Veteran American journalist Eileen Lavine has shared the daily habits and outlook she believes have helped her remain mentally sharp and engaged at 101 years old.
Lavine, who wrote her memoir, A Medley of Extemporanea, in 2022 at the age of 97, reflected on a life marked by curiosity, resilience and an enduring passion for journalism.
By 16 years old, the native New Yorker had graduated from high school and left for college in Wisconsin, years before her fellow classmates. At university, she reported for the Daily Cardinal and became the first woman to serve a full term as editor — her column was named for the Dorothy Parker poem, too. After undergrad, she earned her master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of Journalism. A spontaneous six-week trip to Paris became a year in France. Then she rerouted to Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
A journalist to this day, Lavine has reported for papers in Massachusetts, worked at The New York Times and in public relations, written radio scripts, and served as an editor for Better Times.
At 32, after moving into her first apartment, a basement unit in Greenwich village, she met her husband, Richard, a lawyer, musician and “all-around incredible guy,” she said. They had two children, Amy and Micheal.
At 101 and a half years old, the veteran journalist still leads a robust if slightly slower life. Now living independently in an assisted living community, Lavine says staying mentally active has been key to her longevity.
Lavine is quick to point out that she uses a walker, doesn’t swim, and only takes the occasional walk around the block. But her mind, she says, is where her strength is. “I’m not an athlete,” says Lavine. “I’ve got it up here.”
“There are people here, at the assisted living complex, who forget what they had for breakfast,” she adds. But her mind can easily recall names and details, and she keeps it stimulated.
