Most mornings, 101-year-old Bea Rudney embraces the day on her patio, pedaling a stationary bike.
“I ride to nowhere,” said the effervescent former nurse, who retired from Kaiser Permanente in 1983 after 35 years.
What is Rudney’s secret to longevity?
Her family says it’s her positive attitude and zest for life.
The glamorous centenarian recently hosted an ice cream social, which has become an annual tradition for more than 40 years at her home in the Oakland hills, nestled in a cluster of redwood trees.
“Our mother inspires our entire family with her youthful mindset, positive attitude, and graciousness,” said Rudney’s son, Eric Rudney. “She always looks forward to seeing friends and family, and she enjoys life to its fullest potential.”
Rudney is in excellent health. She eats well — everything in moderation — and drinks lots of water. Rudney enjoys swimming and daily walks with her friends and family.
She also remains socially connected. She enjoys the rich cultural life of the Bay Area — theater, opera, dance, and music. Rudney has been a member of the League of Women Voters for many years, and she’s a lifelong participant of community organizations that support the elderly and minority groups.
Nursing career started 76 years ago
Rudney was born on March 7, 1923, in New Haven, Conn. After completing her nursing degree at Cornell University-New York Hospital School of Nursing, she married Stan Rudney.
Bea Rudney early in her nursing career
Bea Rudney is pictured early in her nursing career.
Soon after, the Rudneys moved to Oakland. Rudney was hired as a nurse at the Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center in 1948.
She worked in the outpatient departments, rotating through several clinics and finally becoming the head nurse of the medical clinic. She obtained her master’s degree from University of California, San Francisco. Rudney went on to teach at the Kaiser Permanente School of Nursing, which graduated its last class in 1976.
“I enjoyed working with the young students,” she said. “I loved being a nurse because I enjoyed spending time with the patients and feeling like I was making a difference. Oakland has such a diverse population. We served people from all walks of life, and I really liked that. I met so many interesting people.”
Passing down life lessons
The Rudneys were married for more than 60 years until Stan Rudney passed away in 2015.
Today, Rudney spends as much time as possible with her family. She has three sons, 12 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
Rudney and her granddaughter look over photos.
Rudney and her granddaughter look over photos.
Rudney’s granddaughter, Alexis Rudney, said her grandma always makes people feel special and has inspired her to step outside her comfort zone.
“She keeps me calm and grounded,” Alexis Rudney said. “She has also taught me that the things you worry about won’t matter in the long run. She goes with the flow and has inspired me to travel and do so many things. We go on walks every day, and she beats me up the hill!”
Rudney hopes to pass down the life lessons she has learned to the next generation. She sprinkles her words of wisdom with humor and kindness.
“I’ve been really lucky,” she said. “I do have a positive attitude. I always say, ‘Be kind. It takes so much energy to be negative or angry.’”
Eric Rudney wholeheartedly agrees with his mom.
“Seeing the world through my mom’s eyes reminds us that the power of positive thinking leaves the world a better place than we found it.”
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