[story] Life advice I received from a centenarian

I wanted to share with this community life advice I received from a random stranger who I found out was 100 years old. I'm browsing this sub because I'm not feeling too motivated with life right now but I do feel a little better to have met someone like this who has made it through. So here goes...I was at the eye doctor a few weeks ago. I sat down and pulled out my phone, ya know the usual antisocial retreat. I didn't even notice the man sitting to the left until he spoke up and said, right out of the blue, "I remember the time girls wore dresses right down to here" and touched his ankle. I looked up, smiled and acknowledged his comment, and felt a little embarrassed thinking he was insinuating my dress was too short. I looked down at my phone. He spoke up again and said " I remember when they wore bathing suits down to here too". Again, I politely smiled and looked down feeling a little awkward now. Again, he spoke saying "I'm 100 years old". That got my attention! I looked over at another patient who could tell from my inquisitive look I was skeptical. The patient responded "He really is!". I was shocked to say the least.We chatted a little about his experiences, the fact that he was still driving and had a girlfriend, and his successful sausage dog business. His mind was remarkable never missing a beat. He was well kept, interesting, and in good health. I still marvel at his countenance.We finally got to the major question that anyone in my position would ask, "What's the secret to a long life?" The answer I received was short and humorous: "Eat good and keep your bowels open". I laughed at his answer, but felt a little disappointed that I didn't receive some special recipe for success. As we parted ways, the experience began to sink in and I realized that I actually did learn the recipe for a long life. The lesson was in the many ways he presented himself more so than intestinal habits.He initiated the conversation. Instead of hiding away in some activity to avoid people and reality like I did, he struck up a conversation with me, a complete stranger. He was willing to take that chance.Positivity. Instead of comparing all the bad things about today and the superiority of his time and generation, he simply gave me a glimpse into his life. He seemed to be just as happy in his present state as he might have been then.He tooted his own horn. He was very proud of his accomplishments and let me know it. When he said he "got rich" off his sausage dogs, he meant it. I'd be completely embarrassed to say that to anyone. Maybe I shouldn't be?Effort. This man was dressed! I did good to brush my hair. My current thinking would be not to give a slip at that age. I would think getting out of bed would be an accomplishment. Guess I need to step up my game.There was a lot about living in what he didn't say. I hope I can start to apply some of that to my own life and maybe you will find something good in this story too.