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Even After World War II, Vicente Lionetti Never Stopped Working — And He Claims That This Is The True Secret To Longevity
While many seek formulas to live longer, an Italian survivor of World War II surprises with a simple and direct answer: work every day. At 91 years old, Vicente Lionetti continues to cut hair in his salon and assures that staying active is what keeps his body and mind functioning well.
Born in 1934, Lionetti went through one of the hardest periods in European history before migrating to Argentina with his family. Seven decades later, he still frequents the same salon he opened in 1951 in the city of Tandil, sharing practical lessons on health, discipline, and purpose.
Who Is The Italian Survivor Still Working At 91?
Vicente Lionetti was born in Bari, in southern Italy, and witnessed the impacts of World War II in his youth. In 1951, at the age of 17, he emigrated with his parents to Argentina. Without formal education and in a new country, he learned the trade of hairdresser and managed to take over a small salon — where he remains to this day.
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“Showing up and working every day is what keeps me alive,” he states. His routine is simple: a light breakfast, work in the morning, lunch, and more work in the afternoon. Even at his advanced age, Lionetti refuses the idea of retirement.
What Is Vicente Lionetti’s Secret For Living So Long?
Lionetti points to three pillars that, according to him, sustain his physical and emotional health: balanced diet, movement, and an active social life. He avoids fried foods but does not follow strict diets. “I eat everything, just not in excess,” he says.
Additionally, the hairdresser shares that he has always kept active. He has played soccer, cycled, and currently plays billiards with friends. For him, being idle ages you more than time does.
Why Has His Work Become A Symbol Of Resistance And Purpose?
By taking over the beauty salon at a young age, Vicente found more than just a means of livelihood. The space became his refuge, a meeting point, and an extension of his own identity. He still uses original tools from the 1950s, including a manual hair clipper, in case of power outages.
“I want to keep working in my salon until my body says ‘enough’,” he declares. Clients from various generations continue to return out of tradition and for their trust in the professional who has never left his trade.
What Message Does He Have For The Elderly — And For The Youth?
Vicente advises the elderly to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. “Get out, do something,” he recommends. For the youth, the advice is different: study. He believes that intellectual preparation is essential for the future, and that work and knowledge should go hand in hand.
Even after living far from Italy for decades, Lionetti maintains his connection to his roots. At home, he often watches RAI, the Italian public network, and says he feels “more Argentine than Italian”, but proud of his history.
Do you think maintaining an active routine can really make a difference in longevity? Does working after 80 help or hinder? Share your thoughts in the comments — your perspective can enrich this conversation.
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