The Secret to Longevity: Insights from Rancho La Puerta’s 102-Year-Old Founder, Deborah Szekely

Deborah Szekely, the co-founder of the renowned Rancho La Puerta wellness resort, embodies the essence of longevity and wellness. At 102 years old, she remains a vibrant testament to the lifestyle her famed resort promotes, nestled on a sprawling 4,000-acre property in Baja California, Mexico. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Kate Winslet, Jane Fonda, and Bill Moyers have all experienced the serene retreats at Rancho La Puerta, but it is Deborah’s life and philosophy that truly inspire.

A Century of Wisdom

Reflecting on her milestone birthday, Deborah recalls, “The morning I turned 100, I lay in bed and thought, ‘Huh, I’m 100. What’s different?’ I couldn’t think of anything.” This centenarian’s outlook on life is one of acceptance and enjoyment. She firmly believes in focusing on what can be controlled and not dwelling on the rest. “I really, truly don’t take on worries that I cannot do anything about. Otherwise, I’d be an old lady! But where I can do something, I do something.”

Born in Brooklyn, Deborah’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. She co-founded Rancho La Puerta with her husband Edmond Szekely in 1940, creating a sanctuary that promotes health and peace of mind. Later, she launched the luxurious Golden Door spa in San Diego, which she sold in 1998. Her accomplishments extend beyond wellness; at 60, she ran for Congress and served as president of the Inter-American Foundation. At 80, she founded the New Americans Museum and Immigration Learning Center in San Diego.

From Tahiti to Baja California

Deborah’s early life was shaped by her mother, a Jewish Austrian immigrant and “health nut” who championed healthy living, vegetarianism, and sustainability. In 1934, during the Great Depression, her mother made a bold decision to move the family to Tahiti to escape the grim realities of New York. This adventurous move led them to a new way of living in a rustic grass hut in Tahiti, where Deborah’s love for wellness began to take root.

In Tahiti, the family met Edmond Szekely, a health-minded philosopher and lecturer. After returning to the U.S., Deborah’s family attended his health camps, and she eventually married him. Together, they sought a place to establish their health camp, leading them to Baja California. There, they transformed a vast piece of land at the foothills of Mount Kuchumaa into Rancho La Puerta, inviting friends to join them for $17.50 a week with a bring-your-own-tent policy.

Building an Oasis of Wellness

Rancho La Puerta started with simple tents and evolved into a luxurious retreat with casitas, gardens, pools, and more. The resort offers a holistic approach to wellness with 20 full-time fitness instructors, 11 gyms, a cooking school, an organic farm, and spa treatment centers. The property spans 10,000 acres, with only 300 actively used, maintaining a small ecological footprint.

Deborah’s daughter, Sarah Livia Brightwood, now runs the resort, continuing the family legacy. Deborah herself remains actively involved, spending three days a week at the property and hosting weekly Q&A sessions with guests.

The Secrets of Longevity

Deborah Szekely attributes her long life to a healthy lifestyle, including a vegetarian diet and regular exercise. Even after breaking her hip twice, she continues to walk a mile a day. However, she emphasizes that her mental outlook is equally important. “The fact that I don’t worry is more important than the water. I really have accepted what I can do and can’t do.”

She has outlived many family members, including her husband and brother, and faced profound loss, including the death of her son. Yet, she maintains a positive mindset and surrounds herself with younger friends to stay mentally active and engaged.

Her advice for those seeking longevity? Keep both body and mind active, read extensively, and cultivate a positive mindset. “The thing is I do not allow negative thoughts. We are in control. And we can say, ‘I don’t want to go there.’ You just don’t go. I don’t,” she says. Her life is a testament to the power of positive thinking and a healthy lifestyle.

A Legacy of Health and Wellness

Deborah Szekely’s story is one of resilience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to wellness. Her journey from a health-conscious upbringing in Brooklyn to co-founding one of the world’s most renowned wellness resorts is inspiring. As she continues to share her insights and experiences, Deborah’s legacy at Rancho La Puerta serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking health, longevity, and peace of mind.

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