Helen Iacovetto

Editor’s note: The Steamboat Pilot & Today asked readers to tell us about their favorite seniors over the age of 75 and then we asked these Super Seniors to share their secrets to living a long and healthy life. 

Helen Iacovetto

Age: 95

Super powers: Helen Iacovetto moved to Routt County at age 10. She and her husband, Angelo, were very active in the community. Helen served as president, secretary and treasurer of the American Legion Auxiliary in the 1960s. Helen and Angelo also had the honor of serving as grand marshals for the Fourth of July parades in Steamboat, Hayden and Hahns Peak. They spent 22 years at Dream Island, remodeling what started out as six rundown cabins. They are known for the garlic they raise at their home on Pearl Lake. For her 95th birthday, Helen wanted to ride a horse and she did.

What are your secrets for living a long and healthy life?

“The best thing to do is eat good, healthy food and stay active — good food, a lot of garlic and a lot of activity. My husband was a champion garlic raiser for 14 years. Garlic is the poor man’s medicine. It’s good for everything. People get to a certain age and give up. That’s not good. You’ve got to keep active.” As to what keeps Helen going, “My family,” she said. “And there’s nothing like good friendships.”