Paquita Salguero, a woman from A Coruña, turned 109 last Sunday, May 7. But what is striking is not his longevity, but the energy and spirit that have carried him to this figure, which appears to be 70. For most, more than three digits are big words, but for her it’s another anniversary: ”I’m so happy.”
This 109-year-old woman tells her story in ‘La Voz de Galicia’. The daughter of the lighthouse keeper of Cedeira in A Coruña, she was born in 1914, shortly before the start of World War I. She was orphaned when she was very young. After that his family got separated. He and his seven siblings had to grow up in different places. Some even settled in South America, in countries such as Cuba.
She had a “volatile” childhood, but Paquita fought and was able to move on. Now she has been living for years with her niece Carmina, who didn’t know what to do last Sunday to a person her age, because she has been able to see everything. Of course, he bet on the clothes and was right. The 11-year-old Rani, the dog living with them, was also missing on the birthday.
Paquita Salguero: “I live well, I am healthy and I enjoy what I do”
Paquita doesn’t hide to give away the key to her longevity. There’s a simple answer: “I live well, I’m healthy and I enjoy the things I do.” He has some super genes in his body, a stronger than average immune system. His niece assured that “he overcame ailments as if he were a teenager”. “I remember when he had Covid and had no symptoms. The worst thing about the pandemic was that he didn’t go out for so long,” he says of the centenarian.
Scientists have not yet been able to determine what is the key to living so many years. While some sources say it’s a matter of matching one’s profile, others say lifestyle can affect genetic material. The more you take care of yourself, the better the state. This is what Paquita has achieved and these have been her habits:
Paquita’s habits, the key to their longevity
- Walk daily: physical exercise is essential, which is why Paquita always goes for a walk every day: she goes to the center of A Coruña, passing the Church of Santa Lucia and after passing through some points such as the market in Plaza de Lugo, returned back. It is logical that at this time he does not resort to the gym.
- Celebrating life and socializing: Carmina, Paquita’s niece, confirms that she continues “with the same desire to party as ever”. On a journey it has become difficult for him to return to the room in which he was staying. It is necessary for him to experience and enjoy. That’s why she is always ready to accept invitations. And all with 109 years.
- Take care of yourself and look good: Paquita looks 70 years old because of her youthful style, her appearance, her long hair… She always worries about her clothes and accessories when it’s time to take a walk. She likes to be spotless and always worries about taking care of herself.
- Being curious and betting on new technologies: For a 109-year-old, adapting to the present moment can be complicated. However, she uses WhatsApp and handles it normally. You’ve always wanted to learn how to show photos and videos to the people you love. Apart from this, a few years back he had given him a ‘smartwatch’. His curiosity is innate.
- Positivity: One of the most important values for Paquita. Her smile and her joy radiate the will to live. There is no room for negative thoughts in him, he tries to take everything with the best view and does not get upset.
- Not clinging to the good or the bad: Paquita is not afraid of losing what makes her happy, she knows how to let go of the negative and the good, which is always more complicated. A mindfulness-based reflection that works for everyone.
Paquita admits to being privileged. At 109, she enjoys a good quality of life being a centenarian. You want to live each moment as if it is your last, whether it is when you go out to eat or when you exercise. A way of life that serves as an example to the whole world.
