The day we met, Raffaella sat peeling an apple as I peppered her with dozens of questions about her diet, level of physical exercise, the relationship to her family, and so forth. Her answers were laconic and unrevealing. Finally, exasperated, I asked her if after 107 years she had any advice for younger people. She looked up at me, eyes flashing. “Yes,” she shot back. “Life is short. Don’t run so fast you miss it.”
