Do you know anyone over 100 years old?

[Glitterbiscuits]

Thinking about David Attenborough today,( happy birthday to him! ) I have only ever met one person over 100 years old. She was a friend of my mother-in-law‘s. A lady who lived independently but in sheltered accommodation. She’d had an interesting life and lived around the world but had never married or had a family. She had one niece who I think was in Canada. My mother-in-law who was about 30 years younger got chatting her at a needlework exhibition and they stayed friends. She left my mother-in-law a large tapestry in her Will.
I think possibly there’s a photograph somewhere of my elder son who is now 26 as a baby with this lady as I remember thinking at the time it would be an interesting thing to have a baby and a 100 year old person in the same photograph. I feel like I should go and dig it out now.
That’s it, just the one. I’ve been trying to think if any of my friends are very elderly relatives but can’t come up with anyone.

My gran is 101. She lived through the Occupation in Jersey as a young woman. We are celebrating 81 years of Liberation Day tomorrow so I will pop in to wish her a Happy Liberation Day!

My grandmother lived to 107 and is featured in this edition of 'The Last Word' on Radio 4 talking about some of her memories. Around 12 and half minutes in - I would love people to listen if you have a spare 10 minutes. She was amazing and I miss her loads.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0010hpy

My mum reached 100. Nearly 101 but a winter cold and cough turned to pneumonia. Until then still mobile and very sharp mentally. Very healthy lifestyle with daily physical exercise, strict diet, lots of mental stimulation and engagement in social activities, always pushing herself to do more. (I don't have her determination and discipline.)
One of her sisters reached 101.
I've also been a professional carer for several 100+ year olds. Some very active, mentally alert.

My great aunt was 102 when she died. Although she was blind for her last few years, she was mentally very fit until the last week, when she just slept. She lived with her daughter for several years. Her daughter was over 70.

I’m not sure. My grandmother is coy about her age. I know she had to be very close to 100 if she has not gone over. She had my father young, but there are limits to how young it could have been and I don’t think it was anything like 12. If so, she has to be at least 97 and is probably 100.

my family is odd. I can’t ask anyone.

My ex-husband’s nan is 104 this year. Mentally still sharp but physically frail and has lived in a (very posh!) care home for the last 3 years or so. I think she’s genuinely had enough now though, and is very ready for “her next adventure” as she puts it

My husband's great aunt died a couple of years ago aged 103. I always loved that she chose to go out for a curry on her 99th birthday 😁.

Not currently, but can think of 4 or 5 people who did live to be over 100.

It is quite rare though - particularly to be so mentally sharp as Sir David Attenborough and also, it seems, he is lucky enough to be in such physical good shape too.

@Ponderingwindow ooh, that’s intriguing! There must be some paperwork somewhere? Or have you tried looking at birth records on line somewhere like Ancestry?

The patients in the 90s were in their hundreds. There was a dip 2000's which coincided with the second world war. We are now seeing patients who are back up to their hundreds again. The oldest patient I have seen was 106.

I don’t know my grandmother’s birth name, only her married name.

My family likes to give the appearance that they are refined people, but the reality is a soap opera.

i started to type out an explanation, but it’s so ridiculous no one would believe it. I’m actually starting to think the twists and turns might make a decent book. If only I could write characters.

My MIL died last year aged 104.5. She was fine up to three months prior, lived with her daughter. Amazing isn't it.

My grandmother is 101 and in fairly good shape, living at home and climbing the stairs. I used to be a carer and have looked after many people over 100, the oldest died on her 106th birthday.

This young man of 106 lives near me, still lives in his own house and catches the bus into town everyday, dressed in a shirt and tie. He’s a joy.
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-oldest-man-aged-106-33000980

My grandmother lived to almost 104. She had dementia and was virtually blind and deaf but could still appreciate a good hymn if played loud enough. Her youngest sister reached 100 as well. They were the youngest of 10, a lot of the older ones barely reached 60!

I've known a good number of centenarians through my work, all remarkable people. The most recent to celebrate her 100th became a minor local celebrity

No I haven't known anyone over 100. My great grandma lived to 97 in relatively good health. Sadly my wonderful grandad, her son, died only 5 years later in his late 60s.

My neighbour turned 100 last week! She had a big party (we couldn't go unfortunately)

My Nan will be 106 in July, still lives independently on her own

My Nan lived to 105 and was extremely well until nearly the end.

Not personally, but I did the funeral service for a man who was 101 last year, and only last month did the service for a lady who died just 2 weeks short of her 102nd birthday. We did the service on what would have been her birthday. 💖

I feel very privileged in my job.

My aunty is 100. She was still playing tennis in to her 80’s. Still lives alone. Uses a stick. She does have family to bring her shopping and take her out as I don’t think she can walk so far nowadays.

I remember my mate’s grandma standing doing washing up in the kitchen at 102 - wouldn’t let anyone help - and that was 45 years ago so nothing other than sheer grit. My mate said it wasn’t unusual among Jamaican women.

Not at the moment (as far as a I know), some in their nineties.

My husband's maternal grandmother lived to 103 and was a great character.

My grandad made it to 102 . He was doing pretty well up to 101, still able to walk albeit with a stick and v doddery.

Oh wow, I've never known anyone to be 100+ and assumed it was pretty rare. This thread says different! How interesting.

Someone at my athletics club was 100 last year. He no longer officiates (allegedly; I saw him at the track with a stopwatch last week) but still comes to club nights. He lives in his own but has local family. He's totally with it and very sprightly. Former runner.