Family is the key to a long life, say five supercentenarians from around Australia

The Senior was introduced to five wonderful women each celebrating their longevity, ranging from 109 down to the 'baby' at 100.

Known as 'super-agers' or 'supercentenarians', they listed a range of influences on their longevity but all stressed family as the most important thing in their lives while social engagement and mental attitude were also high on the list.

Science says that diet, exercise, and genes all play a role in determining how long people will live. Those who have lived to blow out 100 candles, however, say they've used other strategies for achieving their old age.

Whatever it is, here are some longevity tips from five supercentenarians around Australia.

South Australia's oldest person, Catherina van der Linden, celebrated her 109th birthday the only way she knows how - by pumping iron at the gym.

Every Friday morning, Catherina attends ACH Group's Health Studio 50+ at Glenelg, showing up people decades younger than her.

Under the guidance of health professionals, she has a strength-based program where she uses HUR gym equipment, state-of-the art equipment designed especially for older bodies and rehabilitation, to strengthen upper body, legs and core.

Cardio exercise is also included for the mother of four, grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of 14.

"I think movement is something that is necessary to live a healthy life and is important for every person to do," she said.

ACH Group fitness leader Scott Attwood said Catherina inspires other members of the gym class.

"She is a great role model and encourages others to work out and keep fit," he said.

"Catherina realises it is important to keep moving and keep up her strength; it's very rare for her to miss a class.

"ACH Group are strong believers that good health is a foundation of a good life. We are very proud to have a space where older South Australians, like Catherina, can continue to be active and create friendships while they are in the health studio."

Exercise has always formed part of Catherina's life.

Born in Holland in 1912, she came to Australia with her family in the 1950s.

"Family is for me, everything," she said.

Catherina celebrated her birthday with family gatherings and a party with fellow gym class members.

"Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for your friendship," she said. "I wish everyone to be very happy and healthy."

At 106, Betty Kerr is proof that one is never too old to back a winner on or off the racetrack.

The mother of two, grandmother of three, great-grandmother of five and keen punter celebrated her milestone birthday at BlueCross Box Hill aged care residence, which has been her home since March 2021.

Before that, Betty has been living independently on her own, leading an active life which included supervised workouts at the local gym.

At 106, she is among the oldest centenarians in the country, and could well be the oldest resident in Box Hill.

While COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria prevented her from having a big party for her birthday, Betty was not the least bit perturbed.

"We're living in a very different world these days. I stay safe by keeping away from the crowd so I'm happy not to have any big parties," Betty said.

Her family and staff at her aged care residence, however, were not about to let Betty's big day go without a bang.

Her daughter Sue sent out an appeal on social media for people to send birthday cards to her mum who received over 100 cards from kind-hearted strangers and is still counting. In a similar appeal last year, Betty received 501 birthday cards.

"Marketing is my business and I just put what I know into good use," Sue said.

Staff at BlueCross Box Hill had some exciting plans up their sleeves too for their oldest resident.

The lifestyle, catering and care teams all rallied together to create a memorable birthday for Betty from sun-up. Staff had the whole dining and lounge areas decorated with balloons, signs and banners, and also hosted an afternoon tea party for Betty with other residents.

Betty was delighted with the attention and pampering from everyone.

"I was flattered that everyone is thinking about me," she said.

Sue was equally impressed.

"What a fantastic display of care from all the staff members. The venue looks beautifully decorated and everyone is as happy as Mum."

Born in 1915, Betty grew up in Sydney next to the Royal Randwick Racecourse which had had a profound influence on her. She loves horses and not just riding them in her younger days but also betting on them. She still enjoys a punt now and then and will happily share with staff the horses she is backing on the day.

The spunky centenarian also flew gliders and served in the Air Force during World War II. She retired from military service when she started a family.

Betty now enjoys her day chatting with other residents and joining in the many leisure and lifestyle activities at the home, particularly Bingo which is her favourite.

For someone who has celebrated her birthday more than a hundred times, Betty said she didn't feel any different this year or has any special birthday wish.

"I've enjoyed my life and I'm having a good time. I've never regretted anything," Betty said.

"I think I've done everything I ever wanted to do. I've seen everything, travelled the world, climbed mountains, flown planes and paraglided," she said.

"I haven't got anything to wish for because I have everything I need. Instead, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas ahead and a happy New Year."

The Olympic Games have always held a special place in Sarah Esplin's heart so her 105th birthday celebrations were almost bigger than the event being held in Tokyo at the same time.

Sarah, who is a resident at Uniting Farmborough aged care home in Unanderra, said the key to having lived a happy and contented life was not worrying about the things you can't control.

She has led a full life and shared her secrets to longevity.

"Always remember to be kind to yourself and others too and that will give you a great sense of satisfaction," Sarah said.

"I always try and be helpful to others in everything that I do, I try to put a smile on someone's face."

Sarah was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1916, to Richard and Edith and grew up with six siblings.

Sarah began her life of dedication to helping others very early on, spending many of her formative years serving in the armed forces during World War II.

She often helped out in The Officers' Mess where she would eventually meet her future husband, Cliff.

They had three daughters and lived in the seaside village of Redcar in England for many years before they migrated to Australia in 1964, settling in Wollongong.

When Cliff died at the age of 61, Sarah began volunteering with Legacy, a charity supporting the partners and children of war veterans.

A highlight of her time with Legacy, was the opportunity to hold the Olympic torch during the relay for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

"It was so thrilling and such an emotional experience to be able to be part of the tour when one of the other Legacy volunteers ran with the torch," Sarah said.

Sarah moved into Uniting Farmborough residential aged care home in 2013 and continues to bring lots of cheer and smiles to her fellow residents and staff.

She continued her connection to the Olympics recently when she participated in the Uniting Farmborough Olympics, a themed activity organised by staff at the home, to coincide with the games in Tokyo.

"I have always enjoyed being active and the Olympics has held a special place in my heart, so I put in my best effort and even won a few medals!" said Sarah.

Uniting Farmborough staff and residents held an afternoon tea for Sarah.

The key to a long and health life is to live it well, says Jill Davis who has just celebrated her 105th birthday,

That's a true milestone within itself, but what makes this even more of a phenomenal accomplishment is the fact that Jill is still living in her own home, safely and independently.

Jill is a Home Care client with Southern Cross Care (WA) Inc.

Her granddaughter Sarah said Jill's secret to a long and healthy life was to live it well.

"I believe the secret to a long life, good health and independence is eating well, which I have done my entire life. I have even followed a raw based diet for a period," Jill said.

Jill is a long-standing Southern Plus client. She receives daily services with domestic assistance, alongside visits to our Tony Quinlan Respite Centre weekly.

Jill spent years growing up in both the country and at the beach, keeping active in both areas.

The fresh air and active lifestyle are her keys to living a wholesome life that now empowers her to live independently, enjoying the finer things at 105.

She spent most of her time as a homemaker, caring for those most important to her. Jill's caring nature still shines bright today.

When celebrating her birthday with friends she was gifted some chocolates, which were very quickly tipped out for everyone else to enjoy so she is still looking out for everyone else to this day.

The team at Southern Plus celebrated Jill's 105th birthday with her at Tony Quinlan Respite Centre.

As Jill is an avid dog lover and absolutely adores the centre's resident pup Clover, there was no better place to celebrate with the Southern Plus team.

Clover is based at Tony Quinlan every weekday to provide support and friendship to our clients, just as she does for Jill each week.

Following the celebrations with the Southern Plus team and friends, Jill spent her birthday eating her favourite food with her family.

Family is the key to a long life, says Ida Gomes as she celebrated her 100th birthday In Melbourne.

Ida is living at home healthy and happy with the support of her son, Dominic and his wife Christine.

She also receives a Home Care Package for in-home care services which are provided by the Home Instead office in Melbourne's Outer East.

Maree Berchtenbreiter, her Home Instead CAREGiver, has been caring for her in her home three times a week for the last two years and said Ida is a joy to be around.

"Ida is the most thoughtful person. On her 99th birthday last year she gave me a present! She believes that giving presents is much more rewarding than receiving them. We adore her," Maree said.

Ida was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and immigrated to Australia in 1988. With no regrets in her life, Ida's most beloved memories of her 100 years are that of her family.

With seven great-grandchildren, two born earlier this year, and six grandchildren, Ida cherishes the time she gets to spend with them and believes that family is the real meaning of life.

Ida believes that being able to be cared for at home has helped her spend more time with her family and she has been blessed to meet the CAREGivers who have looked after her and spent time with her.

To celebrate her 100th birthday, Home Instead are planning to make their regular visit an extra special one when they visit Ida on the day of her 100th Birthday, and her son Dominic is organising letters from the Queen, with Ida receiving a letter from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the State Premier Daniel Andrews.

Ida's advice to those wanting to make it to 100 is always boil water before drinking to avoid contamination, do the right thing and ensure you eat a healthy diet and avoid unhealthy food as much as possible.