What if the secret to living past 100 isn’t hiding in kale smoothies or organic quinoa bowls, but in raw eggs, strips of bacon, or even a daily Coca-Cola?
The world’s oldest people don’t just defy expectations—they shatter them. Kane Tanaka, who lived for an incredible 119 years, started every morning with a soda. Another supercentenarian, Emma Morano swore by consuming two raw eggs every single day for almost a century. These are not trends in diet. These are rituals—unconventional, surprising, and truly fascinating.
So, what’s the deal? Are these foods some magical elixir for long life, or is there more to the story than what’s on their plates? And most importantly—should we adopt these habits ourselves?
Let’s uncover the mystery behind the diets of the world’s oldest people. Their plates may hold more than just food—they may hold the key to living a life that endures.
The Fascination with Centenarian Diets:
Why are we so fascinated by what centenarians eat? Maybe it’s because food feels like something we can control. We eat three times a day—or more—so if the secret to living past 100 is hidden in our daily habits, it seems almost… attainable.
Consider the Mediterranean diet. Or the plant-heavy meals of Okinawan villagers in Japan. These regions, known as “Blue Zones,” are celebrated for their high concentration of people who live longer than the global average. Their shared habits? Fresh, whole foods. Minimal processing. And meals that are often tied to culture, family, and community.
But here’s the twist. The world’s oldest people—the ones who’ve defied every prediction—don’t always stick to those rules. Their diets are far from textbook. For them, it wasn’t just about calories or nutrients. It was about balance and indulgence.
And that’s where things get interesting. Because longevity, as we’ll see, isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about how you live.
A Peek Into Their Plates:
The world’s oldest people didn’t obsess over calorie counts or chase the latest health trends. Their diets were basic, sometimes enjoyable, and often unique. Still, these food choices helped them live for over a hundred years.
Let’s take a closer look at what some of the longest-living people ate:
Emma Morano:
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Emma Morano, who lived for an incredible 117 years, swore by raw eggs. Two of them. Every single day.
She started this habit as a young woman after a doctor suggested it to treat anemia, and she never stopped. Alongside her eggs, she kept her diet straightforward—biscuits, pasta, and occasional meat.
Her secret? Simplicity. For Morano, avoiding excess and sticking to what worked was key. No fads. No overthinking.
Susannah Mushatt Jones:
Susannah Mushatt Jones, who reached 116 years old, started her mornings with a breakfast many wouldn’t expect: bacon, scrambled eggs, and grits.
She loved bacon so much that it became a part of her everyday routine. Although her food may look luxurious, Jones balanced it with self-control in other parts of her life. She never drank or smoked and always focused on what made her happy.
She often joked, “Bacon makes everything better.” For Jones, eating was just as much about enjoyment as it was about staying healthy.
Kane Tanaka:
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Kane Tanaka didn’t just set records for living a long time; she also changed the usual ideas about food. At 119, she happily enjoyed her love for sweets by having a Coca-Cola every day.
Her meals included traditional Japanese foods like rice, fish, and miso soup, along with her favorites like sweets and soda. She didn’t worry about what food to eat; she focused on what made her happy.
Tanaka’s approach? Balance and enjoyment. Life is long—why not savor it?
Misao Okawa:
Misao Okawa, who lived to 117, was a sushi lover through and through. Her go-to dish was mackerel on vinegar-steamed rice, a meal packed with omega-3s and heart-healthy benefits.
Okawa was flexible with her food. She ate what she liked, kept her amounts small, and enjoyed fresh foods when she could. For her, food was both tasty and healthy, and this combination worked well.
Violet Brown:
Jamaica’s Violet Brown, who lived to 117, credited her longevity to a diet rooted in balance. She stayed away from pork and chicken and preferred other meats and fresh, natural foods.
Brown believed in keeping things balanced. She didn’t eat too much, kept moving, and chose whole, natural foods. Her diet focused on making careful choices, not on cutting things out.
The Science Behind Their Decisions:
At first look, the diets of the world’s oldest people don’t seem to follow any current guidelines. Raw eggs? Do you want to know about bacon? Do you want some soda? Health experts wouldn’t call these “longevity foods.“
If you look closer, you’ll notice a pattern beginning to show. These choices—strange as they may seem—are rooted in something more universal: balance, nutrition, and habits that stand the test of time.
Protein:
What do Emma Morano’s raw eggs, Violet Brown’s natural foods, and Misao Okawa’s love for fish have in common? Protein.
Protein is essential for keeping our muscles strong, especially as we get older. It keeps us strong, active, and tough. Research suggests that eating a high-protein diet can help prevent weakness, which is a major issue as we get older.
For Morano, eating two eggs every day was probably more than just a routine; it was a source of strength for many years.
Omega-3s:
Then there’s Misao Okawa, who couldn’t get enough of her mackerel sushi. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fish like mackerel are known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and even boost brain function.
Kane Tanaka also included fish in her meals, pairing it with traditional Japanese staples like rice and miso. It’s no coincidence that Japan—the home of both women—boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world.
Indulgence, but in Moderation:
What about bacon? What about Coca-Cola? Those are not good for long-term health, right?
Not exactly. Centenarians like Susannah Mushatt Jones and Kane Tanaka taught us an important lesson: it’s not necessary to completely avoid treats; it’s all about finding balance. Jones ate bacon every day, but she always had it with easy, filling breakfasts like grits and eggs. Tanaka drank soda but matched it with healthy Japanese meals.
The concept of balance is not only reassuring but it is also supported by scientific evidence. Very tight diets can cause stress, and that can be just as harmful to the body as not eating well.
The Role of Indulgence:
If there’s one thing the world’s oldest people teach us, it’s this: you don’t have to eat perfectly to live a long life. A little indulgence might just be part of the secret.
Take Susannah Mushatt Jones, for example. She loved bacon—crispy, salty, unapologetic bacon. Every morning, she’d pair it with eggs and grits, savoring a breakfast that brought her genuine joy. “I love bacon!” she famously said. And why not? It wasn’t a guilty pleasure—it was part of her happiness.
Then there’s Kane Tanaka. At 119 years old, she had a ritual of drinking Coca-Cola daily. While soda isn’t exactly a healthy food, it was her treat. And she didn’t feel the need to justify it. Her indulgence didn’t define her diet—it was just one small part of a broader, balanced lifestyle.
Why Indulgence Works:
Indulgence isn’t just about enjoying food. It’s about reducing stress, bringing pleasure, and avoiding the burnout that comes from extreme dietary restrictions.
Stress, after all, can be a silent killer. Studies have linked chronic stress to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, and even shorter life spans. For centenarians like Jones and Tanaka, their small, intentional indulgences likely helped them stay happy—and healthier overall.
Debunking Longevity Myths:
Living past 100 sounds mysterious. Naturally, it comes with plenty of myths. Superfoods? Extreme diets? A single magic formula? The truth is far less glamorous—but much more attainable.
Here’s a reality check on some of the biggest misconceptions:
Myth 1:
Think kale or chia seeds hold the secret? Think again. The world’s oldest people weren’t munching on acai bowls.
Emma Morano ate raw eggs and biscuits. Susannah Mushatt Jones? Bacon and grits. No “superfoods” in sight, yet they lived well over a century.
Longevity isn’t tied to a trendy ingredient. It’s about balance and consistency, not chasing the latest health fad.
Myth 2:
Carb-free. Fasting. Keto. None of these defined the diets of centenarians.
Violet Brown avoided certain meats, but she ate mindfully, not restrictively. Misao Okawa loved sushi but didn’t obsess over portions. They found what worked for them and stuck to it.
Extreme rules don’t equal long life. Stressing over food? That might do more harm than good.
Myth 3:
Food matters, but it’s not the whole story.
Kane Tanaka, who lived to 119, kept her mind sharp with puzzles. Many centenarians credit their longevity to community, purpose, and staying active.
Diet plays a role, but it’s just one piece of a much bigger puzzle.
Cultural and Lifestyle Factors:
Longevity isn’t just about food. It’s how you live your life. In places like Okinawa(Japan), Sardinia(Italy), and Nicoya(Costa Rica)—known as Blue Zones—people live longer not just because of what’s on their plates, but because of their habits and connections.
Connection Matters:
People who are 100 years old or older usually don’t live alone. In Okinawa, Japan, older people join “moai” groups, which are social circles that provide support throughout their lives. In Sardinia, Italy, family is important. People share meals, and no one eats by themselves.
The main point? Feeling connected to others in your neighborhood can be just as important as eating healthy food.
Movement Without Effort:
These people don’t hit the gym. Instead, they stay active through daily life—gardening, walking to the market, or cooking meals.
This natural movement keeps their bodies healthy without the stress of structured workouts.
A Sense of Purpose:
Having a reason to wake up matters. Kane Tanaka solved puzzles. Violet Brown stayed active in her church. Others tended gardens or cared for family.
Purpose gives life meaning—and fuels both the mind and body.
Can You Eat Like Them?
The world’s oldest people didn’t follow strict diets. But their eating habits offer timeless lessons anyone can adopt.
1. Stick to Whole Foods
Centenarians favored fresh, simple ingredients—vegetables, fruits, eggs, fish, and whole grains. Processed foods? Rarely.
Swap processed snacks for whole alternatives like fruits or nuts. Small changes add up.
2. Indulge, But Don’t Overdo It:
Bacon. Soda. These treats weren’t forbidden, but they weren’t the main course either. Balance was key. Enjoy what you love, but keep indulgences occasionally. Focus on nutrient-rich meals.
3. Eat Less, Feel Better:
Smaller portions were a common thread. Overeating wasn’t part of the equation. Stop eating when you’re satisfied, not stuffed. Simple, but effective.
4. Make Meals Meaningful:
Meals weren’t rushed or eaten alone. They were slow, shared, and full of joy. Take time to savor your food. Share meals with family or friends whenever possible.
5. Find Your Rhythm:
Raw eggs worked for Emma Morano. Sushi-fueled Misao Okawa. The secret? They stuck with what worked for them. Discover what makes you feel good and build habits that fit your life.
In a Nutshell:
The oldest people in the world didn’t worry about dietary trends or diets. Their meals were straightforward and individualized and often had little treats.
Emma Morano drank raw eggs. Kane Tanaka drank Coca-Cola. Susannah Mushatt Jones liked bacon. These weren’t just trends; they were traditions that made them happy.
The secret wasn’t in the food itself but in their approach. They embraced balance, and mindfulness and found purpose in their days and joys in their lives.
Longevity isn’t about perfection. It’s about living fully—one meal, one moment, at a time.
