A Life Full of Energy at 100
At 100 years old, Jimmy Hernandez is still driving, climbing ladders, and even planning his next skydive. For his 101st birthday, he’s already considering jumping out of a plane again. Despite some age-related health issues, Hernandez says he feels well and has avoided major illnesses like cancer or heart disease.
So, what’s his secret? Hernandez believes his long life comes down to hard work, clean living, staying active, enjoying life, and keeping close family ties. Let’s dive into his simple yet powerful habits.
Work Hard and Stay Determined
After serving on a destroyer tender in the Pacific during World War II, Hernandez built a career as a carpenter. He started working at 22 and didn’t retire until the age of 91.
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He worked long hours to support his 12 children.
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Even now, he still does occasional carpentry.
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He fixes things around his mobile home, whether that means crawling under it or climbing onto the roof.
Family members worry about him using ladders at his age, but Hernandez insists on being independent. “I do my own stuff,” he says proudly.
He credits his longevity to his strong work ethic and what he calls “help from up above.”
Live a Clean and Balanced Life
For Hernandez, good health starts with making smart lifestyle choices.
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Avoid smoking and heavy drinking.
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Don’t overeat, even when it comes to food you enjoy.
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Stay physically and mentally active every day.
“You can’t just sit and watch TV all the time because you’ll get fat,” he warns. “You’ve got to exercise and not let yourself go.”
This simple mindset has helped him stay fit and alert for decades.
Stay Active, No Matter Your Age
One of Hernandez’s biggest secrets is that he never stopped moving. Whether through his work as a carpenter, dancing, or fixing things around the house, he always kept his body in motion.
His granddaughter, Vickey Hernandez Farley, believes his active lifestyle is a big reason for his good health. “I want to live a long life like my grandfather, but I also want to be in his health if I’m going to be around that long,” she says.
Longevity runs in the family too. His mother lived to 90, and an aunt reached 102. Inspired by his genes and lifestyle, Hernandez hopes to keep skydiving every year.
“If God keeps me here, I don’t mind jumping every year,” he laughs.
Enjoy the Good Things in Life
For Hernandez, life is about balance. He believes in hard work and discipline, but he also enjoys the sweeter things.
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He loves to dance, something he has done since his teenage years. He even danced at his 100th birthday party.
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He enjoys cooking steaks and treats himself to an occasional shot of tequila.
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Dessert is a must — coffee and pie are his favorites, especially peach or apple pie. A donut now and then doesn’t hurt either.
Most importantly, Hernandez keeps a positive outlook. “You’ve got to live positive. I think that’s the only way to go,” he says.
Keep Family Close
Family is everything to Hernandez. Born in Escalon, California, to Mexican parents, he has built a legacy that spans five generations.
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He has been married to his second wife, Dora, for 57 years.
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He is the father of 12 children — nine daughters and three sons.
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His family has grown to include 34 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren.
The family holds reunions every year, and Hernandez’s home is never short on visitors.
“Love people. That’s what my mom and dad taught us — to love and hug each other,” he says. “You’ve just got to enjoy life, trust people, and respect others.”
Lessons From 100 Years of Life
Hernandez’s life shows that longevity isn’t about strict rules or expensive secrets. It’s about simple habits, practiced consistently:
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Work hard and stay independent.
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Live clean and avoid harmful habits.
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Stay active physically and mentally.
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Enjoy life with balance and positivity.
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Keep family close and nurture strong relationships.
At 100, Hernandez still inspires his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with his energy and optimism. His story reminds us that longevity isn’t just about the years you live — it’s about the quality of those years.
Jimmy Hernandez proves that age is truly just a number. His mix of discipline, positivity, and joy has allowed him to live a long, fulfilling life surrounded by love. While genetics may play a role, his lifestyle choices clearly made a difference.
As he looks forward to skydiving again at 101, Hernandez continues to teach us that the key to longevity is simple: work hard, stay active, enjoy life, and hold family close.