A 101-year-old woman, who still works six days a week, shares the four essential things she does every day.

 

Ann Angeletti never really knew rest. Born in Brooklyn to a modest family, she left school very young to help in the family grocery store. At that time, her father sold ice cubes from a horse-drawn cart — another world!

Years pass, war breaks out, and Ann learns to bounce back. While her husband goes to the front, her mother becomes a waitress in a shipyard, proving that a woman can forge her own path. Inspired by this example, Ann will also follow this path: that of hard work, perseverance, and creativity.

From the family workshop to his own shop

After working for others, Ann decided one day to create her own world. In 1964, she opened  Curiosity Jewelry , a small boutique selling handcrafted jewelry in Cresskill, New Jersey. The rent? At the time, only $85 a month.

Since then, three generations have taken turns running the business: Ann, her daughter, and her granddaughter. Together, they perpetuate the art of handmade jewelry, combining expertise with a love of detail. But don't be fooled: while the shop is only open five days a week, Ann herself works six days out of seven. And she has no intention of slowing down.

"If I retired, I would die," she confides with a smile. For her, work is not a constraint, it is a  source of energy .

The secrets to her vitality at 101 years old

So, what's the secret to such longevity? Ann doesn't talk about miracle diets or magic potions. Her recipe can be summed up in a few simple words: routine, pleasure, and movement.

"You have to get up, take a shower, eat, take care of yourself. You have to do a little exercise," she says. Everyday actions, but done with regularity and joy.

And above all, she emphasizes a crucial point: loving what you do. "If you don't love what you do, then change it," she asserts. A common-sense philosophy that reminds us that inner balance also comes from passion and curiosity.

A life lesson that inspires thousands of people

Ann's story has touched thousands of people. Many call her a "living inspiration," admiring her energy and smile. Some claim she "won the genetic lottery," but listening to her, you quickly realize that her true strength comes from her attitude.

In New Jersey, more than 2,600 people are now over 100 years old, and that number continues to grow. As if Ann, and so many others, were proving that a full life can also be a long life.

The art of savoring each day

At 101 years old, Ann no longer seeks to "succeed" in her life, she lives it to the fullest. She loves her work, her loved ones, her clients, and every morning, she chooses to be happy.

"Enjoy this day to the fullest," she said simply. Advice to follow, regardless of our age.