Lessons from a 109-year-old man about health, peace and simplicity

When Jessie Gallan turned 109, she was asked the question we’ve all quietly wondered: What’s your secret to a long life?

Her answer?

“My secret to a long life is that I’ve stayed away from men. They’re more trouble than they’re worth.”

Now, depending on your own experience with love, this might make you laugh—or nod in total agreement.

But beneath the humor is something worth dwelling on. Because Jesse’s life was far from ordinary. Born in 1906, she grew up in a two-room farmhouse with six siblings, finished school at 13, and spent most of her life working as a milkmaid and housekeeper. She never married. She lived simply. And yet, she outlived almost everyone she knew.

You can read about her story at this Business Insider articlebut I want to talk about what it really means. Because Jessie’s “stay away from men” comment may sound like a plot twist, but it also hints at something deeper.

Her life was not defined by chasing approval, following a conventional path, or living according to other people’s schedules. It was defined by clarity, consistency, independence and a kind of meaningful joy that we don’t talk about much.

And I think we can learn a lot from that.

Why simplicity often trumps strategy

We love complexity. Just look at the wellness industry. Biohacking. Nootropics. Cold dives. Red light therapy. And of course some of these things have merit. But the problem is that we think longevity requires some elite combination of hacks and habits that we don’t have the time or money for.

Jesse? She kept it simple.

A bowl of cereal every morning. Regular physical activity (eg milking cows). A sense of humor. And perhaps the most important thing is peace of mind. There is no one to argue with. No one will betray her trust. Focus your life on no one but yourself.

I’m not saying we should all give up on relationships. But I really think there’s something powerful about creating a life that doesn’t depend on chaos to feel meaningful.

What it really looks like to stay true to yourself

Jessie never married and never apologized for it.

In her own words: “Men just bring more problems.”

Now, I’m not interested in turning this into a battle of the sexes. But her words got me. Not because she was against hookups, but because she was pushing boundaries. She knew it brought her peace. And she protected him.

So many people live their lives based on what is expected of them. Get married before 30. Have children. The pursuit of stability. Buy a house. Retire at 65. But Jesse reminds us that you don’t owe anyone your life story.

And the people who live the longest? They are often the ones who haven’t bent themselves out of shape to fit someone else’s mold.

Underrated power of movement and natural rhythms

Jessie worked as a milkmaid. This job doesn’t involve a gym membership, but it does involve early mornings, fresh air, physical effort and structure.

And it matters. a lot.

Many studies confirm this. Daily movement, even if it’s just walking or gardening, can significantly increase life expectancy.

According to Blue Zones Researchcommunities with the highest concentrations of long-dwelling people have one thing in common: natural movement woven into their day.

They don’t do deadlifts and protein shakes. They walk in the mountains, take care of gardens, clean, carry things, cook from scratch.

And if you think about it, this is what many ancient philosophies, including Buddhism, have always taught: keep the body busy, keep the mind humble, keep the rhythm of your days.

Nature is the original healer

Jessie grew up in the Scottish countryside. Her early years were probably spent surrounded by trees, fields, wind and weather. She didn’t “forest bathe” or do mindfulness retreats because she lived it.

And the science of it is growing. Such studies with Harvard show that spending time in nature improves mood, improves immune function and even increases life expectancy. Another study from Achievements of science found that people who live near green spaces have a lower risk of disease and premature death.

At Hack Spirit, we often talk about disconnection—from our bodies, our values, our environment. Going outside brings something out of us. It slows down the racing mind. It calms the nervous system. It reminds us that we are part of something much older and more indulgent than social media and to-do lists.

Jessie didn’t “know” all of this. But she lived. This is more important.

The impact of routine and food that doesn’t need a label

Jessie ate porridge every morning.

No keto. There are no intermittent fasting windows. Just oats, hot water or milk, maybe a little salt.

And here’s the thing about longevity: it often boils down to things being so boring that we don’t notice them.

Stable blood sugar. Slow down energy. Ease of digestion. Reheat food at the same time.

You don’t need a PhD to eat like a 109-year-old. You need consistency. And products that come with fiber, not a marketing company.

The hidden cost of emotional drama

Jesse’s sassy advice about men actually hides a golden vein of insight.

Most of us underestimate the damage that emotional stress does to the body. Constant conflict. A high-stakes relationship. Dangerous attachments. The feeling that someone never misses you.

Chronic stress shortens telomeres, the little caps on your DNA that protect against aging. It weakens your immune system. It will ruin your sleep. This can literally accelerate the destruction of cells.

Now this is not a warning against intimacy. Relationships are one of the greatest sources of joy. But not all. And not when they cost you peace of mind.

Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is not to meditate anymore. It will leave the relationship that keeps you in survival mode.

Spiritual takeaway

Jessie didn’t use spiritual language. But her life was in many ways a meditation.

She chose simplicity over chaos. Presence over performance. Ritual over noise.

This aligns with a lot of the Buddhist principles I talk about in my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: that suffering often comes from wanting too much. This wisdom comes from presence. That a life lived with intention – no matter how simple – can be a life well lived.

To finish

Jessie Gallan made it to 109 not because she broke the system, but because she refused it.

She ate whole foods. She moved her body. She remained connected to the earth. She avoided unnecessary drama. She laughed at the anticipation. She remained curious and independent.

And perhaps most importantly, she didn’t wait for life to give her permission.

Longevity is not just about life expectancy. We are talking about live well. And the good life often looks like this:

Do less. I want less. Less drama needed.
And the belief that joy comes not always from more, but from enough.

So maybe the secret isn’t in the apps, it’s not in the technology, it’s not in the hustle and bustle.

Maybe the secret is in porridge, fresh air, boundaries and the courage to be yourself.