Pearl Taylor, known as the “Jamaican grandma” on TikTok, recently celebrated her 103rd birthday, and her life is filled with lessons on living fully and healthily.
Residing in Dayton, Ohio, Taylor lives independently, stays active by walking in Walmart, and credits a special diet for her remarkable health.
Secret to Longevity: Self-Love and Responsibility
When asked about her secret to a long life, Taylor emphasizes the importance of self-love. In a viral TikTok clip, she shared:
“You have got to think about yourself first. You help yourself first.”
Taylor elaborated on this advice during an interview with Today.com, stating:
“Whatever our life is, we create it. We have to take responsibility, good or bad. It’s all about you. It’s not about anything out there. It’s all how you perceive.”
Active and Independent Lifestyle
Despite her age, Taylor navigates the stairs of her two-story home and until recently, walked without a walker.
She has never had cancer, although she does have a pacemaker to regulate her heartbeat. Her granddaughter, Taylor Bernal, highlights her grandmother’s independence and healthy lifestyle as key factors in her longevity.
“A lot of her longevity stems from her hyper-independence, the fact that she has lived on her own all these years, has eaten really healthy, and stayed fairly active … in addition to her positive mindset,” Bernal told Today.com.
Proud Multicultural Roots and Family History
Born in Cuba to a Pakistani father and Jamaican mother, Taylor and her four sisters were raised in Jamaica before she moved to the U.S. in 1947, eventually settling in Ohio.
She prides herself on her diverse background and the strength it has given her.
“I have done very well, I have wonderful friends,” Taylor added.
She was married to a Jamaican man for 20 years before divorcing and later married an American man, a union that lasted 37 years until his death.
Home Cooking and a Special Diet
Taylor believes that home cooking is essential for good health. She often cooks her own meals, preferring fish and vegetables over red meat and indulges occasionally in ice cream, sweet wine, and chips.
She also drinks a special green juice, a habit for about 30 years, which she credits for her excellent digestion.
The juice contains fresh aloe vera, kale, parsley, ginger, celery, powdered greens, water, and Splenda for sweetness.
Family Longevity and Morning Routine
Longevity runs in Taylor’s family. One sister lived to be 104, another reached 100, and another passed away at 93. The only sister who didn’t reach old age had diabetes and died in her 60s.
Every morning, Taylor enjoys slices of papaya and half a banana.
“Papaya is an excellent fruit,” she says, noting its high potassium and vitamins.
She also drinks hibiscus tea, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Staying Active and Asking for What You Need
Taylor stays active by walking for hours in Walmart while shopping. Despite a recent back injury that necessitated a walker, she remains determined to stay mobile.
Her life philosophy is to be proactive and ask for what you need.
“Ask and you shall receive,” she advises, urging people not to fear being a bother.
Her granddaughter is proud to see Taylor inspire women of color and others through her TikTok presence.
“She sets a really great example of loving yourself and keeping yourself very healthy with a great mindset,” Bernal says.
Pearl Taylor’s life is a testament to the power of self-love, independence, and healthy living. Her wisdom and habits offer valuable insights for anyone looking to live a long and fulfilling life.
