan Roth (you might know his father, the famous skin guru Peter Thomas Roth!).
Carole is part of the rare 0.02% of Americans who live to see 100 (about 1 in 5,000 people in the US live to be over 100 years old). But let me tell you: She’s living proof that age is just a number.
Carole is boisterous. Laugh-out-loud funny. Honest. She’s the type of person whose presence alone can blow your (metaphorical) hair back the moment she enters a room.
Over coffee, though we nearly extended through her cocktail hour into her favorite, a lychee martini, we chatted for four hours on everything from men to skincare, to shoes, to diets, to menopause, and nutrition. And trust me, Carole does not hold back.
Here are some of the vitality and longevity concepts I discovered after my time with Carole.
Grab a pen—you’ll want to write these down:
- Aging Starts In Our 20s
Most of us assume aging starts in our 40s or 50s or later. But cellular aging actually starts in your 20s. That’s why good lifestyle choices in our younger years are so important—they compound as we age.
This should serve as a reset for those who think that ‘old’ is associated with a random age. In some ways, we are old already in our 20s, but no one feels that way. Ponder that one…
- Understanding Perimenopause Is Key
Everyone knows about menopause. But fewer know about perimenopause—the transition phase that starts years before menopause. Perimenopause can start in a woman’s 30s or even earlier! Yes, you read that right.
Understanding how perimenopause lowers estrogen and testosterone levels (estrogen is partly responsible for skin elasticity, metabolism, and brain function) is key to navigating midlife decades and beyond. This goes hand in hand with paying attention to the right nutrition, exercise, and stress management as we get older.
I asked Carole whether she felt sadness or despair when she went into menopause. Her answer? “Why would I? That’s bullshit!” Well, okay then!
- Genetics is a *Huge* Part of The Picture
Genetics matter. A lot. Carole was blessed with incredible genes. Despite spending years baking under the sun (with a mirror *gasp* as a reflecting device!), smoking cigarettes, barely drinking water, and never exercising, she’s feeling and looking great.
(For the record, I tried to get Carole to do some light resistance bands with me in her chair, and she adamantly refused. I respect her resolve!)
- Longevity Is More Quality Than Quantity
What I admired most about Carole wasn’t her age: It was her quality of life. Despite being over a century old, Carole sleeps for 9 hours every night and is mentally sharp.
We all want to age like Carole. The key lies in metabolic flexibility, muscle maintenance, and reducing inflammation—so you don’t just add years to your life, but life to your years.
- Your Social Life Is a Lifespan Predictor
Do you know what accelerates biological aging faster than smoking or obesity? Loneliness. Having strong relationships and a sense of purpose are as critical to longevity as diet and exercise.
It’s no surprise that Carole has tons of hobbies. She reads two books a week, loves to go shopping, loves her two dogs, and has fun on TikTok. She’s also super socially active and is constantly meeting new friends!
- Your Mind Shapes How You Age
Aging is inevitable. But you can change the way you experience it—for better or for worse—simply with your mind.
Science Says: Studies show that women who see aging as a journey of wisdom and strength tend to live longer, healthier lives than those who fear it.
Carole will turn 102 this month! Her birthday plans involve a trip to Las Vegas with a few friends, where she’ll wear her favorite sparkly clothes, jewelry, and makeup. (She invited me, but I genuinely don’t think I can keep up with her!)
For the first time since meeting Carole, I feel unafraid of turning 80, 90, and 100.
Here was this incredible woman who’d done it (and done it with style and attitude) and was still enjoying the gifts life had to offer.
I was inspired and humbled. How dare I utter a single negative word of self-talk to my reflection in the mirror about a wrinkle here or a sunspot there when Carole was doing exactly none of that?!
Instead of Carole longing for what was, she was enjoying what is. And that’s something we can all do more of—no matter how old we are.
