What does it take to live past 100 — not just surviving, but thriving? And what if your 70s could look and feel better than your 30s?
Two extraordinary Black women — Chef Babette Davis, age 73, and Pearl Taylor, age 103 — are living proof that vibrant aging is possible. They’re not just defying stereotypes about growing older — they’re rewriting the whole narrative.
From fitness to forgiveness, plant-based meals to personal peace, their lives are filled with valuable gems for anyone looking to live longer, healthier, and happier. Whether you’re 25 or 85, their wisdom is both practical and powerful.
Let’s break down the real-life advice these ageless queens are sharing — and how you can start living your best life right now.
Chef Babette Davis is a plant-based chef, author, fitness enthusiast, and co-owner of the popular vegan restaurant Stuff I Eat in Inglewood, California. Known for her sculpted arms, glowing skin, and powerful presence, you’d never guess she’s 73 years old.
But Babette wasn’t always the picture of health. In her younger years, she suffered from asthma, eczema, and digestive issues. That all changed when she transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle, healed her body from the inside out, and committed to a life of wellness, purpose, and joy.
On the other end of the age spectrum is Pearl Taylor, a Harlem native and retired nurse who just celebrated her 103rd birthday. Despite living through segregation, wars, and social upheavals, she has remained grounded, grateful, and full of life. She still does her own hair, cooks for herself, and enjoys catching up with her great-grandkids on FaceTime.
What do these two women have in common? A mindset rooted in discipline, joy, and love — and a refusal to let age define their limits.
If there’s one thing both women agree on, it’s this: what you put in your body matters.
Chef Babette is a loud and proud advocate for eating clean, fresh, whole foods. After seeing what processed food was doing to her body, she made the switch to a plant-based diet and never looked back.
“You cannot expect a vibrant, pain-free, energetic life if you’re feeding your body junk,” Babette says. “Eat like your life depends on it — because it does.”
She recommends:
Cutting back on sugar, processed snacks, and fried foods.
Eating more greens, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.
Drinking lots of water — your body craves hydration.
Pearl Taylor, on the other hand, didn’t follow a vegan diet, but she focused on moderation and home-cooked meals. Her go-to? Salmon croquettes and grits — a Southern comfort food that still kept her energized and satisfied.
“I didn’t eat a lot of fast food or junk,” Pearl shared. “I cooked at home and kept it simple.”
No matter your dietary preference, both women prove that being intentional about what you eat is a non-negotiable part of lasting wellness.
RELATED: Chef Babette Davis: Making 70+ Look Simply Delicious!
Chef Babette didn’t even start seriously working out until her late 60s — and now she can outlift people half her age. From yoga to strength training, movement is a daily ritual for her.
“Age isn’t the problem — stagnation is,” she says.
Physical activity keeps your heart healthy, your bones strong, and your mind clear. It doesn’t have to be intense — just consistent. Whether it’s a walk, dancing in your living room, or lifting light weights, find something that makes you feel good and do it often.
Pearl Taylor adds that staying active isn’t just about exercise — it’s about purposeful living.
“I always stayed busy. I worked, I walked, I danced. I didn’t just sit around waiting to get old.”
The message? Movement = momentum. Stay active, stay alive.
One of the most powerful parts of both women’s stories is their approach to mental and emotional wellness.
Chef Babette has been transparent about her childhood trauma and emotional struggles. Her biggest breakthrough came from letting go of the past and learning how to forgive.
“Don’t carry what’s not yours. Forgiveness is freedom,” she says. “You can’t be free if you’re still holding pain.”
Pearl Taylor takes a similar approach. Her secret to staying youthful? “Don’t worry too much. Life will do what it’s gonna do — you just do your best.”
This mindset has helped her weather over a century of life’s highs and lows, from the Great Depression to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.
The takeaway? Protect your peace like your life depends on it — because it does.
Another powerful thread in both women’s lives is the importance of relationships.
Pearl credits her long life to love — love for her family, love for her community, and love for herself. Even at 103, she cherishes time with her great-grandchildren, whom she calls regularly just to hear their voices.
“I loved people. I still do. Being around family kept me young,” she says.
Chef Babette also surrounds herself with a circle of health-conscious, positive people. She believes the energy around you deeply impacts your lifestyle and mental state.
“Self-love isn’t just bubble baths. It’s about what you eat, who you let in your life, and how you treat your mind and body every day.”
The message here? You don’t age alone — you age in community. Choose yours wisely.
Perhaps the most refreshing part of their stories is that neither of them feels “done.” At 73, Chef Babette is still speaking, writing, and spreading the gospel of wellness. Pearl Taylor is still laughing, loving, and adapting — even learning how to use FaceTime to connect with her great-grandkids.
Their lives serve as a bold reminder that you’re never too old to grow, glow, and go after joy.
RELATED: 6 Black Women Who Look Half Their Age (Age Is Nothing But A Number!)
Whether you’re in your 30s trying to clean up your diet, in your 50s ready to forgive your past, or in your 70s looking to fall in love with life again, the wisdom from Chef Babette and Pearl Taylor offers a beautiful roadmap:
Eat like your body matters — because it does.
Move daily, even if it’s just a walk.
Let go of grudges and protect your peace.
Stay connected to people who bring joy.
Never stop evolving — your best days might still be ahead.
Want to live to 103 with energy, joy, and purpose? Start by making one small change today. As Chef Babette says:
“This body is a gift. Treat it like it matters — because it’s the only one you get.”
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