Meet Eva Schippers: The 96-Year-Old Who’s Never Taken a Pill—and Is Redefining Longevity

Earlier this month, Cologne played host to FIBO—the world’s largest trade show for fitness, wellness, and health. And for the first time ever, the event featured a Longevity & Hospitality Summit—a gathering of global leaders exploring how hotels can help us not just live longer, but live better.

There were panels. There were predictions. There were more mentions of AI, biomarkers, and biohacking than you could shake a protein bar at.

But the real star? A 96-year-old woman named Eva Schippers.

As Judith Cartwright, Founder and Managing Director of Black Coral Consulting and one of the conference organizers, shared with hertelier, the true highlight wasn’t found in a scientific study or a branded activation—it was Eva, who walked off stage with the kind of poise and presence most of us hope to carry into our 70s, let alone our 90s.

Eva interviewed by Judith Cartwright, founder and managing director, Black Coral Consulting

Judith interviewed Eva at the summit, and her story left the room inspired, energized, and just a little in awe.

Eva’s (Very Low-Tech) Secrets to Longevity:

• Never taken a pill. Ever.

• No supplements, no vitamins.

• Was on a swim team in her youth, but today? No yoga, no Pilates.

• A simple diet: brown bread with Nutella for breakfast, Schmalz (fat spread) for lunch, and bread with “something else” for dinner. Twice a week she treats herself to potatoes with crème fraîche.

• A social drinker—a glass of wine or champagne when with others.

• Volunteered in a retirement home until the age of 88.

• Worked well into her 80s.

• Only stopped riding her bicycle at 93.

• Had hip surgery three years ago and shrugged it off.

• Still lives independently and this year? She’s sailing on the Queen Mary from Southampton to NYC with her daughter Anja.

  
  

No cryotherapy. No wearables. No strict regimens or apps. Just joy, mobility, connection—and maybe a little Nutella.

A Human Reminder in a High-Tech World

Judith described how Eva captivated the room with her story and her presence, reminding everyone that while data might power the future, humans power the meaning.

“She reminded us all that vitality isn’t bought—it’s lived,” Judith said. “In a room full of industry experts, she was the wisdom.”

The summit made a bold case for the role of hospitality in supporting healthspan, not just lifespan—embedding wellness into every part of the guest experience, from sleep-optimized rooms to movement, recovery, nutrition, and design.

But Eva’s story brought it back to basics. Vitality isn’t a luxury add-on. It’s a mindset. A lifestyle. And sometimes, a loaf of bread.

“Forget ROI,” one hotelier was overheard saying after her talk. “We want R.O.E.—Return on Eva.”

Mark Your Calendars: FIBO's Longevity & Hospitality Summit 2026

Following the smashing success of its inaugural summit, the Longevity & Hospitality Summit will return in 2026, taking place during FIBO from April 16–19 at the Exhibition Centre Cologne. If you're in hospitality, wellness, or just curious about how to design for a longer, better life—you’ll want to be in the room.

Details on how to attend or get involved will be available via the FIBO website and through Judith at Black Coral Consulting.