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Community Corner

Longevity in Hermosa: Ria Deuerlein

In this series about seniors living long lives, Patch talks with a woman who says that living on a safe block has kept her healthy.

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 fifth 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 Ria Deuerlein, 77, spoke with Patch about how living in this beach town has allowed her to live a long life.

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

Ria Deuerlein: Being very active. Volunteering, making friends, living on a very nice block, the neighbors help.

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Patch: Do you exercise at all to stay healthy?

Deuerlein: Right now I can't.

Patch: What are your secrets to longevity?

Deuerlein: Eating right. I used to exercise a lot. I used to be a sports instructor at one time.

Patch: Would you say that is also the secret to happiness?

Deuerlein: Friends. Friends, children, and grandchildren.

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?

Deuerlein: No.

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

Deuerlein: Not smoking [and] not complaining about your health.

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