Has anyone got a sprightly centenarian in their family?

[hawleybits]

I came across a piece about a local woman who was born in 1798 and had lived to be 100. Two of her daughters had also made it to 100. What a feat for those times. I find it fascinating that anyone could live so long without the healthcare we have today.
It got me thinking about what it takes to reach a grand old age without any serious health problems. Is it genetics, is it lifestyle?
Have any of you got really elderly relatives who are still living independently and enjoying life? I have an aunt who is 81 and she is truly amazing. I hope I have a little bit of her in me.

My grandma has just turned 99. She only moved into a home about 18 months ago. Up until that point she was living independently (albeit with a Gardner and a cleaner and obviously family visiting) in the 3 story house she’s lived in for 60+ years. She was playing tennis and table tennis into her 80’s and although she is more than a little forgetful these days she will still win at scrabble and finish the crossword before you. No particular health conditions other than generally being old!
My other grandma is also 99 but has been in a home for years now and is definitely in more ill health. It would be amazing if they both get to 100 though!!

My lovely grandmother is no longer with us, sadly. She lived to 98, and was spritely and fit until she was 95 when her health began to fail. She used to love fell walking, and could walk the legs off me, sixty-odd years her junior. She liked to help out at the local day centre for old folks, many of whom were twenty years younger than her. She was wonderful and I still miss her terribly. I'm glad my children got to know her and remember her too.