A Joyful and Healthy Spiritual Life

# A Joyful Spiritual Life

Mrs. Joan Eichner is 100 years old, yet she remains vibrant and healthy. She is English, having grown up in Gloucestershire. She settled in North Texas about 30 years ago; however, before that, she and her children and her husband (her spouse of 45 years, who passed away nearly 30 years ago) had moved to many different places. She shared with TODAY.com that, "I always try to maintain my pace of life. I love this life, and I love all the things I do as well as the scenery I get to enjoy. That is what keeps driving me forward. I don't feel I've aged at all." Below are 6 habits that help Mrs. Eichner, at 100 years old, still live actively and healthily.(1)

1. **Always Stay Active.** Mrs. Eichner participates in water aerobics classes three times a week, because she has loved this activity since childhood. At the pool, she can chat with the instructor, converse with others in the water, and even talk with the lifeguards. It is an environment rich in social connection.

2. **Maintain Hobbies.** Besides water aerobics, Mrs. Eichner has many other healthy interests, such as solving crossword puzzles, reading the newspaper daily, and—until recently—regularly taking walks as well as vacationing at Florida beaches every year.

3. **Eat Mainly Fruits and Vegetables.** Mrs. Eichner grew up in a rural agricultural area—as explained by her daughter—so her family ate a lot of fresh produce. When she moved to the United States, she maintained a diet consisting mainly of fruits, vegetables, and very little meat.

4. **Serve Your Community.** The Bible Study class at Sunday School in her church is an indispensable part of Mrs. Joan Eichner's weekly schedule. She enthusiastically participates in volunteer ministries to help the community. For example, she loves making finger puppets and sewing pillows to give to sick children being treated at the Hospital and Children's Medical Center in Dallas. She shares, "I absolutely love this work. I don't want to miss any ministry, because whenever I think of those poor children who have to be hospitalized and stay away from their families, I feel that whatever we can do to help the children feel more comfortable is truly meaningful and wonderful."

5. **Spend Time in Nature.** She often goes to see the scenery at flower gardens or parks. If you don't find Joan Eichner at the YMCA center, her apartment, church, or having lunch with friends, chances are you will find her strolling through the Dallas Arboretum. This is one of her favorite places, because she has a special love for the plant world. "Right here in this city, we have a most beautiful arboretum," she proudly says.

6. **Make Friends.** One of the most special qualities of Mrs. Eichner is her friendly and open personality. She has made many friends, and one of these friends has become her close companion, who often visits for a few days each week and helps her with small household tasks.

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Mrs. Eichner's six habits are ones we can also apply to live actively and joyfully. However, the lifespan of a person is determined by God. We should not be overly concerned about longevity, but rather we should be concerned about our spiritual life—whether our spirit is active, growing, and joyful. This is what truly matters, because Scripture says, "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken" (Proverbs 15:13). When our spirit is joyful and active, our body will be healthy, and we will be enthusiastic in our work and in serving one another.

Moreover, God's Word tells us that our body is the temple where God dwells, and therefore we have the responsibility to keep our body holy: "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Everything we eat and drink, exercise, say, and do must be careful according to God's Word. Let us keep our body pure and our spirit satisfied, so that the Holy Spirit will continually be pleased to dwell in us and teach us to do all things according to God's will. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Toward those around us, we need to have concern and help our community—serve with love. Just like Mrs. Eichner, serving the community has brought her joy, helped her have good relationships, lifted her spirits, and made her content, because she feels useful in the life God has given her. "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:16). "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).

But above all, we need to have an intimate relationship with God so that we know clearly His teaching in all we do, everywhere, and at all times. He is our strength, our love, our guiding light, helping us do all things in His good will. Indeed, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). Thank God for creating us human beings in a fearful and wonderful way! He grants us to live joyfully, goodly, and has given us the opportunity to serve Him! May God always guide us to live glorifying His Name, useful for His work, and to help others come to know God from now until the day of His return! "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). Amen!

*Make me more like You, Lord,* *Loving, forgiving, helpful to others,* *Transform my life,* *Pure in spirit, speaking words of grace,* *Make me more like You, Lord,* *Grateful in every moment for Your love,* *Faithful day by day,* *Learning Your Living Word, turning from sin, doing good!* *Help me live Your way, fulfill it,* *Your Commandments, Your Will, complete the Father's purpose!*

(1) Maura Hohman, Woman, 100, Who Loves Water Aerobics and Lives Alone, Shares Her Simple Longevity Tips, Feb 27, 2026, https://www.today.com/health/aging/woman-100-water-aerobics-lives-alone-longevity-tips-rcna261014

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