On a cloudy Wednesday evening in mid-September, 102-year-old Charlotte Chopin stood at the forefront of her yoga class, a position she has gracefully held for over four decades. Clad in a comfortable striped cotton outfit, her short white hair slightly tousled, Ms. Chopin focused her gentle energy on her eager students, guiding them through a series of stretches that reflected her decades of experience.
To an unfamiliar observer, Ms. Chopin’s petite stature and calm demeanor might suggest frailty. However, those who have practiced with her quickly learn otherwise. Watching her fluid transitions into warrior poses reveals a strength and stability that defies expectations. Her feet grounded firmly, arms extended with precision, Ms. Chopin effortlessly moves from one posture to the next, embodying the spirit of yoga.
Since 1982, Ms. Chopin has been a fixture in the small village of Léré, located in France’s Loire region. The village is characterized by its winding roads and modest homes, with many local businesses appearing abandoned. Nature is present, with sheep and donkeys occasionally seen wandering the area, providing a picturesque backdrop to her yoga studio.
The studio, a transformed room inside a former police station, features peach-colored walls, and its changing rooms were once jail cells. That evening, her class consisted of four local women, their ages ranging from 35 to 60 years.
As the class commenced, Ms. Chopin invited me to join her for a deep stretch, using a wooden pole for support. With a hint of hesitation, I worried I might lose my balance and pull her over. Nevertheless, her strength matched mine, and soon I felt secure in our stance. Later, when I opted out of a challenging maneuver involving wall straps, she delightfully demonstrated the move, encouraging me to give it a try. “Voilà,” she proclaimed triumphantly when I succeeded.
In recent years, Ms. Chopin has gained significant recognition in France, particularly following her appearance on “La France a un Incroyable Talent” in 2022, a French version of “America’s Got Talent.” At the age of 99, she captivated audiences by performing twelve flawless yoga poses on stage. “I feel good, with all these people who applaud me,” she expressed in French, acknowledging the unexpected attention. Though she did not advance in the competition, the exposure led to a flurry of media interest and even recognition from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who awarded her a civilian honor as an exceptional ambassador for yoga. Since then, she has been inundated with requests for interviews and appearances, prompting her son, Claude Chopin, a former physical therapist and yoga enthusiast, to take on the role of her informal manager.
Though Ms. Chopin does not tout herself as a wellness expert and appears reluctant to preach about her lifestyle, many people are eager to learn her secrets for aging gracefully.
Finding Joy in Simplicity
I visited Ms. Chopin at her home, a historic cottage that has remained in her family for over a century. Claude, 69, accompanied us to assist with translation, as Ms. Chopin is fluent in both French and German.
Her living room is an inviting space adorned with images of nature, family photographs, and statues celebrating yoga poses. A plaque on a cabinet read in French: “Happiness is not about having everything you want, but loving what you have.”
Remarkably, Ms. Chopin did not begin practicing yoga until the age of 50, prompted by a friend when she needed a break from household duties. Ten years later, she began teaching to stave off boredom after relocating to her quaint town. When I inquired about what yoga means to her, she simply responded with a single word, “serenity.”
Beyond this brief insight, Ms. Chopin attributes her longevity to a stroke of good fortune. “I don’t have too many problems,” she shared. “I have an activity that I like.” This activity, teaching and practicing yoga, has become an indispensable aspect of her life.
A little over two years ago, shortly after celebrating her 100th birthday, Ms. Chopin fainted while driving home from a class, resulting in a car accident that fractured her sternum. Remarkably, within three months, she was back behind the wheel and returning to the practice she loves.
After her customary breakfast of coffee, toast with butter and honey or jam, and occasionally a spoonful of jelly straight from the jar, Ms. Chopin mentioned, “I’m back on track — I feel good.” Claude confirmed, “When we were children, she often said that breakfast was the best moment of her day. It is still the case.”
However, Ms. Chopin emphasizes the importance of her students and the sense of community they create as fundamental to her vitality. Past studies suggest that individuals who excel in aging tend to prioritize social relationships, which resonates with her experience. Claude noted that observing his mother’s vibrant social life has significantly shaped his own view on aging. “She loves people,” he remarked, adding that she easily engages with those around her. He aspires to cultivate the same connections in his life.
On the evening I attended class, Ms. Chopin’s students included a variety of professionals—a factory worker, a grocery clerk, a retiree, and a housewife—all long-time attendees who greeted one another with heartfelt hugs and friendly smiles.
Once class began, when she wasn’t participating alongside her students, Ms. Chopin roamed the room, offering direct tips on improving our form and gently urging us to stretch further. At one point, her firm guidance left me questioning my own physical limits.
After the session, her students expressed admiration for Ms. Chopin, describing her as a “perfectionist” who always inspires them. “She makes me want to grow old,” one student wrote in an email after class, echoing the profound impact this remarkable teacher has on those fortunate enough to learn from her.
