My Elderly Space

Ann Nixon Cooper sometimes refers to Barack Obama as "that young man". After all, she is 106 years old.

In his victory speech, Obama had a special place for Cooper: "But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing -- Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

"She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

"And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can."

On the basketball court, it's not uncommon to hear "trash talking" that include labels like "grandpa". But in Ken Mink's case, he's actually old enough to be a grandpa. It's been 52 years since the 73-year-old has played in a college basketball game, but he's still got a few moves.

He played about 10 minutes, scoring two points on free throws, in Roane State's 93-42 victory over King College's junior varsity Monday night. "I just floated the shots in there. I'm in the books now. I can relax a little bit," he said after the game.

Labels: sports

"I’ve just never been interested in or fancied having sex," says Clara Meadmore, who turned 105 last week, "I imagine there’s a lot of hassle involved." She reckons it may be the secret to her long life.

Born in Glasgow in 1903, she emigrated to Egypt, Canada, New Zealand and later back to Britain during her twenties. During WWII, she served in Egypt with the Women's Royal Army Corps. After the war she worked as a housekeeper and although receiving several offers of marriage, she turned them all down.

Clara added, "I’ve always been too busy doing other things. People have asked if I’m a homosexual — the answer is no."

Josie Harvey, 72, a close friend of Clara says "Maybe never having a man to get under her feet has kept Clara young. She has her hobbies and her friends and those are all she needs."

You folks remember Leo Hildebrand, he's the Cubs fan we wrote about last month. After making his wish to toss the first pitch for the Cubs known, he was finally granted the wish this Saturday at Wrigley Field. The Cubs provided tickets and a pre-game session on the field for Hildebrand and his family, but the didn't tell them of the ultimate honour until just before the game started. Congrats Leo!

The world's oldest man, Tomoji Tanabe, celebrated his 113th birthday today. He was presented with a bouquet by the mayor of his home town Miyakonojo.

He lives with his one of this eight children and his daughter-in-law. He gets up at 5.30am to read newspapers before breakfast, never misses his three meals a day and has a glass of milk in the afternoon, he told local reporters.

The attributes his longevity to "no drinking or smoking", Tanabe said.

"I don't want to die yet," he continues, "I want to live another 10 years." I guess he still has a lot he wants to do!

Lin Chen has been with her new groom Chen Chin-yin since 1944, after losing her husband in the war. But still, they never married because they saw no need to, one grandson said. Over the next six decades, the two raised 9 children together. It was not until two years ago that this story came to light to their family. When this happened, the grandchildren sought to have their grandparents legally married.

Chen, now a 102-year-old grandfather, was asked if he thought his new bride was especially beautiful today. "She is beautiful every day," he replied. At a traditional wedding ceremony, in the presence of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, he put a gold ring on her finger.

Lin, the 92-year-old bride said she was being played with by her grandchildren. Despite a strong typhoon hitting Taiwan, she had no qualms about holding the ceremony as planned. "Marriage is like the typhoon weather, with wind and rain. People can get through it as long as they are of one heart," she said.

Labels: wedding

Here's a fun video of Ed Rondthaler explaining the oddities of English spelling. Now at 103 years old, he's the former president of the American Literacy Council (just one of his many achievements.)

Sometime ago he was interviewed by CNN. Mr. Rondthaler credits his long and healthy life to clean living, good genes, and regular cold showers. "When my brother in 1918 came home from the army, he said, 'Ed, whenever you take a hot shower, end it with an ice cold one and count to 100. When your older brother tells you to do something, you do it," he said.

Watch Now

Labels: education

At 100 years old, Jim Christou is Britain's oldest bartender. "I'll keep going for as long as I can. I love chatting and serving the customers, the club is a second home to me," says Mr. Christou.

Labels: work

Ivy Todd started going to the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in Vancouver since she was 15. That's 85 years! Still a youngster at heart, her favourite activities include a shopping spree through the Marketplace, watching the Super Dogs canine show, and chowing down a foot-long hot dog.

We wish Ivy a happy 100th birthday on August 31st!

Read her fair adventures here.

Betty Lowe, who has spent her life volunteering, celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family today. The active centenarian has been involved with the Girl Guides ever since she joined at the age of 11.

"I've been in the guides since I was 11. I was very interested in it and I used to go camping and walking. I was a bit of an outdoor girl when I was younger," says Betty.

Miss Lowe never married but her nephew Peter Lowe says she spends lots of time with the family. "She has a massive circle of friends and we all think she is marvellous. I think she loves being active. She doesn't like sitting around doing nothing."