Latest news with #centenarian
CBS News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
How life changed for a 102-year-old woman after viral moment: "I got a million calls"
A chance meeting at Chicago's airport has transformed 102-year-old Beatrice Stieber into an unlikely social media sensation, spreading her simple philosophy of life to millions around the world. CBS News contributor David Begnaud first encountered Steiber during a layover earlier this year. Their impromptu interview, in which the centenarian shared her secrets to longevity, garnered nearly 9 million views and more than 17,000 comments on social media. "The secret to me is attitude and gratitude," Steiber told Begnaud during their initial meeting. "Attitude and gratitude, attitude and gratitude." The overwhelming response prompted Begnaud to return to Chicago, where Stieber has lived since 1953, for a follow-up visit. Despite her age, Stieber maintains an active lifestyle in her apartment building, where she has resided for more than 40 years. She grocery shops independently and deep cleans her own home. Building manager Ken noted her sharp mind, saying he would never guess she's over 100 years old. "I always get taken for 70," Stieber said. "Not only that, there are a couple of 70-year-olds that look like they're 102." Stieber was married to her late husband, Robert, for 52 years and raised two sons, Jay, 77, and Dean, 68. She continued driving until age 98. Her philosophy on life remains refreshingly simple after more than a century of experiences. "You plot along and you find the humor and you say thank you for the trees, thank you for life," she said. "Life is a miracle." The viral fame has brought unexpected connections. Fans from Long Island, New York, and New Jersey called Stieber, sharing how her message of gratitude has impacted their lives. "She changed my life for the better," said Carmel from New Jersey. "Sometimes I used to be a little bit sad, but after I saw her, I want to live." The visit concluded with a celebration of Stieber's 102-and-a-half birthday at her favorite Chicago restaurant, surrounded by family — a fitting tribute to someone who believes every moment deserves celebration. "Thank you, God, for everything," Stieber said while making her birthday wish. Her unexpected internet fame hasn't gone to her head, though she admits the attention has been overwhelming. "I got a million calls," she said."I live in a world where I couldn't even imagine the response. I couldn't even imagine we met by accident." David Begnaud loves uncovering the heart of every story and will continue to do so, highlighting everyday heroes and proving that there is good news in the news with his exclusive "CBS Mornings" series, "Beg-Knows America." Every Monday, get ready for moments that will make you smile or even shed a tear. Do you have a story about an ordinary person doing something extraordinary for someone else? Email David and his team at DearDavid@
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
DeKalb County woman celebrates 100th birthday with family and friends
A DeKalb County woman is celebrating 100 years of living. Lelia Mae Williams' family threw her a big party at an event center in Decatur on Saturday. Her family said she's still doing great. 'I've taken her to the grocery store and she walks around picking out her own groceries,' Telisha Murray told Channel 2. 'So she is very lively to be 100 years old and in her right mind. Her memory goes back so far, and she can remember it all.' Her relatives say she taught them to work hard, go to church, and to love people. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: 2 arrested after chase that started in Villa Rica, involved 2 collisions, police say 8-year-old shot in South Fulton Body of missing 17-year-old boater found in Allatoona Lake [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
At 100, Ohio resident Rita Competti may be the world's oldest polio survivor
LANCASTER − After turning 100 on May 29, Rita Competti is thought to be the oldest living polio survivor in the country and maybe even the world. "Yes, yes," she said. "There was another one, but they died." More: Senior Showcase: Fisher Catholic's Sydney Ellis wants to eventually become a physician Rita Competti's son is Innerphase Video Productions owner Bob Competti. He said Rotary International tracks polio survivors, which is where the thought of his mother being the oldest came from. "They're, I would say, 100% sure in America," Bob Competti said. "But quite possibly in the world. They said it's safe to say definitely in America." Rita Competti was 2 when she found she had polio. She got emotional when asked about her experience with the disease and could not talk about it. "Her mother noticed she was dragging her foot when she was walking," her daughter, Mary Anne Rider said. "And that's when she was diagnosed with polio. She said her mother just noticed it when she couldn't go up the steps." Rita Competti's mother died in 1944 when her daughter was 18. Her husband, William, died in 1983. Bob Competti said his mother never had to wear a brace, but that her right leg never fully developed and is about two or three inches shorter than the left one. Rita Competti has six children. "We've been very blessed," Rider said. "Very blessed to have her all these years. She's been a wonderful mother and never let any ailment like that hold her back from taking care of six children. Six children, and everyone is healthy and we're very fortunate." Bob Competti agreed. "I know all six of us are so proud of Mom," he said. "Like Mary Anne said, she was never one to complain about it at all through her whole life. She dealt with that. She joined a bowling league, worked the cafeteria at Fisher (Catholic High School) for so many years. One leg was just a little shorter than the other one, but you never heard her complain about it at all." As for turning 100, Rita Competti said she couldn't believe it as staff and residents at her residence celebrated the big day with her, along with some family members. jbarron@ 740-681-4340 Twitter/X: @jeffrey_ba7142 This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Lancaster woman, 100, believed to be world's oldest polio survivor
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
At 100, Ohio resident Rita Competti may be the world's oldest polio survivor
LANCASTER − After turning 100 on May 29, Rita Competti is thought to be the oldest living polio survivor in the country and maybe even the world. "Yes, yes," she said. "There was another one, but they died." More: Senior Showcase: Fisher Catholic's Sydney Ellis wants to eventually become a physician Rita Competti's son is Innerphase Video Productions owner Bob Competti. He said Rotary International tracks polio survivors, which is where the thought of his mother being the oldest came from. "They're, I would say, 100% sure in America," Bob Competti said. "But quite possibly in the world. They said it's safe to say definitely in America." Rita Competti was 2 when she found she had polio. She got emotional when asked about her experience with the disease and could not talk about it. "Her mother noticed she was dragging her foot when she was walking," her daughter, Mary Anne Rider said. "And that's when she was diagnosed with polio. She said her mother just noticed it when she couldn't go up the steps." Rita Competti's mother died in 1944 when her daughter was 18. Her husband, William, died in 1983. Bob Competti said his mother never had to wear a brace, but that her right leg never fully developed and is about two or three inches shorter than the left one. Rita Competti has six children. "We've been very blessed," Rider said. "Very blessed to have her all these years. She's been a wonderful mother and never let any ailment like that hold her back from taking care of six children. Six children, and everyone is healthy and we're very fortunate." Bob Competti agreed. "I know all six of us are so proud of Mom," he said. "Like Mary Anne said, she was never one to complain about it at all through her whole life. She dealt with that. She joined a bowling league, worked the cafeteria at Fisher (Catholic High School) for so many years. One leg was just a little shorter than the other one, but you never heard her complain about it at all." As for turning 100, Rita Competti said she couldn't believe it as staff and residents at her residence celebrated the big day with her, along with some family members. jbarron@ 740-681-4340 Twitter/X: @jeffrey_ba7142 This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Lancaster woman, 100, believed to be world's oldest polio survivor
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Caerphilly World War Two veteran turns 100 on D-Day anniversary
An RAF veteran has said he would not change a thing about his life as he celebrated his 100th birthday on the anniversary of 'Ted' Carter from Caerphilly turned 19 on D-Day, 81 years ago on 6 June was deployed in India at the time, a memory he described as "wonderful".Reflecting on becoming a centenarian, Mr Carter said he had had "a very, very happy life". "I think we should all live a peaceful, happy life, helping people as much as we can, give back as much as we can," he said. After leaving school at 16, Mr Carter joined the railway and said his father told him "you won't make much money"."I didn't want to work anywhere else," he initially worked in the signal boxes, then "on the trains",When he was called up to serve in the war effort, he did not want to join the Army."And I couldn't swim, so I thought the air force was best for me," he four-and-a-half years, he served in the Royal Air Force as an engineer, working on Wellington and Lancaster bombers."You had to learn in six months what in peace time would take you three years."Reflecting on the conflict, Mr Carter said: "I think, I hope, the world has got a better place."All we want is a quiet, peaceful life." When he left the RAF, he joined what is now Great Western to Wales in 1946, home became the cottage he shared with his late wife met as teenagers, and married aged 22 and 23."I'm so glad I met Margaret when she was 15," he said."We had 61 years of a lovely life together."With savings of £380, they spent £320 on their cottage in Bedwas and £11 on solicitors fees and went on to raise three children there – Paul, Sharon and fact, the letter he recently received from the King, marking his big birthday, was actually his second correspondence from a monarch, having also had one for his 60th wedding anniversary from Elizabeth II. "[Our dad] taught us to be hard working, kind," said added: "He's been an exceptional human being. He's terrific."At 98, Mr Carter was still regularly seen tending to his beloved garden at the cottage, particularly its orchard with pear, apple and plum trees."We grew everything," he now lives at Castle View care home in Caerphilly, where staff and residents threw him a birthday party."All my life I've had very good luck and health. What can you ask for more than that?"If I had to do it all over again I wouldn't change it."
