Eva Marie Saint, 101, Is The Oldest Living Oscar Winner — Her Health Secrets Are Disarmingly Simple

While the rest of the world tries to figure out the secret to longevity through studies and data points, Eva Marie Saint thrives after celebrating her centennial birthday in 2024 while keeping things nice and simple. Speaking to People in 2024, the oldest living Oscar winner confessed, "I certainly don't feel 100 years old." Saint went on to detail the simple and joyous daily routine that helped her thrive, saying, "I continue to take walks out in the fresh air, like watching baseball — especially the Los Angeles Dodgers, and enjoy time with my family and friends. A good life." 

During a 2014 chat with Fox News, the "On The Waterfront" star similarly confirmed that she took an hour out of her day to go on a walk with her husband, Jeffrey Hayden. Now, on paper, this might not sound like much. However, research suggests that Saint is adopting habits that make you more likely to live longer. A 2025 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine compared the risk of mortality and cardiovascular diseases in people who walked for 5 minutes or less, 5 to 10 minutes, 10 to 15 minutes, and 15 minutes or more. The study found that the risk for both health issues steadily declined in each group that got more activity. 

Meanwhile, another study published in the British Journal of Sport Medicine concluded that Americans over 40 could potentially live around 5.3 years longer if they incorporated as much physical activity as the top 25% of the population. Walking an hour could be especially beneficial for those living a sedentary lifestyle and potentially increase life expectancy by 6.3 hours.

When you take a walk every day, a lot of good things happen to your body. According to a 2023 study in GeroScience, regular walks could prove particularly beneficial for seniors. It could lower the risks of serious health issues like cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and other cognitive impairment issues. Additionally, this low-impact exercise could also help maintain good mental health and improve sleep quality. 

Walking can be beneficial for those with arthritis due to its positive impact on joint and muscle health. As a bonus, regular walks might help increase energy levels and support immune system function. However, it's not just the walking that keeps Eva Marie Saint thriving in her 100s; it's also the time that she spends with her family. 

Research has shown that good relationships can extend your lifespan. According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory, the odds of early mortality went up by 26% for those dealing with loneliness and by 29% for those experiencing social isolation. Not having strong social connections also increased the odds of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%. Moreover, it could make a person more prone to dementia, depression, and anxiety. Overall, social isolation could be considered just as dangerous for health as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. In contrast, being around positive social connections could release dopamine, which not only increases momentary happiness but also keeps the brain sharp, prompting it to remember the feeling and encourage it to keep seeking it.