Atria Valley View Honors Six Residents on National Centenarian Day

From Atria Senior Living:

WALNUT CREEK, CA – Atria Valley View, a senior living community located at 1228 Rossmoor Parkway, held a special celebration today honoring six residents, including two from sister community Atria Walnut Creek, on National Centenarian Day. The centenarians were honored and presented with special certificates presented by Walnut Creek Mayor Loella Haskew.

The ladies: (age, activities they enjoy at the community, and secret to longevity):

Atria Valley View residents

Sue Gallo, 101

• Gallo stays active by walking a lot at the community and enjoying happy hour.
• When asked her secret to longevity, Gallo said, “by being happy”.

Helen Karjala, 101

• Karjala learned to use computers at age 90 and engages in computer brain games at the community to keep her mind sharp.
• When asked about her secret to longevity, Karjala said, “keep moving and keep working.”

Louise Perata, 100

• Perata walks everyday in order to stay active and healthy. Perata enjoys entertainment and working on crossword puzzles for brain health.
• When asked about her secret to longevity, Perata laughed and said, “I don’t know!”

Georgia “Topi” Saxton, 101

• When asked about her secret to longevity, Saxton said, “I have no secret, I just love people”.
• Saxton enjoys playing the piano, dancing, and signing at the community.

Atria Walnut Creek residents:

Susan Hanson, 103

• Hanson is very active and is involved in many activities at Atria Walnut Creek, including the Stock Market Club and participates in all of the exercise classes. She is an Active Aging Champion this year and will receive her award from the International Council on Active Aging this week.
• When asked about her secret to longevity, Hanson said, “lots of swimming!” She credits swimming for her good health at age 103.

Naomi Pettigrew, 101

• Pettigrew enjoys playing games, singing, and dancing and enjoying the entertainment offered at the community.
• Pettigrew’s secret to longevity, she said, “Enjoy everything in moderation.”

Photo 1: Mayor Loella Haskew signs Centenarian Certificates presented to all of the ladies.

Photo 2: Luncheon: Centenarians enjoying special lunch surrounded by friends and family.

Photo 3: Centenarians pictured from left to right: Sue Gallo, 101, Georgia “Topi” Saxton, 101, Naomi Pettigrew, 101, Susan Hanson, 103, Helen Karjala, 101, Louise Perata, 100 (pictured front)

Photos via Atria Senior Living.