101-Year-Old Woman Offers Rules For Happy Life

POSTED: Friday, September 26, 2008

UPDATED: 2:40 pm EDT September 26, 2008

MIAMI -- As a Miami woman turned 101 years old on Friday, she shared some advice for living a long and happy life.

Rachel Long was born on Sept. 26, 1907, in Live Oak, Fla. She is celebrating her 101st birthday at her home in the 3000 block of Northwest 19th Avenue in Miami.

According to United HomeCare Services, Long lives alone in her apartment, but a home health aide helps her, and her family and friends stop by often. Long is a mother of three: 74-year-old Johnny, 72-year-old David and 63-year-old Betty.

How has Long lived until age 101? She gave United HomeCare a few pieces of advice for other people:

Maintain a sense of purpose.

Be an obedient servant of God.

Keep your loved ones close.

Be thankful for blessings.

Enjoy tasty foods with moderation.

The centenarian worked into her 70s as a housekeeper and nanny for two families in Miami.

Long planned to celebrate her 101st birthday with a party at her apartment complex's community room.

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