What's the Secret to a Happy Life? This 101-Year-Old Has an Answer

“I never thought I would live to be 100,” says Kenneth Rahm, a New York resident who recently celebrated his 101st birthday. “When I look back on my life, I realize how much I’ve experienced and how many wonderful memories I’ve made.”

Rahm, a father of five, grandfather of 12, and great-grandfather of 11, was born in the Bronx in 1925. As a child, he spent his summers on Long Island, where his father began building a family home.

“Life was very different back then,” he recalls. “We had no electricity or running water, and every evening, my brother and I would pull a wagon to a nearby pump to bring water home for the family.”

After graduating from high school, Rahm enlisted in the US Navy, serving from 1943 to 1945 aboard a ship converted to transport aircraft in the Pacific Ocean. He was responsible for managing the storeroom and ensuring that equipment and supplies reached their destinations. Toward the end of the war, he spent time in Australia, which served as a major supply base.

After returning home, Rahm began a career in finance. He and his wife built a house on Long Island, where they raised their five children.

One of his most treasured possessions is an old hammer his father used while helping him build the house.

“My son restored it, and now it hangs on the wall in my kitchen,” he says. “It reminds me of my father, of the house we built, and of the family that grew up there.”

His Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Today, Rahm lives in an assisted living facility in Sayville, New York. He was married for 67 years before losing his wife eight years ago.

“Losing my wife was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced,” he shares. “But I’m grateful for the wonderful life we had together.”

When asked about the secret to his longevity, Rahm doesn't point to a particular diet, exercise routine, or health habit. Instead, he emphasizes happiness, relationships, and peace of mind.

“I think the secret is to live a very happy life. You have to be content with yourself and with the people around you,” he explains.

“For me, that meant a wonderful marriage, learning to compromise, and knowing that my children are doing well. When there is love, happiness, and peace of mind, life becomes much easier.”

The Two Values He Wants Future Generations to Remember

Asked what lessons he hopes to pass on to the younger generations of his family, Rahm doesn't hesitate.

“Love and respect. Those are the two most important things. You have to love one another, respect one another, and learn to get along.”

Looking back on more than a century of life, Rahm says he wouldn't change anything significant if he had the chance to start over.

“If there is one thing I hope people take from my story, it is that happiness, love, and respect make all the difference,” he says.

His advice is simple: “Learn to compromise, take care of the people around you, and appreciate the life you have.”

For Rahm, a life well lived isn't measured only by the number of years, but by the love, relationships, and memories that fill them.