13 Schaumburg centenarians share their long-life advice

More than 1,300 years were celebrated, as Friendship Village of Schaumburg honored its 13 centenarian residents at the retirement community's 39th anniversary.

"It's becoming increasingly common for people to reach the age of 100 or more, and we have more than a dozen centenarian residents at Friendship Village," said Donna Brown, lifestyles manager. "What's wonderful is that many of them are completely independent and are active and engaged with their community, even as they have entered their triple digit ages. And they have great wisdom and experiences to share."

The most senior centenarian, at Friendship Village is 107-year-old Leota, who lives completely independently and is active at Friendship Village.

Leota said that she's seen many changes through her lifetime.

"Some were good, some not-so-good."

She attributes her longevity to "taking each day as it comes. I try not to worry about things and I stay away from stress."

Ruth, who is 101, said that the biggest change she's witnessed through her lifetime, has been in transportation.

"First we had the horse and buggy, followed by the streetcar, and then the trains and buses came along," she said.

Ruth believes her long and healthy life is the result of "hard work and plenty of fresh vegetables."

At 101, Catherine remains a fashionista, each day trying to match her shoelaces to the outfit she is wearing. She said that her positive attitude has kept her healthy.

"I don't complain and I tell myself to never be negative. It really seems to work."

One hundred-year-old Myron spoke of the irony of changing roles with his children.

"When my children were little they were a pure joy. As I aged, and they aged, they were still my joy but now they have become a true necessity to me. When they were young my wife and I took care of them and now they take care of me," he said. "What would I do without them? I've enjoyed a 'lucky life' and have been very blessed."

Myron attributes his longevity to a good diet and positive attitude.

"When I have a problem, I don't let it aggravate me, because then it becomes two problems - the problem itself and the aggravation. And finally, I've learned that nothing is perfect," he said.

"The centenarians at Friendship Village have such fascinating, rich experiences. We are so lucky that they share their wisdom and insight with us," said Brown.

Friendship Village is a retirement community offering a complete continuum of care including independent living garden homes and apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory support, skilled care, and short- and long-term rehabilitation services. For additional information visit www.FriendshipVillage.org

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