JoCleta Wilson: 100-Year-Old Home Depot Employee Shares Tips For Long Life

JoCleta Wilson is shattering age stereotypes as she continues to work at Home Depot and drive herself to her job in Louisville, Kentucky. Her journey—from being a professional dancer and business owner to becoming the oldest employee at Home Depot in the US — is one of resilience. With a life filled with movement, creativity, and optimism, Wilson shares her simple yet profound tips for living a long, fulfilling life.

A Life Beyond Retirement: Rediscovering Purpose

Having retired three times, each for a decade, Wilson found that retirement wasn’t as satisfying as expected. “I got so tired of myself,” she explains, which led her to rejoin the workforce to reconnect with society and find joy in interacting with customers. Now, as a cashier working two mornings a week from 6 am to 10 am, she thrives on the camaraderie of her job. Wilson celebrated her 100th birthday with fun, enjoying a grand party with 80 guests and another celebration hosted by Home Depot.

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Wilson’s independence and autonomy is the cornerstone of her lifestyle. She lives alone, drives herself to work and for errands, and cooks her own meals. While she hires help for cleaning and yard work, her rationale is simple: “I could do it, but I don’t want to. By getting this old, I got a little smart, too.”

Staying Active: Movement as Medicine

A former professional dancer, Wilson emphasises the importance of staying active. With a career that included rhythm tap performances with the June Taylor dancers and owning a dance academy for 37 years, movement has been central to her life. Even at 100, she continues to dance, often grooving to music played on her Alexa. To maintain posture, she regularly stands against a wall to check for slouching.

Healthy Eating: Adapting to Challenges

Wilson has adapted her diet to meet health challenges while enjoying what she eats. After a cancer diagnosis, she reduced sugar consumption based on advice from her oncologist. High cholesterol led her to cut out bacon and cheese, focusing instead on lean proteins like chicken, fish, and steak, while avoiding white flour. She cooks most of her meals, ensuring they are both nutritious and satisfying.

Balancing Indulgence with Discipline

Despite her healthy habits, Wilson doesn’t shy away from occasional treats. A chocolate cake and ice cream is always in her freezer, though she indulges sparingly—a slice of cake once a week or a tablespoon of ice cream occasionally. Her approach to sweets highlights the importance of moderation and self-control.

Beyond dancing, Wilson nurtures her creativity through various outlets. She enjoys singing, painting, and has even written a cookbook. Her Instagram page showcases her artwork, reflecting her zest for life and self-expression.

Optimism and Emotional Resilience

Wilson attributes her longevity to a positive outlook and emotional resilience. “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of releasing anger and embracing optimism. For her, positivity is less taxing than negativity and fosters a sense of well-being.

As she continues to thrive, Wilson is the ultimate mantra of living life to the fullest, proving that a fulfilling, vibrant life is attainable at any age.