Keeping active, eating clean or divine intervention – there have been plenty of stories on people reaching the grand age of 100 and revealing the secrets to longevity.
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But this is not the case for Cowra resident Elaine Clements, who turned 103 on Friday.
When asked what her secret to a long life was, it was clear Elaine’s sense of humour has not slowed down.
“You better ask the 104 year old,” she said, referring to fellow Cowra Retirement Village resident Joan Gay.
“No secrets, it just happens.”
Elaine was joined by family, friends, residents and staff from Cowra Retirement Village at Bilyara on Friday morning to celebrate the milestone.
Bilyara’s Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator Vanessa Warren said she admired Elaine.
“We’re celebrating with a birthday cake, we’ve got a room full of flowers and a special present to Elaine is giant Ted the Bear,” she said.
“She’s a bookworm, she loves reading, she loves listening to the wireless, she’s a wealth of information.
“She will say to me sometimes, ‘don’t people look around outside? Look at all the miracles outside like the trees and the birds’, so she values the little things.”
Special guests on the day included Elaine’s son Allan Clements, his wife Kathy, Kathy’s mum Barbara Feltham and Cowra Councillor Ray Walsh.
Elaine’s daughter Anne is in Canada.
There were plenty of well wishes on the day, with Cr Walsh wishing Elaine a happy birthday on behalf of Cowra Council.
“It’s a wonderful occasion when someone reaches a milestone such as this,” he said.
“On behalf of the Mayor and Cowra Shire Council, I just want to wish Elaine Clements every happiness for the day.”
Joan Gay also made a speech at the morning tea, saying Elaine was one of her oldest friends at Bilyara.
“Happy birthday Elaine, wonderful to see you here and look so well,” she said.
“It is our home and we are very lucky to be here and well looked after.”
Elaine thanked everyone for their kind words.
“Thank you all for the good wishes, cake and morning tea.”