The World’s Oldest Female Pharmacist, 102 Years Old, Doesn’t Need to Retire Thanks to 6 Health Secrets
As people age, many gradually lose their mobility and ability to take care of themselves, let alone maintain a job. However, in Japan, a 102-year-old female pharmacist continues to work daily while remaining remarkably sharp and healthy. She has even been recognized as the world’s oldest female pharmacist who has not retired.
The World’s Oldest Female Pharmacist, 102, Still Working Without Retirement
That woman is Keiza Hatamoto, born in 1922 in Nagano, Japan. She graduated from the Tokyo University of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1942. Initially working in a laboratory, she left her career after marriage. However, due to financial difficulties, she opened a pharmacy in 1952. Even at over 100 years old, she still works six days a week, managing inventory, placing orders, and delivering medicine herself. Thanks to her perseverance, she was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest female pharmacist in both 2022 and 2024.
6 Health Secrets That Keep Her Going at 102
When asked about her secrets to longevity and good health, Keiza Hatamoto revealed six habits—some familiar, some surprising. They are simple yet effective, though one particular morning habit stands out as crucial for maintaining her physical strength.
1. Getting Enough Sleep
Keiza Hatamoto maintains a habit of sleeping 7.5 hours each night, from 11:30 PM to 7:00 AM. She believes that lack of sleep negatively affects both health and brain function. If she sleeps only six hours, she experiences headaches. To compensate, she takes a 15-20 minute nap at noon to restore her energy.
2. Exercising for 10 Minutes Every Morning
Every morning, she spends 10 minutes exercising in bed to maintain flexibility. Her routine includes: kicking her legs 10 times, crossing her legs alternately, mimicking cycling movements, and stretching her back by reaching her arms out to the sides. She notices a significant difference in her physical condition thanks to this habit.
3. Eating Cheese and Fruit for Protein
Her breakfast usually consists of bread or salad with carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, steamed beans, and half a boiled egg. She also consumes protein-rich foods such as meat and fish. Additionally, she makes her own cheese by adding rum-soaked raisins. For fruits, she enjoys apples, oranges, or bananas for extra nutrition. Her family meals often include miso soup with konjac, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
4. Eating Three Regular Meals Every Day
She follows a strict habit of eating three meals a day without skipping any. This helps her body absorb nutrients efficiently. Her daughter usually prepares meals for her, ensuring a consistently healthy diet over the years.
5. Having a Favorite Snack
Every day at 5:00 PM, she eats chewy candies or rice crackers. Thanks to this habit, despite being over 100 years old, she still has strong teeth with very few dentures and maintains good jaw strength. Though she enjoys sweets, she avoids frozen foods and only drinks alcohol on special occasions—typically just half a glass of beer.
6. Doing What She Loves
She believes that work is an essential part of her longevity, and she loves what she does. With over 70 years as a pharmacist, she sees it as both a mission and a joy in her life. She feels happiest when helping customers improve their health and hopes to continue working for as long as she can.
The Key to Longevity and Good Health
Keiza Hatamoto is proof that maintaining healthy habits can lead to a long and fulfilling life. The key is to establish and stick to habits that suit you, remain disciplined, and nurture them over time.
