Metro Vancouver centenarians share advice for younger generations
Posted September 23, 2023 11:45 am.
Last Updated September 23, 2023 11:56 am.
Centenarians from across Metro Vancouver shared advice to younger generations Friday as they were honoured at a party to celebrate their long lives.
To mark National Centenarians Day, Burnaby’s Dania Home Society invited 25 guests of honour over the age of 100 to roll down the red carpet and join in the festivities with staff and loved ones.
Party organizer Leslie Torresan says the honourees ranged in age from 100 to 103.
“This is their day to shine because they are so well deserving of this honour,” Torresan told CityNews. “Their eyes are so bright and filled with pride and that’s what we want. We want to give them that moment of recognition for lives well lived and their contribution to our country.”
The group celebrated with live music, food, and speeches, while family and friends shared anecdotes.
Centenarians from across Metro Vancouver shared advice to younger generations as they were honoured at a party in a Burnaby care home on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (Angela Bower, CityNews image)
“She’s a very happy person,” one family member said. “She eats a lot of vegetables,” said another.
Lee Hui’s daughter says her 100-year-old mother is very happy to have been able to go to the event.
Her family is “blessed, so blessed that we still have her with us,” she said.
Hui is turning 101 in October.
Lee Hui, left, is turning 101 in October, and was part of celebration in a Burnaby care home on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (Angela Bower, CityNews image)
101-year-old Albert Lindebach shared his secret to living such a long life.
“Everything in moderation,” he said. “If you’re going to have a drink, only have one. And if you smoke — well, just don’t.”
Anna Lardner, 103 years old, said, “Just take care of yourself.”
At the entrance to the event, Torresan displayed a letter from the Prime Minister. The Certificate of Congratulations for Centarians says, “Today offers a wonderful opportunity to listen to their stories and perspectives and learn from their wisdom and insight.”
Centenarians were honoured at a party in a Burnaby care home on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (Angela Bower, CityNews image)
The party showed that you are never too old to party, and having a sense of humour is timeless.
When asked what he did for fun, Lindenbach laughed.
“For fun?” he said. “I’m past that stage.”
