'I want to thank America': This amazing Florida senior just celebrated her 100th birthday — and says she might even make it to 200. Here's her golden keys to living a long, rich life

A well-deserved celebration

Petty decided to treat herself to a week-long trip to New York and New Jersey to see friends and family, visit some familiar city hotspots and take in some nightlife.

Petty’s first stop in New York City was Grand Central Station’s iconic Oyster Bar & Restaurant. As she told News4JAX, Petty would dine there with her late husband, Leon, while she attended college and he worked in the area. Petty and her husband were married for 71 years.

“They had renovated the whole area,” Petty said. "It was really very, very interesting for New York because it was [dry] when I was there in 1947.”

Petty also visited the Museum of the City of New York. The late Shirley Chisholm, a longtime friend of hers, is the subject of an exhibit there.

But Petty's visit wasn't just a trip down memory lane. According to the broadcaster, she also enjoyed three Broadway shows — Wicked, Hamilton, and MJ the Musical. And a big highlight of Petty's trip was a birthday meal at her hotel.

“The chef came out with a cake,” Petty said. “They were singing, the people at the hotel, a great, great celebration. I am overwhelmed really. I cannot find words to express how wonderful and compassionate Americans are. I am so thankful and I want to thank America for it being here because I have had a big, long journey and I have lots to tell.”

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Living a rich life in your golden years

It's clear that Petty isn't letting her older age stop her from getting out and exploring.

“There is so much to learn and so much given,” she said. “The world is so big and I have not explored many parts of it. Just a fraction. I’ve been all over the world, but I still have missed so much and there’s so much more to learn.”

One of the best ways to make the most of your older age is to think about what’s most important to you. A 2024 Transamerica Institute survey found that retirees’ top priorities were enjoying their lives (70%) and being fit and in good shape (67%). A good number of retirees also prioritized time with family (32%) and lifelong learning (12%).

Of course, if you want to enjoy your later years, it’s important to take good care of your health. That means following up with doctors on routine matters and taking care of your body through diet and exercise.

Another way to truly enjoy your golden years is to stay true to who you are.

“I strongly felt I should do what I think is right. I believe that still today,” Petty said. “If you move along and figure things out for yourself, as long as you feel strongly that you are right, you will make it.”

Petty also cited “love” as something that got her through her first 100 years of life.

The centenarian has a doctorate in education and spent 45 years working in roles that included being a teacher, administrator and college professor, reports News 4JAX. Petty has also documented her family's experience with discrimination and perseverance in writing, yet remains thankful for the life she’s lived.

Interestingly, the number of Americans who are 100 or older is expected to more than quadruple in the next 30 years, from an estimated 101,000 in 2024 to 422,000 in 2054, according Pew Research, citing Census Bureau data. In 2024, 78% of Americans aged 100-plus were women and 22% were men.

Whether you’re the adventurous type, like Petty, or you prefer to stay closer to home, either way, making it to 100 is an impressive feat. You shouldn’t hesitate to celebrate that milestone any way you see fit.