Most people imagine reaching their later years with a plan to slow down, rest more and embrace a quieter rhythm of life. Retirement is often painted as a gentle coast into comfort. But for 101-year-old Ann Angeletti of New Jersey, that picture could not be farther from reality. Her daily routine still revolves around opening her jewelry shop, greeting customers with warmth and traveling into New York City to source pieces that keep her business thriving.
Ann has spent nearly her entire life working. She built a career shaped by resilience, responsibility and a commitment to meaningful activity. Her outlook is clear and uncompromising. If she were to retire, she believes she would lose the momentum that sustains her. She has said in interviews that stepping away from her work would threaten her well-being, not protect it.
Her story has captured public attention not only because of her age, but because she offers a perspective that challenges assumptions about aging, purpose and longevity. Her routine, her philosophy and her dedication offer a rich and inspiring view of what it means to live with intention well into later life.
A Life Shaped by Early Responsibility
Ann was born in the early 1920s and grew up in Brooklyn, a setting defined by family-centered routines and early responsibility. Long before modern conveniences existed, children often played essential roles in helping their families stay afloat. Ann left school as a child to help her family run their grocery store. Her father delivered ice door to door using a horse-drawn cart, and every member of the household contributed to the smooth operation of the business.
This early work ethic became the foundation of her identity. Throughout her life, she was the kind of person who got things done, stayed active and embraced whatever task was in front of her. Those who know her often describe her as adaptable and strong-willed, someone who finds purpose in staying engaged.
During World War II, when her husband left to serve, Ann took a job at the Navy Yard. Later, she became a waitress, a short order cook and a bookkeeper. Each role brought structure, social interaction and routine. These experiences also helped her develop the skills and confidence that would someday allow her to open her own business.
Her granddaughter has shared that people are frequently shocked to learn Ann’s age. She remains independent, energetic and sociable. She still drives. She still dresses with an eye for style. And she still manages her day with intention. Nothing about her presence suggests slowing down. Instead, she reflects a lifetime of maintaining habits that keep her moving forward.
Building Curiosity Jewelers and a Family Legacy
In 1964, Ann stumbled upon the storefront that would become Curiosity Jewelers. She drove past the location, noticed a rental sign and called the owner to ask about the cost. The rent was 85 dollars per month, and she seized the opportunity.
Curiosity Jewelers, located in Cresskill, New Jersey, became much more than a retail shop. It evolved into a multigenerational family business, a social hub and a reflection of Ann’s personality. She runs the shop with her daughter and granddaughter, and customers often describe the store as warm, familiar and welcoming.
The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. But Ann’s work does not end when the doors close. On her sixth day, she travels to New York City’s famous diamond district, located on 47th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. There, she sources new pieces, explores trends and engages with a bustling professional community that keeps her mind sharp and her skills relevant.
Even though the store officially operates five days a week, Ann essentially keeps a seven-day routine. She spends her time checking inventory, preparing the shop for upcoming weeks and maintaining the business that has anchored her life for decades.
For her, the store represents purpose. It is a place where she connects with customers, many of whom have visited for decades. It gives her something to look forward to each day and offers a sense of continuity and pride that fuels her spirit.
Why Retirement Feels Like a Threat, Not a Reward
Ann has openly said that if she retired, she believes she would die. This statement may sound bold, but for her it captures a very real internal logic. She does not fear aging. She fears losing the momentum that work provides.
For Ann, work is structure. It is social connection. It is mental stimulation. It is physical activity. All of these are central to her sense of well-being.
She has explained that without work to anchor her day, she would struggle to find the same level of purpose or engagement. Her granddaughter and daughter echo this belief, saying that the store keeps her sharp and gives her daily joy.
Her view is consistent with ongoing discussions about aging and health. Some studies have suggested that individuals who retire early may face higher risks of certain health complications. Other research offers a different picture, noting that early retirement can improve cognition for some individuals. But the key message across studies is that what matters most is not the retirement age but the level of stimulation, engagement and routine that individuals maintain.
Ann’s life exemplifies this principle. She is not promoting the idea that everyone should work forever. Instead, she shows what is possible when work remains a source of meaning rather than a source of stress.
The Daily Routine That Keeps Her Going
Ann follows a daily routine that blends self-care, movement and mindful engagement. She has shared her personal rules for longevity and success. Her core habits include:
- Get up
- Shower
- Eat
- Take care of yourself
- Exercise
- Change what isn’t working
These habits are simple, but she believes they are essential for staying grounded and healthy. She also emphasizes the importance of liking what you do. If someone feels stuck or unhappy, she advises them to make a change rather than endure something that drains their energy.
Her exercise routine
Ann has always incorporated physical activity into her life. In her 40s, she walked three miles each morning, climbed 20 flights of stairs and did daily sit-ups. Today, she still exercises for roughly 30 minutes each morning. Her exercises include leg lifts, stretching and light weight movements that help maintain strength and mobility.
These habits play a crucial role in helping her stay independent. At 101, she still manages her own household, drives herself where she needs to go and performs the tasks involved in running her business.
Her social life
Every Saturday night, Ann goes out to dinner and dancing with friends. She has acknowledged that she does not dance the way she used to, but she still enjoys at least one or two dances each outing. This weekly ritual keeps her connected and reminds her that joy does not have an expiration date.
Nutrition and Long Term Health
Ann’s diet reflects consistency and moderation. She begins each morning with an egg, oatmeal, orange juice, a tablespoon of olive oil, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a cup of black coffee. Her meals tend to be simple and nutrient-focused. She enjoys fish, chicken, Mediterranean dishes and a variety of vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes and broccoli rabe.
She rarely indulges in sweets, though she makes the occasional exception for vanilla fudge. She avoids processed snacks like chips and pretzels. Her parents’ eating habits influenced her approach. They maintained a produce-centered diet and lived long lives themselves.
Nutrition experts typically emphasize the benefits of whole foods, healthy fats and a balanced daily routine. Ann’s diet aligns with these recommendations without relying on trends or strict rules. Her way of eating seems to reflect habit, enjoyment and practicality.
Living Within a Predictable and Meaningful Routine
Routine plays a major role in Ann’s longevity. Predictability supports emotional stability, cognitive function and physical health. For many centenarians, routine is the invisible structure that keeps life steady.
Ann maintains a rhythm that includes work, exercise, cooking, social connection and personal care. Her days have shape and intention. This helps reduce stress and enhances her confidence in moving through the world independently.
The Bigger Picture of Aging, Work and Purpose
Ann’s story invites broader reflection on how society understands aging. While many people pursue early retirement or embrace the FIRE movement, others find fulfillment in working longer. Ann represents one version of later life, one centered on activity, engagement and continual contribution.
Researchers who study aging emphasize that work itself is not the magic formula. What matters is purpose. For some, that purpose is found in employment. For others, it is found in volunteering, caregiving, creative work or strong hobbies.
Ann’s life highlights that staying mentally and socially engaged contributes significantly to longevity. She is not an argument against retirement. She is an example of how an active life can strengthen well-being when it aligns with personal values.
A Reflection on Meaningful Living at Every Age
Ann’s approach offers lessons for people of all ages. Her story challenges the picture of aging as a process defined by decline. She does not live in the shadow of her age. Instead, she continues following the same principles she has lived by for decades. Her life encourages questions worth asking at any stage.
Questions to consider
- What activity gives you structure each day
- What purpose motivates you
- How do you maintain social connections
- What daily habits support your health
- What changes could you make to feel more engaged
These questions reflect the heart of Ann’s philosophy. She continues to get up each morning with intention, to stay connected, to care for herself and to enjoy the work she loves.
The Power of Purpose
Ann Angeletti’s story is more than a human interest feature. It is a portrait of purposeful living. Her dedication to her jewelry shop, her family and her self-care routines demonstrates that meaningful activity can be one of the strongest forces supporting long-term well-being.
She does not approach her work as a burden. She sees it as a lifeline. As society continues to explore new understandings of aging and health, her experience reminds us that purpose can shape not only how long we live but also how fully we live.
Her life shows that aging is not simply about accumulating years. It is about filling those years with intention, engagement and joy. At 101, she continues to live that philosophy every day, proving that a life rooted in purpose can thrive well beyond expectations.
