At 100 years old, Anna Possi is Italy’s oldest barista. Since opening Bar Centrale with her husband in 1958, she has worked tirelessly, serving espressos and cappuccinos seven days a week, every week of the year. Anna spends her days behind the counter of her beloved café in Nebbiuno, northern Italy, greeting regulars, chatting with newcomers, and serving as a hub for her community. Anna is living proof that work can nourish the body and soul by keeping you active and engaged regardless of your age. As a barista, she’s not just serving coffee, she’s also showing the way and serving up inspiration for us all.
Anna is unusual. Beyond not enjoying their work, a lot of people today don’t like to work at all. We’ve all heard people in their 30s and 40s talk about looking forward to retirement. For many, work is something they long to step away from—counting the days to the weekend, planning vacations, and dreaming of retirement. Yet for each person who is counting the days, there are others for whom work is not just a job; it’s a way of life. These individuals have found a path where work and life merge seamlessly, creating a lifestyle, their ideal 100 Year LifestyleⓇ that contributes to their longevity, fulfillment, and vitality.
Work as a Lifestyle
Like Anna, many people don’t see work as a chore. Instead, it’s a source of joy, connection, and purpose. Research shows that these are key components for healthy longevity. Anna’s days are filled with making coffee, chatting with patrons, reading the news, and baking apple pie for Sunday customers. Instead of watching the clock and counting down to the end of her shift, Anna is savoring each moment.
She attributes her remarkable vitality to the relationships she’s built through her work. “I want to live, to be among people,” she says. Her café is more than a business; it’s a space where she connects with others, spreads joy and receives it in return.
Redefining Retirement
Many of us view retirement as a hard stop—a time to finally rest after decades of labor. But for all the reasons we’ve mentioned and more, that may not be the best choice. Anna reminds us that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this phase of life. For some, retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from work entirely; it means continuing to do what you love for as long as you’re able. At 100, Anna has no plans to stop. Her advice to younger generations? Choose a job you enjoy.
The traditional narrative of work and retirement is changing, mainly due to people like Anna. Rather than working hard to one day enjoy freedom, why not design a life where work itself is a source of freedom and joy?
Keys to Thriving at Any Age
Anna’s story is a wonderful peak into what your 100 Year LifestyleⓇ could be. Takeaways from her lifestyle include:
- Find Joy in Your Work: Whether it’s a profession, a passion project, or volunteering, engaging in work you love can keep you motivated and fulfilled.
- Stay Connected: Relationships are vital for emotional and mental health. Possi’s café is a hub for connection, and it keeps her energized.
- Keep Learning: Even at 100, Possi uses her computer daily to read the news and understand the stock exchange. Lifelong learning keeps her mind sharp.
- Live with Purpose: For Possi, her café isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. Finding purpose can add meaning to every day.
- Embrace Your Choices: There’s no single path to happiness or longevity. Whether it’s working into your golden years or retiring early to explore new passions, the key is to create a life that feels fulfilling to you.
Creating Your Own 100-Year LifestyleⓇ
As you ponder Anna’s story, and consider your own 100 Year LifestyleⓇ, be sure to question any beliefs you have that aren’t serving you. Realize that life doesn’t have to fit into a rigid timeline of work, retirement, and rest. Like Anna, you can live your life in a way that suits you. You alone can make the choice to have every moment of your life be a dance of purpose, connection, and joy—right up to 100 and beyond.
That said, being healthy is always the cornerstone of any lifestyle you choose. Regardless of your age, your life of purpose, connection, and joy begins with health, living at 100% for 100 years or more. For you and your loved ones, there is a 100 Year LifestyleⓇ provider to help you create and maintain optimal health for 100 years or more. Don’t wait. Make the call today!
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