Edmonton local Irene Lantz hit a remarkable milestone over the weekend.
She turned 110 years old, making her the oldest known Albertan!
The occasion sparked a big birthday celebration at the Canterbury Foundation, where Irene lives.
Although Irene has been earthside for 110 years – she’s still very much enamoured with life.
People are wondering, “What’s gotten you this far??”
Not Your Average Homemaker
Born in the beautiful landscapes of Saskatchewan, Irene migrated through Calgary before settling in Edmonton during the bustling 1950s.
“She was a homemaker,” like many women of her time, her nephew Pat told CTV News.
But how she went about her day-to-day life wasn’t the average lifestyle for a North American housewife back then.
From regularly fishing to growing her own fruits and vegetables and squeezing much of that fresh produce into some of the first “green juices.”
Irene would have fit right in with many modern health nuts.
“She was sort of one the first healthy persons. She would make her own yogurt,” Pat said.
Her healthy lifestyle choices paid dividends, helping Irene to live well for so long.
Dancing Through Life
Unlike many strictly regimented individuals today – she wasn’t doing activities for their supposed health benefits – her main priority was enjoying herself.
For example, gyms weren’t a part of the picture for her.
“She exercised all her life by dancing,” said her daughter-in-law Ruth.
As you can see below, she still does today!
Her approach to staying fit has served her well, but her most poignant advice on aging has nothing to do with health habits.
A Healthy Attitude
Staff at the Canterbury Foundation best summarized Irene’s successful approach to living, which has allowed her to embrace life for eleven decades.
“Her long and happy life [is due to] her kind, nonjudgmental nature and her ability to find joy in every moment without succumbing to stress.”
As Irene puts it, “’I only worry what’s under my roof.'”
“It means to keep your nose in your own business, live your own life and be happy about it.”
No matter how old you are – withholding judgment and focusing on being your best self undeniably reduces stress and makes life much more enjoyable.
It’s certainly worked wonders for Irene.
Even at 110, she still maintains her independence and zest for life.
“She’s a real inspiration, just the stories she tells about how she lived,” said Ruth.
Irene celebrated her birthday with family and friends at home at the Canterbury Foundation.
We’ll gladly accept her advice, wish her a very happy 110th year, and keep our ears open for any more teachings she has to give us!
