Carolina Stansal of Kelowna flips through a binder full of well wishes for her 100th birthday. One birthday greeting is from the B.C. government, another comes from the Queen.
Stansal turned 100 on January 1. She is one of a growing number of Canadians now reaching the 100 year milestone.
The 2011 census says the number of people over 100 years old is on the rise. The census counted 5,825 people aged 100 years and older. The number is a 25% increase from the 2006 census, making centenarians the second fastest growing demographic in the entire country.
Stansal tells CHBC News that times were simpler when she was young.
“I lived when there was no food. We just had a little bit of milk and a piece of bread,” she said.
She adds the key to a long life is keeping busy, having regular meals and taking naps when you feel tired.
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Statistics Canada says there are 55 people in Kelowna who are at least 100 years old. It is a number that some experts believe will only get bigger as the years pass.
“I foresee it increasing in the future. It seems like residents are living to a longer age,” said Carolyn Monz, marketing manager for Baptist Housing.
Pearl Lynn of Kelowna just turned 100 years old one month ago.
When asked whether she ever expected to turn 100, Lynn says she never even considered the possibility.
The census shows that women outnumber men five to one after passing the 100 year market, a fact that Lynn says isn’t surprising.
“Women are more interested in daily living. They don’t worry about how old you are, how old you are not. I think they just carry on. Whereas men i think sometimes they worry too much. They say it’s women that worry but i say it’s the men who worry too much,” Lynn said.
Ultimately the centenarians say their secrets to life are quite simple.
“You just have to do the best you can each day and carry on,” Lynn said.
“Always do unto people as you would want them to do unto you,” Stansal said.
Statistics Canada reports that the number of centenarians could reach more than 17,000 by 2031 and close to 80,000 by 2061.
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