Imagine growing up without electricity for the first decade of your life!

Some joyful people we met told us their story of life as they turned 100. They remember how they got their first television set and even their childhoods on Southern plantations where their family managed for white families. These individuals have lived over a century, and they are excited to share the joy that captures their longevity.

What a life they’ve lived!

They are a part of the Greatest Generation, and they passed two pandemics, lived through the Great Depression, and made it through the Great Recession as well. They were here to witness how technology advances and see unimaginable things for the era they were born in.

According to the Pew Research Center, today we have more centenarians than ever before in history. They reflect on their journey with humility, considering themselves blessed and grateful for every breath they take.

In 2015, there were half a million people aged 100 and older across the globe—four times the number from 1990—and by 2050, it is expected to jump to 3.7 million.

The latest Social Security data from Pennsylvania revealed around 5,900 centenarians in the state. This is only a tiny fraction of the 13 million residents, but it’s more than doubled since 2010. Geriatricians note that people are reaching easily 100 in the post-industrial world, and more of them are even living to 110 (called supercentenarians).

Such a milestone is worth celebrating, but reaching 100 comes with its challenges. One of the “rewards” is, unfortunately, losing loved ones, spouses, relatives, and friends. In this context, geriatricians are saying that the key is to avoid isolation and always be open to new things and new skills to learn, even if it’s using a computer, a smartphone, or an iPad.

Geriatricians are pointing out the advancements made in medicine, such as less invasive surgeries, vaccines, and other factors that help more seniors live longer. Another key reason is nutrition, plays a big role.

The memory stays vivid and sharp for most older adults, but, according to specialists, it’s easier for them to remember things that happened years ago than recalling recent events. This is because those memories are deeply ingrained, and it’s easier to recall than the new information becoming harder for the brain to hold onto.

Longevity is linked to family genetics, specialists note, but it’s more than this. It’s important to handle stress in an easy manner and “roll with the punches.” Those who adapt the best to tough times are known for their longevity. Blowing out 100 candles is more than celebrating a number, but celebrating amazing stories and experiences.

These centenarians are sharing their lives full of humor, wisdom, and vibrant history.

We have a World War II veteran.

Vito, at 100 years old, keeps his lawn in perfect condition, always insisting on mowing and trimming it by himself, even from a wheelchair. How does he do this? He uses a riding mower, sporting a T-shirt embroidered with Father Mows Best, highlighting with humor the spirit of someone who’s not ready to slow down.

He’s known in the neighborhood as the handyman, helping everybody to fix everything. He celebrated his milestone with his friends and family at Boyce Park.

He arrived in the US as a child from Italy; he battled scarlet fever, recovered, graduated from Penn Hills High School, and met the love of his life, with whom he’s been married for 65 years. They raised two children, and he watched his granddaughter grow up into a beautiful young lady.

Vito talks about how its family owned the first TV in their neighborhood and everybody used to come at their house.

Our brave man confesses that he became a technical sergeant in the Army on Dec. 28, 1942, and survived a torpedo attack on a convoy mission in the Philippines while tearing up thinking about the young men who didn’t survive the attack back then. He said that his hardworking spirit never faded, and after returning from war, he operated cranes at Gasgia Slag Cp and worked as a diesel mechanic for Mushroom Transportation on Neville Island.

Another crucial moment he experienced was when he lost his wife, and he took his time to reflect on their life together.

He’s filling his free time with playing the guitar, saxophone, and harmonica while enjoying Coca-Cola and chocolate. He claims his longevity comes from good genes, as both his parents lived up to their 90s. He marvels at his own survival, especially recalling the 50-50 chance to live he was given when he had scarlet fever as a child, and here he is.

“When you’re born, you’re dealt a hand of cards. What’s kept me going all these years? I couldn’t tell you.”

Lena, another full of energy 100 years old, invited us to join her for a polka

She’s an amazing, vivid person, working three days a week at McDonalds in North Huntingdon, where she cleans tables and washes windows with joy. She loves working there and told us that during the pandemic,  she was sad to stay in an empty dining room while customers were kept away from dining in.

McDonald’s threw a special celebration for her 100th anniversary, honoring her 25 years of service. As for her turning 100, she doesn’t think this is a big deal. “I’m just plain Lennie.”

Her daughter-in-law describes Lena as truly one of a kind. Born to an Italian immigrant parent in North Huntingdon, she got to live rich experiences. Both her brothers served in the military, and she met her husband at a square dance. She has been a widow since 1972, and he has two children, five grandchildren, as well as five great-grandchildren.

She holds a valid driver’s license, but she doesn’t drive much these days because she likes to keep things simple. This was her approach to life: she never smoked or drank, but she has a weakness for chocolate (and for any type of soup).

Lena believes that love is the most important thing in life, and she says longevity runs in her family too. She appreciates the little things in life, and her colleagues confess she’s always singing “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,” as well as declaring that we need more Lennies on Earth.

Elijah

With faith and a guiding light, he navigated life’s challenges. Elijah shared his memories in a soft-spoken manner, talking about growing up on a plantation in South Carolina. His father was in charge here, and he recalls how white men were visiting his father late at night, seeking help discretely.

He tells his story about his family and how they were handling life on the plantation, pointing out that he didn’t understand the specific challenges, but they were treated well.

Both Elijah and his brother joined the Navy during World War II, serving on the USS Parrott in 1943 and USS Ellis in 1944.

After the war, he moved to Pittsburgh, where he worked in a steel mill, later securing a job as a vehicle operator with the Veterans Administration. Elijah celebrated his 100th birthday with a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” cake, and a virtual party his son organized, including family and friends. He believes that “life is about doing the right things and treating people the way you want to be treated”.

You can check this book out: How to Thrive After 55: Unlock Ageless Vitality with 7 Proven Habits for Energy, Longevity, and Health

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