'The fresh air': Supercentenarian shares secret on 107th birthday
Marking a milestone, Lakeshore resident Olga White celebrated her 107th birthday in style Wednesday.
The supercentenarian was the life of a party held at La Chaumiere Retirement Residence in Belle River, where she’s lived for seven years.
“We celebrate her birthday every year, but obviously this year is a little bit bigger than the rest,” said Linsay Derkatz, executive director of the retirement home.
Derkatz recalled the day White moved in – bringing her unique brand of sass and spunk with her.
“Olga’s like family to us,” she said. “She doesn’t have a lot of living family left, so we’re kind of all that she’s got.”
Lakeshore resident Olga White celebrated her 107th birthday on June 5, 2024. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor)
The same question arises anytime someone celebrates a birthday with that many candles on the cake: what’s the secret?
White said it’s about taking care of yourself – and taking time for yourself.
“Watch what you’re eating,” the 107-year-old said. “Are you working many hours?”
She also talked about making time each day for her favourite thing, “The fresh air!”
Born in Ukraine in 1917, White moved to Canada with her parents during the First World War.
Lakeshore resident Olga White celebrated her 107th birthday on June 5, 2024. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor)
As an only child, she learned the values of independence and resilience early on. Living on her own until she was 99.
In honor of her birthday, the retirement residence used social media to ask people to send White birthday cards.
They say more than 200 arrived by her special day.
Lakeshore’s Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt stopped by White’s party Wednesday, presenting her with a certificate honouring her decades of devotion to the community.
Lakeshore resident Olga White celebrated her 107th birthday on June 5, 2024. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor)
“We’re almost positive she's our oldest resident,” Walstedt said. “What a milestone. It's just amazing and she's good and fresh and sharp. We had to be here.”
La Chaumiere staff say White’s vibrancy and longevity inspire them – and her fellow residence.
Proving that sometimes, the secret to a long and happy life can be as simple as enjoying the fresh air.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Tensions run high on the Hill as MPs debate second Conservative motion of non-confidence
Members of Parliament debated the second Conservative motion of non-confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government of the week on Thursday, amid simmering tensions.
WATCH LIVE Helene strengthens to a Category 4 hurricane as it nears Florida's Gulf Coast
Helene strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane hours ahead of its expected landfall on Florida's northwest coast Thursday night, and forecasters warned that the enormous storm could create a 'nightmare' surge in coastal areas and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S.
Canadian rapper K'naan charged with sexual assault following arrest in Quebec City
Canadian singer K'naan has been charged with sexual assault after being arrested by police in Quebec City.
Cold case arrest: Nunavut RCMP charge man with murder in 1986 death of teenage girl
Mounties in Nunavut have made an arrest in the murder of a 15-year-old girl almost 40 years ago.
'It's a big pizza': Edmonton pizzeria selling pie that can feed up to 60 people
A pizza chain in Edmonton claims to have the world's largest deliverable pizza.
Mounties in B.C. warn 'highly convincing' scammers extorting victims with photos of their homes
Scammers are increasingly using emails to extort money from victims by threatening to reveal compromising photos, videos and personal information to their friends and family members, according to a new warning from Mounties in Metro Vancouver.
Air Canada flight to Toronto diverts due to emergency
An Air Canada flight headed to Toronto from Frankfurt diverted to Edinburgh due to an emergency Thursday, the airline says.
NDP MP introduces bill to criminalize residential school denialism
An NDP MP has introduced a bill that would criminalize residential school denialism, saying it would help stop harm caused toward survivors, their families and communities.
Cross-examination of complainant continues in Jacob Hoggard sexual assault trial
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard's defence lawyer continued her cross-examination of the complainant in his sexual assault trial in a northeastern Ontario court today, where he has pleaded not guilty.