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Community Corner

Longevity in Hermosa: Marie Diaz

In this series about seniors living long lives, Patch talks with a 90-year-old resident who says companionship is the secret to happiness.

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 third 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

Hermosa Beach resident Marie Diaz, 90, spoke with Patch, while shopping at the farmer's market Friday, about how a happy marriage helped her live a longer life.

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Hermosa Beach Patch: How do you stay healthy?

Marie Diaz: Just live in Hermosa Beach (laughs).

Find out what's happening in Hermosa Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: So then why do you think that Hermosa Beach doesn't fare much better than Los Angeles County overall in terms of life expectancy? Do you have any ideas why this might be?

Diaz: Not really.

Patch: What are your secrets to longevity?

Diaz: I've lived this long [because of a] happy marriage... do things together … [and] getting along with everybody, being happy, being out at this farmer's market.

Patch: Do you exercise at all to stay healthy?

Diaz: Not too much right now.

Patch: As a senior, what is the secret to happiness?

Diaz: Friendship. Getting along with everyone, [and] a happy home and family.

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

Diaz: Just overdoing it. Don't work too hard at this age, and do the best you can.

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