When Flossie Lewis wheels herself into the dining room at the Piedmont Gardens senior living community in Oakland, she’s greeted with numerous hugs and hellos. The 100-year-old is known for her no-nonsense attitude, love of literature, and words of wisdom.

“Getting old is a state of mind,” said the former English teacher who recently turned a century old. “It’s important to accept the fact that the body is going to go, but the personality doesn’t have to go. Character doesn’t have to go.”

Lewis has formed a special bond with her medical team at the Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center.

“We feel so privileged and honored to take care of her as part of our KP family,” said Physician in Chief Rita Ng, MD, who celebrated Lewis’ 100th  birthday with her at Piedmont Gardens. “We have been her caring, trusted health care team for all of the things that come with a life well lived for 100 years.”

Lewis was born in Brooklyn and then moved to California. She became a beloved high school teacher at San Francisco’s Lowell and Lincoln high schools. She is a poet, a playwright, and a published author.

Dr. Ng is inspired by Lewis’ zest for life and sharp mind. She thinks we all have something to learn from Lewis when it comes to living longer and better.

Exercise, sleep, attitude

Lewis’ commitment to a healthy lifestyle started about 60 years ago when she stopped smoking. She enjoys healthy food, but she isn’t strict when it comes to her diet.

“Everything in moderation,” she advised. “I do have a glass of wine at dinner. . . and I love Cheetos!”

Lewis stays active by socializing with her friends at Piedmont Gardens, reading, and reciting poetry.

“The number one thing experts recommend is to keep your mind and body active,” Dr. Ng said. “Physical activity keeps the heart and circulatory system healthy and provides protection against numerous chronic diseases that affect the body and mind. It also strengthens muscles, which can reduce older people’s risk of falls.”

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Just walking a little more than 20 minutes a day is quite beneficial, according to the association.

Sleep also plays an important role in maintaining good health.

“Consistently getting good quality sleep can add several years to a person’s life,” Dr. Ng said. “Sleep is especially important for brain health. A 2021 study found that people who slept less than five hours a night had double the risk of developing dementia.”

As Lewis said, everything in moderation. Dr. Ng also encourages people to keep on top of telltale health markers.

“Know your numbers for weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugars,” Dr. Ng said. “Don’t smoke and drink too much; that means no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. Heavy drinking raises the risk for heart disease and atrial fibrillation, liver disease, and cancer.”

Finally, prioritizing healthy relationships can increase one’s lifespan.

“What Flossie touched on is something very powerful — hope and optimism,” Dr. Ng said, referring to her youthful outlook. “Being optimistic doesn’t mean being a Pollyanna — it means taking those hard times, processing them, and moving on. Flossie is an inspiration to all of us!”