Jimmy Carter the 39th president of the United States, passed away on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, as confirmed by The Carter Center. Carter, who made history as the nation's longest-living president, celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year. According to Thomas Perls, a geriatrician and head of the New England Centenarian, approximately 10% of people have the potential to reach the age of 100.
Here are a few lessons we can learn from the former president's remarkable journey:
1. Sense of purpose
Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, were deeply committed to community service, dedicating their time to building, renovating, and repairing over 4,300 homes across 14 countries through Habitat for Humanity since 1984.
In one of his books, Carter reflected on how this work brought him immense joy and fulfilment.
2. Embracing new challenges
After leaving the White House, Jimmy Carter and his wife founded the Carter Center to promote human rights and ease suffering worldwide. He travelled extensively, wrote books, volunteered, and even learned to ski downhill at 62. Reflecting on his adventurous spirit, Rosalynn shared in the book "What Makes a Marriage Last" that her husband wasn't content with just learning about things—he was determined to do them.
3. Fulfilling relationships
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter shared 77 years of marriage—the longest in presidential history. Carter called it "a full partnership," crediting Rosalynn as his equal in all accomplishments. When Rosalynn passed away on November 19, 2023, Carter expressed, "As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me."
At her tribute service, their daughter, Amy, read a love letter Carter wrote 75 years earlier, saying, "When I see you, I fall in love with you all over again." Their close-knit family includes children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
4. Staying active
Jimmy Carter was dedicated to staying active, running until age 80 before switching to swimming and walking due to knee issues. He and Rosalynn enjoyed biking together and also loved fly fishing and woodworking.
5. Warm and outgoing personality
Centenarians often share an extroverted nature, forming strong friendships and social networks that promote cognitive health and prevent loneliness, according to Perls. Jimmy Carter embodied this trait, known for his gregarious, caring, and empathetic personality. Perls notes he was "probably the most caring and empathetic president" of his time.
A viral video even captured the 92-year-old former president shaking hands with every passenger on a plane. In addition to being social, people who live long lives tend to have conscientious, dependable, and prudent personalities that grow stronger with age, says Friedman.
6. Resilience
The former president overcame numerous challenges, including health issues, the loss of his wife, and over a year in hospice care. This reflects Carter's resilience, a key factor in longevity.
7. Faith
From 1981 to 2020, Jimmy Carter taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, reflecting the importance of faith in his life. Friedman notes that spirituality often fosters gratitude and connections with positive, supportive people.
