Ninety-nine years and counting: A centenarian’s reflections on happiness

As the number of elders reaching the remarkable milestone of one hundred years and beyond continues to rise, the age-old question arises: What is the secret to a long and fulfilling life? Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rosemary, a delightful lady I care for, who is nearing her one-hundredth birthday.

When I asked a question about her secret to longevity, she took a moment to reflect, a twinkle in her eye. With a warm smile that lit up her eyes and a playful giggle, she responded, “I don’t know the answer! I suppose only the good die young!”

Her voice was soft and teasing, carrying a hint of mischief as she let the words linger in the atmosphere.

Her lighthearted answer was a reminder of the joy and humour that often accompany a long life.

She closed her eyes, thought for a moment, and then looked me in the eye and said she believed in kindness, which had helped her maintain a good life, even with those who had not been kind in return. She expressed her belief in karma, which meant that unkind words or actions can come back to haunt you.

Rosemary shared stories of her idyllic childhood on her parent’s farm in Orange, where she and her three brothers enjoyed a carefree life filled with wholesome food. She confessed to a lifelong aversion to alcohol, sharing with a chuckle that a single sherry would leave her under the table, and two would render her unable to recount the tale.

I reckon everything in moderation, drinking lots of water and laughing a lot. These days, if I laugh too much, my bladder is not what it used to be. If you know what I mean, it can be a bit of a nuisance, trying to hide further uncontrollable chuckles.

Music is my safe place; when I am feeling sad, I shut my eyes and let my playlist transport me back in time. It’s a picturesque journey, from the nursery rhymes of my earliest memories to the teenage crushes that set my heart aflutter.

My first dance tune on my wedding day is there, along with a few laugh-out-loud surprises and a couple of my favourite hymns.

I am looking forward to next September and my 100th birthday! It is hard to believe I will be reaching such an old age. My family is organising a surprise party for loved ones and dear friends to celebrate this special day.

The thought of being surrounded by such warmth and joy makes me smile. Who knows, I may have another decade ahead of me to create more cherished memories!

Rosemary had hoped for a telegram from the late Queen Elizabeth, but now, she quipped, she would have to make do with one from King Charles.

My grandmother lived to be 101. Her secret was that she never stopped learning. She had a curious mind and a positive attitude; she always looked for the good in everyone. I will always be grateful for the time I shared with her, and the lessons she taught me will never be forgotten.