Whenever 93-year-old Chris Meyer steps out of her apartment, she presents a picture of timeless elegance and poise. Her ensemble is always carefully chosen — an outfit that radiates sophistication, complemented by perfectly applied makeup that enhances her bright eyes and confident smile. Often, she is seen cradling her tiny white Maltese, Mia, a constant companion that adds to her air of grace as the two stroll through the hallways of the Boca Raton, Florida condominium complex where she has been living independently since 2022. Her presence is instantly recognizable: neighbors are greeted with a warm, lipsticked smile, the kind that reflects both friendliness and a deliberate sense of self-respect.
When asked by Business Insider about her motivation for always looking so polished, Meyer spoke candidly: she does it for herself, not for anyone else. Her appearance, she explained, is an outward expression of how she feels within — a reflection of the deep value she places on maintaining her self-image and self-worth at the highest possible standard. A former hospitality director and advertising executive, she believes this lifelong discipline has carried her through more than nine decades, symbolizing confidence, self-respect, and inner strength. The meticulous care she takes in presenting herself, she noted, is less about vanity and more about reinforcing a mindset that honors one’s dignity and nurtures a sense of inner equilibrium.
During her most recent birthday celebration, Meyer was photographed affectionately beside her cake, smiling with the unbridled joy of someone who still finds delight in simple moments. Turning 93 in August, she joked that she wanted to swap the numbers on her candles so that they read 39 instead — a playful reflection of how she perceives herself internally. In her mind and heart, she insists, she remains as vivacious as she was decades ago. The grandmother of four confessed that she does not feel any different from the woman she was during her thirties, and that maintaining this youthful perspective is, in part, what keeps her vibrant and optimistic.
Though Meyer does not view herself as a role model, she willingly offers insights to anyone seeking to reach a similar age with vitality intact. Her philosophy for longevity begins with adaptability — the willingness to face life’s upheavals head-on. She recalls how her once-comfortable life shifted dramatically after her divorce in 1965, when at 33, she suddenly found herself transitioning from a spacious Long Island home to a modest one-bedroom apartment in Queens. Having been a stay-at-home mother since the birth of her daughter Cindy in 1959, she was thrust into an unfamiliar world with little professional experience. Yet, rather than succumb to fear or self-doubt, Meyer leaned into resilience, adopting the mindset of “fake it till you make it,” quietly learning the skills necessary to succeed in a wide variety of jobs. Her story of reinvention underscores her belief that life’s disruptions can serve as catalysts for growth rather than endings.
Still, even moments of intense personal loss could not extinguish her resilience. The death of her medically fragile grandson Jesse at the age of nineteen was, she admits, one of the deepest pains she has known. While she allows herself to acknowledge the grief, she has also found strength in accepting that he is no longer in pain. By channeling comfort and compassion toward her daughter Cindy, she turned sorrow into a quiet endurance, learning that the only true way to honor loss is to continue living meaningfully. As she wisely observed, whatever challenges life delivers, one must keep moving forward.
Part of Meyer’s youthful outlook also comes from her curiosity and attentiveness. She makes a conscious effort to listen to others — family, friends, or acquaintances — rather than dominating conversations with her own stories. This, she believes, is the most genuine way to understand people on a deeper level. In terms of continuing education, she practices lifelong learning through television programs such as those on the History Channel and through reading materials that explore current technologies, including artificial intelligence, which she has even used to design flyers. Her intellectual curiosity extends into creative outlets as well: she designs and sells handmade jewelry and knitted pieces at local fairs and pop-up shops, viewing these artistic hobbies as opportunities to stay mentally stimulated and socially engaged. Her mantra, she says with conviction, is that it is never too late to broaden one’s horizons or to explore new interests.
Maintaining activity, purpose, and routine are central parts of her daily life. The Florida resident continues to hold an active real estate license, mostly facilitating referrals, while balancing leisure with creative and intellectual pursuits. She plays the card game Canasta, paints, and keeps herself surrounded by projects that require dexterity and focus, all of which she believes sharpen both the mind and body.
Equally important to her longevity are the health habits she follows with discipline. Rather than confining herself to a strict diet, Meyer has found balance through moderation. She typically begins her day with a simple cup of coffee instead of breakfast, enjoys an early lunch — often centered around eggs — and prefers an early dinner composed of lean proteins such as meat or fish paired with vegetables like cauliflower or asparagus. This schedule, she explained, allows her digestive system to rest before bedtime. She has never adhered to formal dieting trends but maintains her weight comfortably between 127 and 132 pounds, evidence of consistency rather than restriction. Even after giving up her beloved sport of golf seven years ago, she remains proactive about her physical well-being, attending regular physical therapy sessions to preserve joint mobility and treating herself to monthly massages.
Her radiant, youthful skin, Meyer admits, may be partially attributed to good genetics, but she complements nature’s advantage with conscious self-care. Hydration remains one of her key habits — she ensures that she drinks at least four 16-ounce glasses of water each day. This simple practice, alongside her balanced lifestyle, contributes to the frequent reactions she gets when she reveals her age — most people assume she is in her seventies. Equally important, Meyer is diligent about her medical checkups and unafraid to be selective about her healthcare team. She humorously notes that her doctors consider themselves fortunate to have her as their patient, as she “interviews” prospective physicians with the same discernment that once guided her professional decisions. Through observation, curiosity, and self-discipline, Chris Meyer embodies a philosophy of aging that prioritizes dignity, engagement, and joy — proof that true youthfulness comes less from years lived than from the energy with which one chooses to live them.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/longevity-secrets-long-life-listening-keeping-busy-2025-10
