Elsa's Own Blue Zone - America's Centenarian Sweetheart's Insights for Positive Aging and Living

“I'm a big believer that we need heroes and role models—especially role models to show us how to live well into our hundreds. When I interviewed Elsa Hoffmann by phone for my podcast, Ageless Lifestyles, I was impressed with how she listened and answered the questions I asked as opposed to rehearsed questions or whatever was on her mind.. She instantly became one of my heroes. You cannot find a better role model of a vital, life embracing centenarian. What does she model? She loves life and loves people. Her greatest joy is making others happy and helping people connect with other people and enjoy themselves. She is cheerful, friendly and primarily focused on the present. She isn't afraid to live alone, drive, or tackle technology like her cell phone. Hardly a prima donna who has others taking care of her, on the day I called she had been busy ironing. The only reason it might be hard to meet her is that you have to catch her—she's always off to one event to another. She knows to prime the pump by exercising, meditating, and getting enough rest. She knows not to dwell on problems but to either deal with a problem or let it go. When I asked her about the greatest adversities in her life, she had a hard time coming up with any. While many people are petrified of public speaking, she was happy to talk to her great granddaughter's class for over an hour. Cards, cruises, parties, balls—bring it on. She likes all kinds of music, likes fashion, and loves parties and people. In short, she has a love affair with life.”

Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey.

“An inspiration and role model for living long and living well, Elsa's life has been successful, fulfilling and happy, with her golden years 'like sparkling diamonds!' Her positive attitude plays a major role. On the go, beautifully dressed, she sets an example by taking good care of herself, and her sense of humor makes for delightful company.. She loves a party and enjoys making others happy; the song “Cabaret” comes to mind -- I want to be like Elsa!”

Lynn Peters Adler, J.D.
Founder and Director, National Centenarian Awareness Project.

“Grace, dignity, wisdom, wit, and charm naturally flow from this magnificent lady. Her stories are inspiring, and her spirit is contagious. After meeting with Elsa Hoffmann in her home where I was so graciously welcomed, I learned valuable lessons about life, business, and relationships. One thing was crystal clear in my mind as I was saying goodbye to her that day… I want to be just like Elsa.”

Doug Buce
President, Wells University.

"Backyard grilling 1950's. Shuffleboard. Tourists having fun. Christmas Holidays with the Hoffmann family at their Jasmin Villa resort motel were special parties to entertain the tourists who would vacation there for a week, or a month. Traditional foods, tinsel on the Christmas tree, greeting cards decorated hallways, music and singing were tourist/family times to celebrate the season and enjoy the Florida sun, shuffleboard games, poolside barbecues, Florida 50's lounge chairs, the ocean swimming, white sand, vast beach of Pompano Beach. It was a time of developing as a tourist spot. The Hoffmann's were pioneers of coastal living!

Pam (Elsa's youngest child) and I were the youngest amidst those tall grownups. Duke (Elsa's youngest son, also called Gail) home from the Army, got money in a sock ornament hung on the tree. Elsa & Bill always great hosts making wonderful memories for their guests, many became lifelong friends. Today, the Hoffmann ladies and Duke shop in my retail clothing store right here in Pompano Beach.

I remember Elsa had always lots of time for everyone...even me and the tourist kids at the motel. She still takes the time to send a card, shared time with me and my husband Pete Anderson and still entertains with vigor. Pete and I celebrated her 95th Birthday Gala at the Deerfield Beach Golf & Country Club and 100th Birthday Gala at Brooks Restaurant, both local to the Pompano Beach area.

Since I have been active with the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce as a Director and planner of the Boat Parades… we invited Elsa to be our Grand Dame and this event will be spectacular on the Sunday evening Dec. 14th 2008 on the Intracoastal Waterway. The parade will be passing the prior location of the Jasmin Villa with hundreds of homes and buildings lining the waterway.”

Pat Russel Anderson
Pompano Holiday Boat Parade Artist every year since 2002.