At 105, Helen Sophis Says She Feels Better Than She Did at 16 — and Shares Her Secrets to a Long Life
At 105, Helen Sophis Says She Feels Better Than She Did at 16 — and Shares Her Secrets to a Long Life
At 105 years old, Helen Sophis has a simple explanation for her remarkable longevity: “Clean living.” But the Ohio woman says several other things may have helped her reach the milestone, including staying active, eating traditional Mediterranean food and keeping her sense of humor.
Sophis celebrated her 105th birthday on October 10, 2026, surrounded by friends at Sunrise Senior Living in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. In an interview with the Akron Beacon Journal, she joked about aging and continued to entertain those around her with stories from a life spanning more than a century.
Born in Cleveland in 1921 to Greek immigrant parents, Sophis grew up enjoying homemade dishes such as moussaka, pastitsio and fasolakia. She recalled that her mother prepared meals from scratch, a tradition that helped shape her lifelong eating habits.
Sophis also spent much of her younger life playing sports. She participated in basketball and volleyball at West High School and continued playing at the University of Akron, where she also took up tennis. Although she left college in 1940 following the death of her younger sister, Amelia, physical activity remained part of her life.
During World War II, Sophis worked at B.F. Goodrich, helping keep track of inventory at the company’s rubber plant. After the war, she moved into an office position and continued pursuing her interests, including golf. She became a successful player on the company’s women’s golf team and won several tournaments.
Her friends say her personality is just as memorable as her accomplishments. Sophis is known for her quick wit, generosity and ability to make people laugh. Asked whether humor might have contributed to her longevity, she agreed that it “probably did.”
Although she never married or had children, Sophis has maintained close friendships and continues to take part in social activities. At her senior living community, she enjoys bingo, crafts and spending time with others.
The oldest living woman in North America is Naomi Whitehead, who is 116 years old
Her attitude toward aging is perhaps best captured by her own words. Reflecting on turning 105, she said she feels remarkably well and joked that she feels better now than she did at 16.
Sophis’s experience does not prove that any single diet or habit guarantees a long life. Genetics, health care, environment and many other factors can influence longevity. Still, her story offers a glimpse into the routines, relationships and sense of humor that have shaped her life.
The oldest living woman in North America is Naomi Whitehead, who is 116 years old
Source: DAILYMAIL
