"Still Driving a Convertible at 100: The One Phrase on Her Car That Sums Up Her Life"

Started Water Skiing in Her Mid-60s, Enjoyed the Sport Until 94
Teaching Sunday School for 50 Years and Volunteering Three Days a Week

"If it's not fun why do it?"
Sticker Displayed on the Back Bumper of Her Mustang

An American woman who still drives a white Ford Mustang convertible herself at the age of 100 is drawing attention. Having traveled all seven continents and visited over 75 countries, and having enjoyed water skiing until the age of 94, her life story has sparked interest in the secrets behind her longevity. On September 16, 2026, Yonhap News TV, citing the local newspaper Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC), featured the story of Barbara Haig, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia.

An American woman who still drives a white Ford Mustang convertible herself at the age of 100 is the topic of attention. Photo by AJC

Haig celebrated her 100th birthday on August 28. She wrapped up a week-long celebration, surrounded by family and acquaintances at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, which she has attended since 1960. Even at 100 years old, Haig's habits remain unchanged—she still gets behind the wheel of her white Ford Mustang convertible. However, conscious of her physical limits, she avoids driving at night and has reduced highway driving. Her family and friends regularly check in on her condition.

On the back of her Mustang, there is a bumper sticker with the phrase, "If it's not fun why do it?" According to AJC, this phrase encapsulates not recklessness, but her attitude of never fearing new experiences. In an interview with a local media outlet, she said, "I'm not afraid of driving, but I try to be careful," and added, "I just try to take good care of myself."

The only thing Haig enjoyed as much as driving was traveling. In her 40s, she began traveling extensively with a friend from her Sunday school. Initially, she traveled within the United States but gradually expanded abroad, eventually visiting all 50 U.S. states, all seven continents, and more than 75 countries. She often drove herself in foreign countries—once even driving on Australia's left-side-of-the-road system, which is opposite to that in America. Of all the places she has seen, she named Norway’s fjords as the most beautiful landscape. She remembered Russia and China as the most unique and impressive destinations and noted that she visited China shortly after Americans were first allowed to travel there.

Although her longtime travel companion passed away about 20 years ago—causing her trips to decrease—the adventures did not end. Even afterwards, she rode an elephant in Cambodia, visited Israel, and traveled to Antarctica. Her challenges were not limited to travel. Haig first learned how to water ski in her mid-60s and continued the sport until the age of 94. She only quit after her cardiologist advised against it following a heart valve replacement surgery.

On the back of his Mustang, there is a bumper sticker with the phrase "If it's not fun why do it?" Photo by AJC

There was no special secret to her 100 years of longevity. According to the AJC, Haig does not follow a particular diet. Instead, she continues to perform volunteer work supporting caregivers at her church three days a week and has been active as a Sunday school teacher for 50 years. Her approach to life is also simple. She said that she does not hold onto worries about things she cannot control. Haig stated, "I don't worry much," explaining that if something happens that she cannot change, she does not let herself dwell on it. Local media outlets evaluating her life—which, even at 100, includes driving, volunteering, and social activities—said that her attitude over a century has been to avoid fear but remain cautious, to not cling to things she cannot change, and to continue activities that bring her joy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.