105-year-old woman shares secrets to a happy life
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Anna Decanini, a 105-year-old woman living in Connecticut, United States, described the habits she believes contributed to her long and happy life.
Born in New York in 1921, Decanini spent part of her childhood in Lucca, Italy, where she developed an appreciation for fresh, unprocessed food through her father’s restaurant. She later returned to the United States in the 1950s with her husband, Raffaello, and they remained together until his death in 2012.
Decanini attributes her well-being to family affection, forgiveness, home-cooked meals, a daily glass of wine, espresso, and a good sense of humor. She purposefully distanced herself from dwelling on difficult experiences, like World War II, choosing instead to focus on happiness. In 2019, at age 99, Decanini moved to a retirement community in New Canaan to be closer to her children and grandchildren.
She continues to enjoy an active lifestyle that includes reading, crossword puzzles, biking, dancing, walking, cooking, and watching movies. Despite indulging in sweets and a sugary espresso each night, Decanini prioritizes avoiding ultra-processed foods and generally doesn’t snack between meals. She expressed contentment with her life and affirmed she would live it the same way if given the chance.
