Stimulating Mind and Body for 98-Year-Old Palo Alto Man

As we age, interest and curiosity have been proven to aid in longevity and happiness. The perfect example of this is Paul Kent, a resident at Moldaw senior living community in Palo Alto. When he moved into the community in 2009 at 89 years old, he was approached by Lily Hillis, yoga instructor and resident at Moldaw. "I've never done yoga in my life!" said Paul. "Well it's time to get started then," said Lily. The rest is history.

"The thing about Paul is, he's up for anything," said Lily. "That's what amazes me! He never says no and hates negativity. I've never met anyone like Paul before in my life."

He attends 3 yoga classes a week and also walks at least three miles a day.

Paul has been through it all, and he says he has survived because of yoga. Just last year his wife passed.

"Yoga helped me overcome my wife's passing," said Paul. "It makes no room for negativity and allows me to think clearly and positively."

Even after physical challenges, doctors said his daily exercise routine of yoga and walking mitigated ongoing rehab and care.

"You have to make sure you can walk and keep it up every day," said Paul. "Or else you'll wither away."

"I've learned more from this man than he has ever learned from me," said Lily. "He has been one the greatest joys of my life – he has this incredible curiosity about life. This man may be 98 years old, but he is more vital than people I know in their 40s and 50s."

A Harvard Study suggest that yoga can slow physical aging and the harmful impact of stress at the cellular and DNA level.

"Paul Kent is an inspiration," said Lily. "It goes to show that age is mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."