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Ancient Wisdom: How to Live to Be 103
“Life itself has also taught me to believe in the good and try to practice goodness whenever I can,” writes Deborah Szekely, shown here at 100 years old. (Courtesy Deborah Szekely)
For 86 years, Deborah Szekely has run one of the most famous health spas in the world, Rancho La Puerta. At the age of 103, she’s ready to tell the story of how she did it.
By Deborah Szekely
04.17.26 — Ancient Wisdom
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As I approach my 104th birthday, I’m often asked about the secret to longevity. My answer is there are no “secrets,” but living in alignment with a few timeless truths can help. I learned this as a 7-year-old in Brooklyn when my mother came home with steamship tickets to Tahiti and told us we were moving there.

“Where’s Tahiti?” my dad asked. “I don’t kn…

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Deborah Szekely
Deborah Szekely pioneered the modern wellness movement. She co-founded the world’s first fitness spas, Rancho La Puerta and the Golden Door, in 1940 and 1958 respectively.
Tags:
Health
wellness
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