Ohio woman credits Greek-inspired diet and activity as she turns 105
Helen Sophis celebrated her 105th birthday at a senior living centre in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where friends heard her stories and advice. She credits her longevity to a Mediterranean diet, physical activity and “clean living”, while friends describe her as funny, generous and full of determination.
The daughter of Greek immigrants, Sophis grew up eating home-cooked dishes such as moussaka and pastitsio. She played several sports at school and university, worked in a rubber factory during the Second World War and later played golf, winning tournaments. She now enjoys bingo and crafts with friends, and says she feels better than she did as a teenager; Naomi Whitehead, aged 116, is identified in the article as North America’s oldest living woman.
In short
- Helen Sophis turned 105 in Ohio.
- She credits her age to diet, activity and clean living.
- Friends and hobbies remain part of her life.
Explained simply
Helen Sophis is an Ohio resident who has reached the age of 105. Her parents emigrated from Greece, and she grew up with home-cooked Greek dishes; she also played sport at school and university and later took part in golf tournaments.
Sophis credits her long life to a Mediterranean-style diet, activity and “clean living”, though one person’s experience cannot show what accounts for longevity more generally. Her story offers a glimpse of how family food traditions, work and social activities have featured across her life.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “One of America’s oldest women reveals her secrets to longevity as ‘fun-loving spitfire’ celebrates her 105th birthday”.