9 September 2024
“I didn’t realize how old I was until I was about 98,” says Aspen Commons resident Florence Huff, who turned 100 in August 2024.
Aspen, one of eight supportive living communities operated by Silvera for Seniors, has been Florence’s home for more than 16 years.
The newly minted, energetic centenarian recently enjoyed a birthday party at Aspen with a band, a bar, food, decorations and, mostly importantly, family, including her newest great, great, great granddaughter, five-month-old Olivia.
“The party was fantastic – the staff were line dancing, the food was great! It couldn’t have been any better,” she says cheerily.
Florence was born on a farm outside Medicine Hat, Alberta in 1924 and eventually married a farmer, Ray Huff. Together, they had seven children. When he passed away from cancer in 1970, Florence moved to Medicine Hat just as her youngest child was starting school and began working night shifts at a nursing home.
She credits her longevity to her time growing up in rural Alberta. “When you live on a farm, you live on what you grow and raise yourself. We didn’t go to the doctor often; everybody was nursed at home. We ate right.”
When asked about the greatest invention in her lifetime, Florence says it was the telephone.
“I don’t believe in everyone having one in their hand at all times, but it was a good invention,” she admits. But her advice to young people is to socialize in person more and not to spend so much time on their phones.
Florence loves getting together with her enormous family when they can, including her six remaining children, nine grandkids, 11 great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren and three great great great grandchildren.
It has been interesting watching her children grow into old age alongside her. Florence’s oldest child is now 78, and her youngest will turn 65 next year.
“I just said to my youngest that if you don’t have any plans in retirement and you’re not interested in a hobby, it leaves you wondering what you’ll do all day. I told her to get her act together, she’s likely going to be around for a while.”
For her 100th birthday gift, Florence received an iPad. “I put it in the drawer. But I will learn how to use it. I just need a little time.”