100 years strong

One hundred years is a long time. For some, it’s too long. For example, take one of my favorite scenes in Ricky Gervais’ “Afterlife” Netflix comedy, when he talks to a woman who, after turning 100, gets a nice framed plaque and message from Queen Elizabeth. When Gervais, who plays a small- town newspaper reporter, asks her what advice she would give to someone who wants to live as long as she has, she replies, “Don’t.”

“It hurts just to be alive,” she snaps back. “I might as well have been a tree.” It gets much spicier after that, but the point has been made. Living until you are 100 years old might not be what you expect, or want, when you consider all the valleys you must traipse through to get there. Also throw in the fact that anyone who makes it to 100 probably isn’t waterskiing, basejumping, skydiving, or even eating crunchy vegetables, and it can make one wish for a shorter life.

However, there are also documented cases of people living long and well into their advanced years, despite health challenges and other factors. Men and women who are 100 or older tend to have extroverted personalities, according to Thomas T. Perls, the director of the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University.

Centenarians, according to Perls, often have many friends, strong ties to relatives and high self-esteem. More research suggests that the offspring of centenarians are more likely to age with better cardiovascular health than their peers.

In short, the key to longevity translates to resilience, strong community ties, and many friends – all descriptors that explain how the High Museum has thrived after 100 years in existence.

The Atlanta museum traces its history to October 1926, when Hattie High donated her Peachtree Street residence to the city. The effort was backed by the support of friends and families, and the museum persevered through economic challenges like the Great Depression and heartbreaking tragedy – including the 1962 plane crash that killed many of the High Museum Association’s members, who were returning from a 27-day fact-finding trip to Europe.

Through it all, the High has not only survived, but thrived, growing its programs and its footprint. It will celebrate its 100th anniversary this fall with new collection galleries, more than 200 acquisitions, public art activations and community events. Collin Kelly’s story on page 6 has more details about the High’s celebration that beautifully illustrates how to turn 100 with grace, resilience and the support of good friends.

In this issue, we also have a special section detailing the ongoing MJCCA Book Festival featuring a star-studded cast of speakers and lively hands-on experiences.

As usual, we have our round-up of city, arts and dining news that will keep you informed about all things Atlanta. As always, thank you for reading and supporting our print and digital products.

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