Life at 96 can be vibrant, lively, and full of joy, as demonstrated by Mary Selby Ferrari, who showcases the beauty of longevity. At this remarkable age, even after having battled through significant health challenges like COVID-19, Ferrari proves resilience can accompany the passing years.
Born at a time when few women pursued higher education, she embraced her thirst for knowledge and her eagerness for life. Graduated from The College of New Rochelle with flying colors, Mary not only held one degree but also celebrated her wisdom with two graduate degrees. It is this love for learning and the pursuit of purpose—elements underlined by science—that sustain her vitality today.
Studies reveal something remarkable: having clear aspirations and goals can significantly extend one's life span. Research indicates individuals who articulate their sense of purpose can add years to their lives, with some findings highlighting up to seven additional years for those with strong motivations.
Engaging creatively has also played a pivotal role for Ferrari. Remembering her beginnings as a budding poet, she recognizes the joy and comfort her hobbies have provided. Writing has been more than just words for Ferrari; it has been a form of mindfulness, helping her relieve stress and confront trauma. The connection between creativity and mental wellness is well-documented, emphasizing how such hobbies significantly impact emotional health.
Moving forward, another aspect of Ferrari’s lifestyle is her diet, which features whole, nutrient-rich foods primarily sourced from the Mediterranean. Studies highlight this dietary pattern as beneficial for cardiovascular health, demonstrating the importance of meals filled with natural ingredients. While Ferrari admits to monitoring her sweet consumption carefully after receiving health advice, she cherishes the moments spent with family dining at local restaurants where wholesome meals are the centerpiece.
Faith has anchored Ferrari’s life, providing her with stability and community through regular church attendance and nightly prayers. This devotion not only enhances her sense of belonging but aligns with findings by longevity experts, who assert religious engagement can add up to 14 more years of life—a remarkable statistic pointing to the importance of community ties.
Physical activity is another pillar of Ferrari's longevity. At 91, she underwent hip replacement surgery, yet emerged determined to maintain her fitness routine. Regular walks, physical therapy sessions, and using exercise equipment have become integral components of her life, allowing her to remain active and agile. Despite the physical hurdles, she remains energized and ready to embrace adventures with her family, including memorable trips to Broadway shows.
Ferrari cherishes quality relationships, maintaining active social ties with family and friends. Recent studies underscore this point; being socially connected is more influential on longevity and happiness than socioeconomic status or even genetics. With frequent gatherings for dinner with peers and family alike, Ferrari embodies the spirit of connection, leading her to nurture her mental and emotional well-being.
Despite her aging, Ferrari ensures to stay informed and engaged with the world around her. Although her eyesight limits her ability to read, the modern world offers new avenues for keeping informed: listening to the news or participating in community discussions. This adaptability to changing circumstances reflects her vibrant spirit and willingness to keep learning and growing.
It would be unwise to discuss longevity without mentioning genetics. Ferrari was blessed with good genes, having inherited health from her mother, who lived until 104—an indication of the potential benefits of family history on individual life spans. Though genetics play a significant role—estimated at about 25%—the other components, such as diet and lifestyle choices, remain pivotal.
Essentially, Mary Selby Ferrari illustrates multiple aspects of aging gracefully through her dedication to knowledge, creativity, faith, social connections, physical health, and wholesome living. Each aspect of her life supports the others, creating a beautifully woven fabric of existence fully embraced.”