100-year-old man still hits the gym and drives—this is his secret to a long, healthy life
Most people dream of a long, healthy life, but few manage to stay active and independent well into their later years. While many slow down with age, one remarkable man is proving that staying fit and self-sufficient isn’t just possible—it’s a way of life. At 100 years old, he still hits the gym regularly, drives his own car, and lives independently with his 98-year-old wife.
Born in 1924 in West Virginia, Joseph Caminiti grew up in a large family with eight siblings. At just 17 years old, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and went on to serve in both World War II and the Korean War. He is a survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima, fought 80 years ago, and even witnessed the iconic moment when the U.S. flag was raised on the island.
After his military service, he spent decades working in manufacturing, making bearings for a division of General Motors in Connecticut. Now, in his second century of life, he remains as strong-willed and independent as ever.
Joseph Caminiti is not only a inspiration to all the old people, but the younger generation too. He shares his story in an interview with TODAY, reflecting on his remarkable journey and the habits that have kept him going strong for a century- something we all can learn from.
Staying active is the key
Caminiti has always believed in the power of movement. His daily routine includes an hour-long workout at The Edge Fitness Club in Bristol, Connecticut. Every weekday morning, he drives himself to the gym, spends 30 to 40 minutes on the treadmill, and then moves on to weight machines to strengthen his muscles. He finishes with a relaxing hydro massage.
“You’ve got to exercise. You’ve got to keep going. You’ve got to keep moving,” he told TODAY. “Nothing needs to motivate me. I just go… I love it.”
His son, William, 77, added that his father follows the advice of a doctor who once told him to avoid being sedentary. “He enjoys going. He kind of just says, ‘I’ve got to keep moving.’”
A life without restrictions
Unlike many who follow strict diets, Caminiti has always eaten what he enjoys. Lobster, baked stuffed shrimp, steak, spaghetti and meatballs, and salad are some of his favorite meals. “I never avoided any food. Whenever they put (it) in front of me, I ate it,” he said.
His sweet tooth is still intact, too. “Oh, yes. I have ice cream almost every night. I eat pie, I eat cake, I eat cookies,” he shared. His diet has only recently changed due to an esophagus problem that makes it difficult to swallow, a common issue with aging. Still, he carefully picks his meals and takes his time to enjoy them.
No Smoking, Minimal Alcohol, and Few Medications
One of the biggest factors in his long life, Caminiti believes, is that he never smoked. While he occasionally enjoyed a beer, he largely stayed away from alcohol. His advice for others? “Don’t smoke, No. 1. Keep active as much as you can. Try to stay away from pills, if you can.” Apart from vitamin D and B12 supplements, Caminiti doesn’t take any medications.
Finding joy in life
Despite his disciplined routine, Caminiti makes time for fun. He and his wife love visiting casinos once a month to play the slot machines. “For her, it’s like therapy,” he said. “She enjoys herself there.” Though he’s been going for 70 years, he’s never won big. “I just enjoy the experience,” he admitted.
Independent and Unstoppable
Even at 100, Caminiti still drives himself around and takes pride in his independence. Until a few years ago, he maintained his large house, including climbing ladders to paint it at age 95. Eventually, the upkeep became too much, so he and his wife moved into an apartment.
“She still cooks our meals,” he said. “It’s a regular apartment house. Assisted living—I don’t need that yet.” For Caminiti, turning 100 isn’t a big deal. “It’s like any other day in my life—100 is just a figure. I’m just lucky that I made it this far.”
