Roy Cohen, a 102-year-old pharmacist, shares the keys to his longevity: "I don't eat meat."

At 102 years old, American Roy Cohen has led a full life, working as a pharmaceutical company executive. Although he retired at 81, he hasn't slowed down: he manages his finances, follows a strict Mediterranean diet, and exercises daily.

"I stay in shape, both mentally and physically ," Cohen said in an interview with Business Insider , where he shared a series of longevity lessons he's learned throughout his life.

Although he believes there is a genetic component in his case—his father and mother died at 86 and 90, respectively—this pharmacist has confessed to being a devotee of the Mediterranean diet , focusing on foods such as olive oil, fresh fish, and vegetables.

" I never eat meat or processed foods , and I think that has made a big difference to my health," she said.

"If I want to snack on something, I'll have a piece of cauliflower, a carrot, or a red pepper," says Cohen, who adds that he eats "a lot of cabbage and salad."

Physical exercise is one of Cohen's fundamental pillars, having remained very active since childhood working on his parents' farm. His current routine consists of doing leg exercises while sitting in bed every morning, and he also does walking circuits around his kitchen and living room.

Maintaining a sharp mind at his age is another of his secrets, which is why he continues to keep track of all his finances. " Staying busy keeps me happy ," he maintains. For him, the key is cultivating a positive attitude as the years go by. "People allow minor things to get them down," he notes, "but you can't afford to be angry or jealous all the time."

Finally, spirituality has also helped him find a path in his life. "It doesn't have to be a religion as such, but it's important to at least try to discover what drives the world," he concludes.