Solano County centenarians to be honored at 5th annual commemoration on Oct. 4

Lessons from centenarians is "the older you get, the healthier you've been"

August 26, 2011

This year marks the fifth year the Board of Supervisors, in conjunction with the Senior Coalition of Solano County, will pay tribute to Solano County centenarians.

A reception in their honor will be held at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

“It’s an honor to hear the stories of these amazing centenarians.  They give us a unique perspective on history and how to approach life,” said Supervisor John Vasquez.

If you know of a centenarian, contact Rochelle Sherlock, Coordinator of the Senior Coalition, at 864-3984 or [email protected].  Names are requested even if the centenarian is unable to attend the ceremony.

Over the past five years, the Senior Coalition of Solano County has interviewed more than 60 centenarians and their families. They have represented different walks of life, levels of education, socio-economic backgrounds and experiences.  And when asked the obvious question of “What is your secret to longevity?” their answers were equally varied. “I eat lots of fruits and vegetables.” “I exercise.” “I always stayed active.” “Hard work.” “I am surrounded by people I love and who love me.” “My belief in God.” “My sense of humor.” “Good genes.”  Some of their answers were more humorous: “My nightly cocktail.” “Chasing men (women).” and “Orneriness.”

In her interviews of Solano centenarians, Sherlock has discovered there is no single formula for a long life.  Researchers have drawn similar conclusions.  While there appears to be a genetic correlation, it is not the only factor contributing to people reaching the age of 100 or more.  The New England Study on centenarians concluded that “the older you get, the healthier you’ve been.”

The one consistent variable among centenarians is that they have markedly delayed disability and disease until much later in life, as compared to their peers. In doing so, they are a model of aging well.

“Active centenarians are a particular testament to aging well. Several of them still live independently and engage fully in life,” Sherlock said.

Many protective factors affect good health, with genetics, a healthy diet and regular exercise all contributing. Researchers have also found that a positive attitude and positive emotions significantly reduce the risk of disability and mortality.  People who have higher, more frequent, positive emotions (and attitudes) are more likely to engage in social relationships, cope successfully with stressful events, reduce the onset of frailty, feel in control of their lives, and live longer.

“A positive outlook on life, seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty, and maintaining an open, kind, compassionate and loving heart, all play a part in gaining a century of memories,” Sherlock said. “Our experience with centenarians in Solano County attests to the benefit of a positive outlook.”

Take the story of Ethel Jones, a 102-year-old African-American woman from Vallejo.  She was born and raised in a poor rural community in the segregated south.  The small home did not have running water or other modern conveniences. Ethel was never given the opportunities for education and worked hard as a laborer. 

“Somehow this remarkable woman managed to be grateful for all that she had been given. She did not resent or distrust others, nor did she become embittered by her circumstances. Rather, she lived in appreciation and cultivated a heart of loving and kindness,” Sherlock said.

Ethel’s countenance radiated with joy and she whole-heartedly embraced others.  She loved to sing and volunteered into her 90s at the senior center in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco.

“I was immediately struck by how open and kind Ethel was when I first met her. I felt as if I had met an angel on this earth,” Sherlock said.  “Ethel can teach us far more than how to add years to our lives. She exemplifies how to add life to our years.”