Have you ever wondered what it takes to live to 100?
Several Capetonians who recently celebrated centenary birthdays - like Delft residents Fredie Blom and Nora de Kock, and Khayelitsha’s Nokhayaroti Apolisi, have an answer to that question.
Blom turned 114 last week, while De Kock, as well as Apolisi, both celebrated their 108th birthday at the weekend.
Apolisi told the Cape Times yesterday she thought the
celebrations on Saturday were one of her grandchildren's wedding ceremonies. She had forgotten about her birthday.
Still overwhelmed with joy, Apolisi says her family's love sustained her.
“I don't know if there are words to describe how I am feeling. I did not know how much I was really loved and valued,” said Apolisi.
Her family, ward councillors, community leaders, local community radio station Radio Zibonele and residents made the centenarian's birthday special with a party in Green Point and a spa treatment at Canal Walk.
“Age will happen whether you're afraid of it (or not). The most important thing in life is to value your loved ones as they will sustain you throughout your life's journey.”
Blom said what had kept him going was his unshaken belief in God.
“People must believe in God, God does not lie; what He promised He will carry out. Honour your mother and father, then your days will be lengthened.”
He added that honouring all older persons was very important and says he and his wife, Janetta Blom, 85, also had a very healthy diet.
Georgina Haywood is 103 and enjoys knitting and playing a game of bridge. For her 100th birthday, adventurous Haywood went skydiving to raise funds for the National Sea Rescue Institute.
“The biggest lesson I've learnt from her is that you always keep learning," said her daughter, Sue Homer.
"She reads the Cape Times every day and if there's something she does not understand, she'll ask me.”
Carol van Wyk, a friend of the 108-year-old De Kock, said she ate everything and described her as a woman of hope, who could still walk and loved going to church.