Unveiling the Longevity Secrets of Australia’s Oldest Person, Catherina van der Linden, at 111 Years Young

Introduction:

Australia’s oldest living person, Catherina van der Linden, is set to celebrate her remarkable 111th birthday this week. Hailing from South Australia, she graciously shares the secrets behind her long and fulfilling life, offering insights into her journey toward achieving a century-plus of vitality and happiness.

Reaching a Remarkable Milestone: Catherina van der Linden, residing at Southern Cross Care’s West Beach Residential Care in Adelaide, is poised to mark her 111th birthday on Saturday, August 26. Last year, upon turning 110, she ascended to the position of Australia’s eldest living individual, following the passing of the former titleholder, 110-year-old Frank Mawer.

Active Living: A Vital Key to Longevity:

The cornerstone of Mrs. van der Linden’s longevity lies in her commitment to an active lifestyle, a revelation she shares ahead of her momentous birthday celebration. Despite her age, she remains actively engaged in gym sessions and lengthy walks, much to the admiration of her caregivers and fellow residents at the residential care home.

Maintaining her regimen, she remarks, “I push myself sometimes when I’m getting a bit tired and I think it’s about time to do something to yourself to see that you still have that energy that you had before.” Her dedication extends to cycling, a practice she upholds for up to 10 minutes at a stretch, defying conventional expectations.

Inspiring Healthy Aging:

Catherina van der Linden emerges as a beacon of inspiration for healthy aging, her vitality inspiring fellow residents to embrace a similar lifestyle. Catherine Willoughby, the manager of West Beach Residential Care, lauds her as an “amazing” model, noting the ripple effect of her influence within the community.

Catherine Willoughby adds, “Catherina is an inspiration to all of us, she’s still doing regular walks around the facility … we’ve actually got a couple of other new residents that have started doing the same routine.” Mrs. van der Linden’s commitment extends to frequent gym visits, attending sessions two to three times weekly.

A Life Rich in Experience:

Born in 1912 in the Netherlands, Catherina van der Linden holds the distinction of being the oldest-known Dutch person globally. In 1955, she embarked on a new chapter, migrating to Australia with her spouse and young family. Throughout her life, she embraced various vocations, including grape picking, nursing assistance, typing, and clerical duties.

Family Legacy and Reflections: With four children, 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren, Mrs. van der Linden reflects on her family’s genetic legacy of longevity. Her daughter, Mariella Hocking, acknowledges the familial history of surpassing the century mark, with one aunt reaching 110 years. Despite a familial trend toward shorter lifespans, Catherina van der Linden stands as a testament to exceptional longevity.

Embracing Joy and Contentment:

In retirement, Mrs. van der Linden finds fulfillment in simple pleasures, cherishing moments with family over modest meals and engaging in social activities with friends. Emphasizing the importance of contentment, she remarks, “be happy with yourself and be content with what life gives you.” She advocates for resilience in the face of life’s challenges, urging others to maintain an active lifestyle and embrace life’s joys.

Conclusion:

As Catherina van der Linden approaches her 111th birthday milestone, her journey offers valuable insights into the pursuit of longevity and happiness. Through her dedication to an active lifestyle, resilience, and gratitude, she exemplifies the potential for a rich and fulfilling life, inspiring others to embrace each day with vigor and optimism.