Julia Hawkins, record-setting centenarian runner, dies at 108: Here are her 5 longevity tips

For Julia Hawkins, finding joy in the simple things was another key to ageing well. (Image: X)

Julia Hawkins, affectionately known as "Hurricane," died on Tuesday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the age of 108. Known for her incredible late-in-life achievements in senior track events, Hawkins set multiple world records in the 100-metre dash for her age group, captivating people around the world with her resilience and enthusiasm.

Hawkins, who only took up running after turning 100, participated in her first track-and-field event in 2016, at the Louisiana Senior Olympic Games. She completed the 50-metre dash in just 19 seconds, quickly standing out as a one-of-a-kind competitor due to her age. This achievement marked the beginning of Hawkins’ career as a senior athlete, leading her to compete in races nationwide.

In interviews over the years, Hawkins credited her vitality to a commitment to exercise, a balanced diet, and regular sleep. “Just keep active. Keep your weight down and exercise,” she advised in 2019, noting that she stayed mindful about her lifestyle and nutrition. Hawkins did allow herself some pleasures, such as iced coffee and tea, which studies suggest may have health benefits when consumed in moderation. She avoided smoking and alcohol, stating simply, “I do all the right things.”

A lifelong advocate for trying new things, Hawkins embraced the opportunity to take up running at 100. “I keep myself open to new things,” she told Run Lovers in 2022, suggesting that staying curious and adventurous helped her stay engaged with life. Studies have shown that positive attitudes toward ageing are linked to longer lifespans, a perspective Hawkins embodied fully.

For Hawkins, finding joy in the simple things was another key to ageing well. She described her love for flowers, birds, and nature, explaining that she sought out “magic moments” that added beauty and meaning to her life. “Older people need magic moments and passions,” she explained in an interview, emphasising the importance of purpose in one’s later years.

Reflecting on her life, Hawkins often spoke fondly of her late husband, Murray, with whom she shared over 70 years of marriage. “As soon as I saw him, I knew that was the person I wanted to spend my life with,” she recalled. Studies, such as Harvard’s 85-year study on personal relationships, suggest that close relationships contribute to longevity, a testament borne out in Hawkins’ joyful memories of her long partnership.