Did you know that the numbers of people reaching their
centenary have increased by 73% over the decade to 2012? And they are still
increasing. In terms of actual numbers, there were 7,740 centenarians living in
2002, but by 2012 there were 13,350.
So, how many of us will reach the grand old age of 100?
Well, I have just returned from Bristol where my mother celebrated her 100th
birthday.
Born in 1914 just before the start of the First World War,
and married just before the start of the Second World War, she has seen many
changes during her lifetime. She has lived in an era of greater simplicity
which was more labour-intensive, and with fewer modern appliances than there
are now – no washing machines, dishwashers, TV, computers and much more. In her
earlier years laundry was done in the sink, the clothes were boiled in boilers
situated in an outhouse, she used scrubbing boards and wringers, and although
domestic refrigerators were invented in 1913, they were an unknown luxury in
her day. She was always fascinated by gadgets, but the ones she bought were
simpler, like the battery operated fan she used when the weather was hot. She
now lives in the electronic age with more labour saving devices and gadgets
than were previously available. Her younger self would have been amazed.
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| Family photograph |
The party was a gathering of children, grandchildren,
great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and several five generation
photographs were taken, my own family included. Oh, and she danced at her own
party.
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| Enjoying a dance |
My hope is that the genes I share with her include the long
life ones particularly as she is still reasonably fit and able for her age. She
lives independently, cooks, does her own laundry, and gets about the house
without the help of walking aids, although she occasionally uses a walking
stick. Admittedly she takes a shopping trolley with wheels for support when she
goes outside, and her hearing is not quite so sharp, but otherwise she has all
her mental faculties.
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| Five generations of my family |
I wonder if I will get a birthday card from the Queen?
Here’s hoping.
Chris Longmuir
3 comments:
Congratulations to your mum on reaching this milestone! Hmm... she's a lover of gadgets, me thinks that's where your fascination with building computers and having your other electronic goodies comes from.
Maybe, but my gadgets are a lot more expensive than hers!
What lovely photos, Chris, and your mum looks wonderful!
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