At 101 years old, I have just released my 9th book and here are my top 8 lessons for a fulfilling life.

Our culture often holds the misconception that life ends when a certain age is reached. However, as someone who has experienced the golden years, I can attest to the fact that they can be the most fulfilling years of one's life.

I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1922, during the era of Prohibition. My father, a bootlegger, was killed in a turf war with the mafia when I was only two years old, which required me to have a certain amount of courage to face the challenges of my life.

After getting married at age 19, I moved from my mother's home to my husband's. Two and a half decades later, I left that unhappy marriage and embraced independence.

In my 40s, I discovered the joy of self-support and self-expression through writing for newspapers. Later, after remarrying, I was able to pursue my passion for writing novels full time.

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As a 101-year-old in Austin, I am living the kind of life I feel fortunate to have. I still do things I love, such as publishing my ninth book earlier this year, spending time with people I love, and reading. Although this life is quieter than the one I had as a younger woman, these years have been good ones. I wish more people my age knew that.

Eight lessons that have helped me live a long, happy life are:

1. Don't ever believe you're 'done'

While some cultural beliefs are valid, many are incorrect. Individuals often surrender their lives prematurely.

If we allow cultural teachings to shape our sense of self as being alone, sad, and useless in our later years, we risk internalizing these beliefs, which can be detrimental.

It may take a lifetime to discover the hidden talents and abilities that people possess.

2. Talk to friends of all ages

My friends are a wonderful source of wisdom, energy and authenticity.

I have friends who are two and three generations younger than me. Through our interactions, I believe we have both learned from one another. Each decade brings with it new lessons.

Although there is a significant difference between being 30 or 40 and being 90 or 100, when we unite, it can be amazing because we can all learn from one another. It provides us with a fresh perspective on things.

Our conversations are usually thrilling when we're with friends.

3. Let little things make your day

The small pleasures, not the summit, bring us joy.

While our culture emphasizes that success requires a significant effort and substantial rewards, this approach is not always effective. I'm not sure if the mountaintop exists, but small pleasures can be just as fulfilling and powerful.

To be authentic and discover the things that bring us joy, we must first understand ourselves. For me, reading is one source of happiness, while being with loved ones is another. This can take the form of a phone call, a visit, an idea or worry shared.

4. Have the courage to be authentic

For me, courage is the most important trait. It requires bravery to confront oneself honestly, understand oneself deeply, and express oneself truthfully.

Authenticity, such as disagreeing with someone, strengthens difficult relationships and provides energy, confidence, and self-understanding in the long run.

Discovering authenticity requires effort, but it's worth the effort.

5. Do things you love

Writing makes me feel different. It makes me feel better, happier, more centered, and more confident. Other writers I know experience the same. There's something magical about creative work, but it's not magic; it's an expression of the human soul.

Engaging in creative activities that you enjoy brings you pleasure, which is linked to aspects of yourself that are not always accessible or conscious.

Discovering oneself and being true to oneself can be achieved through various means, such as writing, painting, or dancing. Sometimes, revisiting one's own work can bring about a sense of satisfaction and reveal insights into the unconscious mind, where true creativity lies.

6. Move your body, rest your mind

For seven years, I have been working out with a trainer twice a week. Despite being 101 years old, I am strong and can lift 10-pound weights while standing up from a chair with the weights. I am proud of my accomplishment.

Someone in the hospital told me that my exercising likely saved my life when I had pneumonia. Therefore, it is not just a good idea, but it is crucial.

In order to rejuvenate, the brain requires a lot of rest.

7. Don't get stuck in negativity

Negative thinking is common, and it's a killer.

Some individuals are naturally optimistic, while others tend to have a negative outlook on life. I believe that our innate disposition towards optimism or pessimism is determined by our birth. Despite facing challenging circumstances, pessimists may ask, "Why me?" In contrast, I would respond, "Why not?"

While it is challenging to overcome negative thinking, we must strive to recognize the positive and approach the future with optimism.

8. Do what you know you need to do

I've often been asked, "What's your secret?" I don't have one.

A happy life can be achieved through exercise, a good diet, a healthy relationship, self-understanding, and a fulfilling career.

The issue lies in the disparity between what we understand and what we act upon. This conundrum is more perplexing than I can articulate.

This as-told-to interview has been edited.

At 101 years old, Babette Hughes, a writer from Cleveland, Ohio, recently published her ninth book, "Lessons in Evil." Despite previously publishing a memoir titled "Lost and Found," she didn't release her first novel, "The Hat," until 2015. Currently residing in Austin.

Stav Ziv is a contributors editor at CNBC Make It.

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