Roger Wonson, who just celebrated his 100th birthday, attributes his long and healthy life to his love of music, his mindfulness around food intake, and his empathetic nature. His passion for music has kept him positive throughout his life, and he continues to play the drums with his band, The Current Current, which he formed with members of his nursing home.
Wonson is proud of not conforming to stereotypes of older people, and believes his cheerful personality and good genes from his parents have contributed to his longevity. He emphasizes reducing food intake and focusing on eating lots of vegetables and drinking plenty of water. He practices weight training to maintain muscle tone and improve his balance, taking care not to overexert himself.
In his relationships, Wonson underscores the importance of empathy. He and his wife always listen to each other’s opinions and try to understand each other’s perspectives before reacting. He believes that reducing stress through empathy and harmony is crucial for a healthy and long life, as stress weakens the immune system.
As a former communications expert, Wonson found his passion in music and has played saxophone and drums in various bands. He believes that finding and pursuing one’s passion is key to a fulfilling life. In addition to music, he enjoys taking still life photos and listening to Ted Talks to keep his mind sharp and engaged.