The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) will honor Montana Centenarians Tuesday, September 12 at noon in Glendive at the Eastern Plains Event Center.
The luncheon is part of the 49th annual Governor’s Conference on Aging. Lt. Governor Mike Cooney will serve as the event’s keynote speaker.
“I have so much respect and admiration for our Montana Centenarians who live life to the fullest each and every day,” Cooney said. “These individuals are wonderful representatives of our state, and set an excellent example for all of us to follow.”
Approximately four Montana Centenarians from several eastern Montana communities plan to attend the event. A total of 9 Centenarians were honored September 7 in Kalispell.
These are Montanans who will turn age 100 or older as of December 31, 2017.
DPHHS recently asked Montana Centenarians their secret to longevity, the most amazing event in their life, a favorite quote and various other insights into their lives.
Here are a few of the responses of those planning to attend the Glendive luncheon:
Roselyn Lueck, age 100, Sidney. She was born and raised in North Dakota and moved to the Fairview area with her husband Ewald where they ranched. They were married 62 years. She loved living in the country raising her daughters and driving tractor. She loves spending time with her grandchildren. In regards to her secret to longevity, Lueck adds, “I don’t know if there are any secrets, I’ve just been very fortunate.”
Irene Moore, age 101, Culbertson. She was born in South Dakota and came to Froid with her parents to visit her brother. She states that the most amazing events in her life were meeting her husband and raising their two sons. Irene states that she has no secret to longevity. She does add though, “just eat good and get plenty of rest.” She will turn 102 in December.
Emma Schaubel, 100 years old, Miles City. Schaubel was born in a homestead cabin in Huntley Project and worked her way through Eastern Montana University by working at the public library. She earned a two-year teaching certificate and taught in the rural schools near Billings, and later earned a four-year degree. During this time, she married and followed her husband from base to base. They eventually came back to Montana and he was eventually transferred to Miles City through his work. For 21 years, she continued to teach school in Miles City. Emma was able to travel to many countries. Even after retirement she continued to teach, organized an exercise class, a folkdance group for seniors and took her program to rest homes, schools, the senior center and the Bucking Horse Parade dance on a float. In 1987 she was Homemaker Volunteer of the Year. Her secret to longevity: Most likely keeping busy teaching others.
Frances Logan Sunwall, age 100, Fairview. She was born and raised in North Dakota and a teaching position brought her to Sidney. She has two sisters that reached age 100 or older as well. She is proud to be included in that milestone. Her secret to longevity includes not only those genetics but she states, ‘When it comes to staying young, a mindlift beats a facelift any day.’ One of her favorite quotes is ‘time will take care of everything except wrinkles.’
DPHHS also recently asked Montanans to submit the names of Centenarians, and that list is at 119 names and growing. The current DPHHS Centenarian list of those who are currently age 100 or older is as follows:
(2) are age 108
(2) are age 107
(3) are age 106
(8) are age 105
(7) are age 104
(12) are age 103
(24) are age 102
(25) are age 101
(36) are age 100
This year’s Conference on Aging is designed to raise the public’s awareness of the state’s current senior population, as well as focus attention on the impact of the baby boomer generation which started turning 65 in 2011. The theme this year is: “Age Out Loud”. The conference is being held in two locations this year in order to increase access.
Montana’s 2010 census showed that Montana is home to 175 centenarians and that it is one of the fastest growing segments of our aging population.
This year’s conferences will cover a variety of topics including family caregiving; new information on understanding abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly; Alzheimer’s, renter’s rights, preventing falls, and more.
According to DPHHS officials, Montana has one of the fastest growing 65 and older populations in the nation. In Montana, 1,065 people turn 65 every month or 12,775 people per year. And, this trend will continue for the next 16 years.
Additional conference information can be found at: http://dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/GovernorsConferenceonAging.aspx
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