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| The author (right) chatted with her 104-year-old mother-in-law. Courtesy of Peter Ford |
In June, my mother-in-law Mollie received a new battery for her cardiac pacemaker a device designed to last 10 years. At 104, she's still planning for the long term. That’s just the kind of person she is: strong, sharp, and resilient.
Mollie Ford is what scientists call a “SuperAger” someone whose memory and cognitive function rival that of individuals decades younger. Her life spans continents, generations, and more than a century of change, but her mental clarity and warmth remain as sharp as ever.
Born in England on March 8, 1921, Mollie was adopted at just five months old. Her early years were spent in Nairobi, where she picked up Swahili as a toddler. At 7, she returned to England for boarding school, where she embraced music and sports with full enthusiasm.
In her teens, she met Frank her older cousin whom she eventually married. They built a life across multiple countries, including Israel and Canada, where they settled in 1953. Years later, she became my mother-in-law, and through that connection, I’ve been lucky to learn from her strength, wisdom, and habits for a long, fulfilling life.
Recently, Mollie shared the three keys she credits for her remarkable longevity and mental sharpness.
Moderation in All Things
Mollie has a sweet tooth but only just. Every night, she allows herself one square of dark chocolate with her evening tea. One glass of pinot grigio accompanies her dinner, no more. Her approach to food is balanced, mindful, and joyful.
She eats slowly and deliberately, favoring meals rich in fish, fresh vegetables, nuts, and fruit. Snacks are healthy and satisfying. It's not a diet it's a lifestyle rooted in consistency and moderation.
Even into her 80s, Mollie maintained a physically active lifestyle. She joined a gym, tried the rowing machine, and even took up clog dancing. Mornings were spent tending to her garden, preparing birdseed blends for her backyard visitors, and slicing apples for the deer that wandered by.
Now in her senior years, while she no longer gardens or dances, she still insists on going outside when she can savoring the breeze, the trees, and the natural world that’s always grounded her.
Use It or Lose It: Keep the Mind Engaged
Mollie is an avid reader and always has been. She devoured books at twice my reading speed particularly historical fiction and novels with characters she could connect to. Friends and family knew to pass along book recommendations. No matter what was happening in the world or in her life, reading was her daily ritual.
She also loved puzzles. Sudoku and crosswords were her go-to brain workouts, and she completed them daily often in record time. Over the years, she came to recognize the patterns of certain crossword creators and could finish them almost effortlessly. Her large vocabulary and quick wit were constant reminders of her intellectual agility.
For years, Mollie also played piano at her local church and was a dedicated member of a handbell choir. Music was not just a hobby it was her emotional compass. Even now, when she hears a familiar symphony or hymn, her hands instinctively move in time, conducting the rhythm with closed eyes and a peaceful smile.
Relationships Are Everything
Perhaps the most enduring pillar of Mollie’s longevity is her connection to others. She’s a natural organizer, the kind of person who brings people together and makes things happen. From family vacations to church fundraisers, she always led with grace and enthusiasm.
When I asked her recently what she believed the secret to a long life was, she didn’t hesitate: “Family.” It’s always been at the center of her life, and she’s deeply proud of all of us. Even now, she stays up to date on our lives our achievements, our kids, our adventures.
Today, Mollie lives in a senior care facility on Canada’s west coast. After a few falls and some short-term memory loss, she needs more assistance than she once did. But her spirit that warm, gracious, community-centered spirit remains unchanged. She shares a room with three other women and embraces this chapter with the same generosity and strength that’s guided her for over a century.
The ocean breeze still drifts through her windows. She still sips tea with chocolate. She still smiles when she hears music.
And she still inspires every one of us lucky enough to call her family.
