Love everyone. Stay active. Pray. <\/p>\n
These are three key reasons for living a long happy life, according to people 90 years old and older who celebrated their longevity Friday at the Simi Valley SeniorCenter. <\/p>\n
\"My secret is to be nice and love everyone that's it,\" said 98-year-old Emma Isabelle Estrada, of Simi Valley. A great-great-great-grandmother of four, she enjoys cooking, cleaning and gardening, as well as playing bingo at the seniorcenter. <\/p>\n
\"It's important to be happy and mind your own business,\" Estrada added. \"And always believe inGod.\" <\/p>\n
Estrada was among 14 people age 90 and older who were recognized Friday with a group picture and free lunch. Extra praise went to two 98-year-olds, a 99-year-old and a 100-year-old. <\/p>\n
The gathering highlighted Older Americans Month, which is celebrated each May to honor older Americans for the contributions they make to families, communities and society. This year's theme, \"Never Too Old to Play,\" encourages older adults to stay engaged andactive. <\/p>\n
\"The biggest misconception about people in this age group is that they're senile,\" said Lucy Mendoza, a volunteer at the senior center. She added that many don't look their age, like Estrada, who showed her driver's license to prove she's 98yearsold. <\/p>\n
\"These people have so much to offer and so much wisdom,\" Mendoza said. \"We can learn so much from them if we just take the time to sit down with themandlisten.\" <\/p>\n
Friday's event marked the second celebration of its kind at the Simi Valley Senior Center. The idea originated with 86-year-old Charles Partamian, a widower who met his girlfriend atthecenter. <\/p>\n
\"After my wife died, I went to a center (in Nevada) where they had pictures of all the 90-year-olds up on the wall. There were 28 of them,\" Partamian recalled. \"I thought, 'We need to do something like this here in SimiValley.' \" <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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\nSimi Valley seniors embrace their longevity<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"