Valley man celebrating 111th birthday reveals his secrets to longevity
MESA - A Valley author is a super-centenarian and celebrating yet another milestone birthday Friday.
Bernando LaPallo of Mesa turned 111 years old, making him older than the state of Arizona.
Author of "Age Less/Live More: Achieving Health and Vitality at 107 and Beyond," LaPallo is reportedly the world's oldest blogger.
ABC15 was the only Valley station invited to LaPallo's 111th birthday party on Wednesday held at Warren's Jazz Bistro in Gilbert.
Flashing a huge smile and dressed to the nines, LaPallo greeted a room full of family and friends.
When asked how he stays looking so young, he replied, "Good living baby. Just taking care of my body."
LaPallo credits walking one mile every morning and following advice from his father of eating only a strict vegan diet.
"I live on green vegetables and fruit," LaPallo explained. And the one thing he claims he can't live without is olive oil.
"I bathe my feet every night and massage them in olive oil," said LaPallo. "Never had a corn. I guarantee anybody you got I'll take my shoes off right now and my feet are as soft as their face."LaPallo said he keeps his brain sharp by being a voracious reader, solving crossword puzzles and playing checkers.
In addition to olive oil, LaPallo's secret to longevity includes the following foods: garlic, honey, cinnamon and dark chocolate.
LaPallo was born in 1901 in New York City. He grew up in an affluent household with his father, who was also a doctor and died at the age of 98. "I've never been sick in my life," LaPallo said proudly.After growing tired of city living, LaPallo left New York and moved to the Valley at the age of 102.
"I've traveled all over the world," LaPallo said. "Every continent you can call I've been there."
LaPallo told ABC15 his most exciting experiences over his lifetime include meeting Pope John Paul II and visiting the Garden of Eden in Africa. He said his greatest lesson in life is to take each day as it comes.
"Everything in moderation," LaPallo said. "I make plans to live because I know I'm going to die, but I'm making plans to live."
