Retired teacher shares secrets to long, fulfilled life

A retired teacher who dedicated nearly 40 years to education, continues to leave a lasting impact on her community and former students even at the age of 104. 

Although it's been decades since Erline Dennis continues to influence her former students, many of whom are now senior citizens, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“Every once in a while, I see someone I haven’t seen in years. I may have forgotten, but they haven’t. They remember very well,” Dennis said.

Born on July 2, 1920, in Winston-Salem, N.C., Dennis still lives in her home state. She resides in High Point, where she taught for many years, according to The High Point Enterprise.

Maintaining connections with family, friends, and even former students is incredibly important to Dennis, a value that her friends continually encourage her to nurture.

"Staying active as much as you can and being around the right people—that’s the key, I think," she said.

The effort Dennis puts into maintaining connections likely plays a significant role in her long, fulfilling life. Longevity researchers point to the importance of positive relationships, or what they call social fitness, as the top factor for happiness and longer life, according to a decades-long Harvard study.

Dennis has a large and active community. For her 100th birthday in 2020, friends, family, and many members of the High Point community organised a drive-by birthday parade in her honour.

Prior to the parade, a reception was held, attended by the mayor, sheriff, county commissioner, and a state representative.

As of 2023, Dennis remained active in her church, which she helped found, and in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is a golden member of the sorority, having been a member for over 50 years.

Dennis’ friends describe her as a determined individual. Her friend Evelyn Williams said, "She was always ready to do what she needed to do."

By Naila Huseynova