What’s the secret to a long life? For Natalie, a resident of The Bristal at Englewood who will celebrate her 101st birthday this October, there’s no single answer. She loves her morning blueberries, enjoys a good laugh, keeps in touch with family, and still makes time to dance. She’s also quick to offer a piece of advice that may be more important than any of the others: “You just have to be very open-minded.”
Recently featured in People and on TODAY, Natalie has shared some of the habits and outlooks that have shaped her life. Her approach is refreshingly uncomplicated: enjoy the things you love, stay connected with the people who matter, and don’t take everything too seriously.
Enjoy the Simple Pleasures
Natalie’s approach to food is a good example of her outlook on life. She starts her mornings with blueberries, enjoys avocados, and has a lifelong fondness for apples. She also appreciates a good treat, especially dark chocolate, and would never give up eating bacon.
“I eat basically everything,” she told TODAY.com, explaining that she doesn’t follow any particular diet. Her philosophy is less about rigidity and more about enjoying the things she likes while being mindful of balance.
It’s a reminder that enjoying a varied diet doesn’t have to mean giving up the foods we love. At The Bristal, this philosophy is reflected in rotating, seasonally-inspired menus and restaurant-style dining that bring variety and enjoyment to the everyday experience of sharing a meal.
Keep Moving
Natalie’s love of dancing goes back decades. She and her husband, to whom she was married for 68 years, had a Sunday morning tradition of putting records on the turntable after breakfast and dancing together throughout their living room.
She also remembers dancing at the Brooklyn Academy of Music when she was 20. “I felt like a Rockette because that’s how high my legs went up,” she recalled.
Today, Natalie continues to enjoy movement through chair dancing. While the way she participates has changed over the years, her enthusiasm for music and dancing remains.
Her story is a lovely example of how favorite activities can continue to bring enjoyment throughout life. Sometimes that means returning to a longtime passion in a new way; other times it means discovering something different that sparks your interest. At The Bristal, residents can explore different ways to keep moving, with programs ranging from Dance for Mobility to Cardio Drumming, to name a few. With a variety of options, there’s room to find movement that feels enjoyable and suited to individual interests and abilities. 
Stay Curious
Dancing isn’t the only interest Natlie has enjoyed over the years. Her mother taught her to knit when she was a young girl, and she spent much of her life creating blankets, hats, and sweaters for herself and others.
Her interests reflect something important about staying engaged: there isn’t just one way to keep learning, creating, or enjoying a favorite pastime. Interests can evolve and new ways to spend time meaningfully can emerge at every stage of life.
For Natalie, that includes enjoying a game of Canasta with friends. At The Bristal at Englewood, residents with a fondness for cards can connect over a shared interest through the Canasta club, or many of the other daily or weekly programs that are thoughtfully curated around residents’ interest. Whether it’s a familiar hobby, a game shared with friends, or an activity never tried before, making time for the things we enjoy adds to the richness of life.
Keep an Open Mind and a Sense of Humor
If there’s one theme that ties Natalie’s outlook together, it’s her determination to enjoy life, rather than dwell on what she can’t control.
“I think always having a lighthearted spirit and a positive attitude keeps me young,” she told People. She makes a point of smiling at people she sees, enjoying conversations with friends and team members at The Bristal, and finding reasons to laugh.
“I’m a happy person. I like to laugh. I like to joke around,” she told TODAY.com. She even described herself as a former ‘dirty joke teller,” offering a glimpse of the humor and personality behind her remarkable centenarian milestone.
Natalie is also realistic about life’s challenges. She’s experienced difficult times, but says she’s an optimist who believes things will work out. Her advice isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about keeping an open mind, accepting what life brings, and making the most of the moments along the way.
What Matters Most
For Natalie, a life well lived is also a life shared. She is the proud matriarch of a family that includes two children, four granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren. She stays in touch through regular video calls and treasures opportunities to spend time together.
Looking back on her life, she told People that seeing the legacy she’s created brings her the greatest happiness. Her family’s growth and the lives they’ve built are a source of tremendous pride.
Last year, she celebrated her 100th birthday at The Bristal at Englewood with more than 80 family members, friends, and team members. This October, she’ll celebrate her 101st birthday with another gathering, looking forward to time with the people who mean the most to her.
Asked about the secrets to her longevity, Natalie offered no complicated formula. Instead, she returned to a simple philosophy: “You have to take and enjoy living.”
At The Bristal, Natalie’s story reflects an approach to living well that leaves room for individuality, continued discovery, and the simple pleasures that make each day meaningful. From restaurant-style dining and opportunities to stay active, to shared interests and meaningful social connections, residents have opportunities to pursue the things they enjoy and discover new ones.
There is no single recipe for a fulfilling life, but Natalie’s example reminds us that keeping an open mind, finding reasons to laugh, and making time for the people and activities we love can continue to enrich our lives at every age.
