In the last ten decades, Jack Van Nordheim has cared for a pet monkey, fought in World War II, and become an influencer. Now he's written a book, sharing some of the best pieces of advice he's collected throughout his long life.
Van Nordheim, who lives in Southern California, celebrated his 100th birthday on July 31 at Los Angeles Zoo. The setting was fitting, as the centenarian is an animal lover, having been an ornithologist and naturalist — passions he believes contributed to his longevity.
Insider spoke to Uncle Jack with the assistance of his grand-nephew, Damon Vonn. He said that when asked about how he made it to 100, Uncle Jack says he doesn't know, "he just wakes up and is still here, just like you and me," although he thinks being "tough" helped.
In all likelihood, genetics also gave him a head start, but we know lifestyle and attitude can also plays a big part in how long we live.
The 100-year-old may be tough, but, with Vonn's help, he's captured the attention of his 1.7 million TikTok followers through jokes, wholesome life advice, and sweet, emotional memories of his mother.
Here are the six things he thinks have helped him live such a long, happy life.
In every interview he does, Uncle Jack is keen to stress the importance of, and his passion for, dark chocolate.
He eats Hershey's Special Dark chocolate twice a day, or as often as he can. His sweet habit may be beneficial, because although eating too much sugar is bad for our health, consuming a moderate amount of dark chocolate has been associated with benefits such as better cardiovascular health, Insider previously reported.
He also said he replaces sugar with honey, adding the natural sweetener to his waffles and coffee.
Honey is a staple sweet for superagers who live in Blue Zones, areas of the world where people live the longest, Insider also previously reported. In Ikaria, Greece, where one in three people live into their nineties, they eat lots of raw, unprocessed honey which may help to lower cholesterol.
All this can be fitted into the Mediterranean diet, which is considered the gold standard for healthy eating and focuses on unprocessed foods and treats in moderation.
Vonn said that Uncle Jack calls smartphones "magic mirrors." Research suggests that spending time outdoors, rather than on our phones, can help improve mental health and happiness, so Vonn said Uncle Jack always advises people: "Leave your magic mirror at home and go outside."
To enjoy the great outdoors while staying active, Uncle Jack recommended "walking, climbing trees, being out, and enjoying nature, swimming, running, jumping — the more active, the better," Vonn said.
Vonn said that Uncle Jack has loved nature since he was a child, recalling a story he told him about a trip to see the circus in the 1930s. Uncle Jack even had his own backyard zoo, complete with possums, a coyote, owls, hawks, skunks, foxes, and a monkey.
These days, he takes care of doves in his garden and reads books about birds from his extensive collection.
Vonn said that finding something to be passionate about which gets you outdoors is Uncle Jack's most important piece of advice.
Having a passion is a great way to keep your mind active, which Insider previously reported helps to maintain cognitive function well into older age.
Uncle Jack grew up in the 1920s and 30s, before fast food was popular, so he's never had a taste for it, Vonn said. Instead, he always ate very simple home cooking.
His family had a chicken ranch, so Uncle Jack said he ate a lot of fried and boiled chicken, and noodles.
Research suggests that certain processed foods can have negative impacts on health, from fatigue and brain fog to increased risks of cancer, and early death.
"I drank a little beer and a little wine and that's all. No fire water," Uncle Jack said. ("Fire water" is what he calls hard alcohol.)
Insider previously reported that there are thought to be some health benefits to drinking in moderation, but, according to the World Health Organization, there is no safe amount of alcohol that doesn't affect your health.
Uncle Jack never married or had children, but he was close with his parents. He said his home was always "full of love."
He also had a close relationship with his nephew, Vonn's late father, who cared for him before his death, as well as with Vonn himself who has taken on Uncle Jack's care.
Having strong relationships, whether that's with family or friends, has been strongly associated with improved longevity.
For Uncle Jack, family is "the most important thing," said Vonn.
Jump to