The Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut hosted its 29th Centenarian Celebration on May 6th at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven in Woodbridge. Thirty centenarians from 13 towns in the greater New Haven area were honored.
Among the 100 guests was State Department on Aging Commissioner Elizabeth Ritter, who welcomed the attendees, stating “in honoring all of you today, we are celebrating many lifetimes of energy and accomplishments.” She described some key characteristics of centenarians, including a positive but realistic attitude, a love of life and sense of humor, spirituality, courage, and an ability to accept the losses that come with age, but not be stopped by them.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro who attended with her mother, centenarian Luisa DeLauro, also greeted those attending the event, stating “our job is to say thank you for making it possible. It’s our turn because we stand on their shoulders. We owe them our love, our honor and our support.”
May is Older Americans Month and this year’s theme, Get into the Act, focuses in on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. The honored guests represent this theme well. These are men and women who have not stood on the sidelines, but have engaged life fully: writers, gardeners, cooks, foodies, readers, travelers, music-lovers, knitters, loyal friends and beloved great-grandparents are just a few of the descriptions of these amazing men and women. In one centenarian’s words, “happiness is held by staying in the day, as you have probably heard, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. Go for it!”