100-Year-Old Dallas Woman Shares Longevity Secrets

Joan Eichner credits an active lifestyle, healthy diet, and strong community ties for her long life.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Joan Eichner, a 100-year-old resident of Dallas, Texas, recently celebrated her birthday with friends at the local YMCA, where she regularly attends water aerobics classes. Eichner credits her active lifestyle, healthy diet focused on fruits and vegetables, and strong community connections as the keys to her longevity.

Why it matters

Eichner's story provides inspiring insights into how to age gracefully and maintain good health well into the later years of life. Her example highlights the importance of physical activity, social engagement, and a balanced diet in supporting longevity.

The details

Eichner, who grew up in England and moved to the U.S. as a young adult, has remained physically active throughout her life. She visits the local YMCA three times a week for water aerobics classes, which she has enjoyed since learning to swim as a girl. Eichner also maintains an active social life, making friends at the YMCA and participating in community service projects through her church. In addition to her physical and social activities, Eichner has followed a diet focused on fruits, vegetables, and minimal meat, a habit she developed growing up in "farm country" in England.

  • Joan Eichner recently celebrated her 100th birthday.
  • Eichner has been visiting the Moody Family YMCA three times a week for water aerobics classes.
  • Eichner moved to North Texas about 30 years ago after relocating with her late husband and children due to his Air Force career.

The players

Joan Eichner

A 100-year-old resident of Dallas, Texas, who credits an active lifestyle, healthy diet, and strong community ties for her longevity.

Debbie Eichner

Joan Eichner's daughter, who lives in the same building as her mother and provides insights into her mother's daily routine and habits.

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What they’re saying

“I don't feel any older. I try to keep my life going. I love being alive, and I love all the things I do and see. So it keeps me going.”

— Joan Eichner (today.com)

“She is not somebody who gets in a lane of a pool and goes up and down. She's a water aerobics person because you can chat with the instructor, you can chat with the other people in the pool, you can chat with the lifeguards. It's social.”

— Debbie Eichner, Joan Eichner's daughter (today.com)

The takeaway

Joan Eichner's story demonstrates that maintaining an active lifestyle, healthy diet, and strong community connections can support longevity and healthy aging, even into the later years of life. Her example provides inspiration for people of all ages to prioritize their physical, mental, and social well-being.