'Bright Red Lipstick' is the Secret to Longevity, Centenarian Says

Getting advice from a 100-year-old about the secret to long living isn’t an everyday occurrence. Getting that advice from nine members of the 100 and over crowd is even rarer.

But, that’s exactly what happened during John Knox Village’s recent Diamond Jubilee luncheon. The event is held every two years to celebrate and recognize the Tampa assisted living facility’s centenarians.

This year’s luncheon was attended by eight women and one man all celebrating the 100 mark, or who had already attained it, said Nancy Gay, spokeswoman for St. Joseph’s Hospitals, which oversees the facility. At 105, Carrie Williams was the oldest in attendance and she’s also the senior John Knox resident.

Before the honorees enjoyed their meal, they shared their personal secrets to longevity with those gathered.

“The best advice I can give is to keep your mouth shut, don’t smoke and wear lots of bright red lipstick,” Helen Fuqua, 100, said. “I put lipstick on as heavy as I can and say, ‘Helen, you are gorgeous!’”

Lela Gordon, 102, said her secret is simple: “Always smile.”

For 99-year-old Vivian Anderson, who turns 100 on Oct. 3, keeping busy and helping others seems to have done the trick, she said.

“I thank God every day I can walk,” she said.

Photo Credit: Helen Fuqua, 100, says red lipstick has kept her feeling young. Photo courtesy of Nancy Gay.