Leonie Pendergast, a 90-year-old resident of Omeo, Australia, remains actively engaged in her family business and attributes her long and healthy life to an active lifestyle, work, and a positive outlook. Her inspiring story was recently shared by Business Insider.
Work as a Source of Energy
For most of her life, Pendergast has lived in Omeo, where her family owns several businesses. In the 1980s, she and her family opened Omeo Clocks and Glass, a store specializing in wall clocks and home decor. Later, they expanded to include a hardware store. Although the original shop closed after many years of operation, Leonie and her daughter revived it in a new location during the pandemic.
Pendergast credits her daily work in the shop as a key factor in her vitality. She enjoys interacting with customers and finds fulfillment in being helpful to others, which keeps her mentally and physically engaged.
Family Business and Support
Leonie lives with her husband, Tony, who is 88 years old and also works daily in the family’s hardware store. Leonie takes care of household chores and prepares dinner for her husband every evening. She emphasizes that this daily routine keeps her active and brings her joy.
Secrets to Longevity
Leonie believes her longevity is a result of good genetics and a healthy lifestyle. Growing up in a family that owned a pub, she observed how excessive alcohol consumption affected customers. This experience led her to avoid drinking and smoking altogether—a principle she has upheld throughout her life.
A Life of Wisdom
Leonie Pendergast exemplifies how work, physical activity, and a positive attitude can sustain energy and health well into later years. She firmly believes that a happy and long life is not solely determined by genetics but also by the ability to enjoy simple pleasures, contribute to others, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Her story serves as a reminder that staying active and finding purpose in daily life can lead to a fulfilling and vibrant existence at any age.