Longevity in Hermosa: Jim Brown

Hermosa Beach ranked as the most affluent city in Los Angeles County, according to a report released by the county's Department of Public Health. But the average life expectancy in town is 80.4 years, which is not much higher than the county's overall average of 80.3 years.

This is the second in an eight-part series profiling Hermosa's longest-lived residents, who share their thoughts about longevity, happiness and why the city's high economic ranking doesn't translate into a longer life expectancy.

Jim Brown, 66, lived in Hermosa Beach for 20 years from the 1960s to the 1980s, and now resides in Maryland. While vacationing on the Strand and spending time with family, Brown spoke with Patch about how the city makes him feel young again.

Hermosa Beach Patch: Why do you think that Hermosa Beach doesn't fare much better than Los Angeles County overall in terms of life expectancy?

Jim Brown: It really surprises me, it really does. I feel vitalized down here in Hermosa by the beach again. How could you not live any longer than people who live inland?  I don't get it … [the] stats [may be skewed].

Patch: How do you stay healthy as a senior?

Brown: Well, I am not an expert on that. I smoke. I like my scotch at night, but I'm in 100 percent good health. My doctor, when I was 48, said, "I don't recommend it, but it seems to be working for you." Why spoil a good thing?  Until something goes wrong, enjoy it.

Patch: Do you exercise at all to stay healthy?

Brown: Very little, but [while on] this trip I've gotten a ton of exercise. I've kind of been a couch potato the last fours years. Going through a divorce, maybe that's part of it. This has been great, got me moving again. Just being back here in Hermosa Beach by the ocean revitalizes you.

Patch: What are your secrets to longevity?

Brown: I guess I come from a good gene pool. My parents lived long and useful lives, they smoked and drank. My mom smoked while she was carrying my brother and me. It didn't seem to have any effect on either one of us.

Patch: What do you think is the secret to happiness?

Brown: You've got to have confidence in yourself. You've got to have a lot of self-esteem. When you walk into a room you've got to make sure you're noticed, not boisterous, but you've got to carry yourself well. I've been to many foreign countries, many ghettos in Brazil [and] I've been there at night in old San Juan — you look vulnerable, you're vulnerable.

Patch: What do you advise people to avoid doing to stay healthy in the golden years?

Brown: Obviously you're supposed to eat right, don't drink, don't smoke — that's what you're supposed to do. Once again, [I'm] no expert, but it's working for me … No explanation for how I do so well at 66 and I do smoke and drink. But, obviously the best way is to not do what I do. Eat healthy and exercise.