We had the pleasure to visit our client Mrs Adelie Cáfe the week she turned 100 years old for a small celebration, and hear her share her secret to a long healthy life.

Adelie has been a client of The Benevolent Society for 3 years. She lives independently together with her dog Stella. She loves gardening and has an impressive nursery with a wide range of different plants in the backyard that she still attends to herself every day – she reminds us that it is staying close to nature that keeps her active and happy.

Adelie has always been active and enjoyed spending time outdoors, in her youth she was an active golfer, and was also involved in starting one of the first local women’s golf clubs.

When asked what her secret is to such a long healthy life is, Adelie smiled, hesitated for a while, and then said: ‘I don’t eat meat, and I’ve always walked a lot. I still walk as much as I can.’ Nowadays she needs a walking frame but she doesn’t let that stop her from getting around. Adelie lives in a rental property, so only limited supports can be fitted to the house, however The Benevolent Society have helped by organising two walking frames – one for indoors and the other for the back yard, to make it easy for her to spend time in the garden.

The Benevolent Society brought cake and flowers and had a lovely morning chatting about life over tea and cake. Adelie’s daughter and grand daughter also paid a visit, bringing with them a DVD with footage from a surprise party the family had over the weekend.In addition to the extended family (with 5 generations present!) the party was also attended by the local mayor.

We watched the footage together and Adelie was evidently pleased to have her special day captured so she could relive it again. In addition to memorable celebrations with her nearest and dearest, Adelie also received birthday cards worth framing – for example one from Queen Elizabeth herself!

Happy 100th birthday Adelie from everyone at The Benevolent Society!