National Centenarian’s Day, celebrated each year on September 22, shines a spotlight on those who have reached 100 years of age and beyond. The day is about more than age — it’s about honoring achievements, resilience, and the wisdom of those who have lived through a century of change.
Across the Northeast, centenarians are sharing their stories and reminding younger generations of what it takes not just to live long, but to live well.
A Librarian’s Motto At 104
Caroline Emplit, 104, worked as a librarian at Amosland Elementary in Pennsylvania’s Ridley School District until she was 96. Her earliest memories include hauling blocks of ice to keep food cold before refrigerators and being quarantined during a scarlet fever outbreak.
She says her motto, “Get up and get busy,” is the key to her longevity. Even today, she fills her days with reading, puzzles, and sewing pillowcases — more than 3,000 so far. She favors a diet heavy on chicken and vegetables, with the occasional piece of dark chocolate.
“One Day At A Time” At 100
Mary Brown, born in Union, South Carolina, in 1925, now lives at Simpson House in Philadelphia. She still does her own taxes, paints watercolor birthday cards, and enjoys cryptogram puzzles…