Longevity in Hermosa: Mary Lou Weiss

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 final installment of 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 Mary Lou Weiss, 73, spoke with Patch about how simply keeping busy can lead to longevity.

Hermosa Beach Patch: How do you stay healthy as a senior?

Mary Lou Weiss: I eat good, and healthy.

Patch: Do you exercise at all to stay healthy?

Weiss: If you mean physical exercise, no way. But I do walk.

Patch: What are your secrets to longevity?

Weiss: I would say, good stock. I come from a family of good stock. Also, just taking care of myself, keeping busy, keeping occupied all of the time.

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

Weiss: Live every day as though it's your last.

Patch: 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?

Weiss: I have no idea. I wouldn't even begin to guess.

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

Weiss: Stay active, right up to the very end. Don't sit around and be a couch potato, that's what I recommend.