Age is just a number, but reaching a milestone like 90 is certainly worth celebrating.
For Grandview Terrace residents Lael S. and Ann H., turning 90 was more than a birthday milestone. It was an opportunity to celebrate their lives, their friendship and the community they have built around them.
Born just two days apart, Lael in the Bronx and Ann in Brooklyn, the two friends decided to celebrate their 90th birthdays together. Their party invitation summed it up perfectly: “180 Years of Living.”
And what a celebration it was.
A Friendship That Began Over Mahjong
Ann moved to Grandview Terrace 10 years ago, while Lael joined the community seven years ago. The two became friends after meeting through a shared love of mahjong.
As they played together, they began learning more about each other’s lives, interests and activities. That’s also how they discovered they shared birthdays just two days apart.
Their friendship grew beyond the mahjong table. Like many activities at Grandview Terrace, the game provided more than entertainment. It offered an opportunity to stay mentally engaged, spend time with others and build meaningful friendships.
For Lael and Ann, those connections have become an important part of their lives at Grandview Terrace.
They describe the people they’ve met as a “new family” or a group of friends who provide companionship, laughter and a sense of belonging.
Life Lessons From 90 Years
After nine decades of life experiences, their advice is surprisingly simple.
“Keep laughing,” Ann says.
“Kindness,” Lael adds.
Those words reflect lessons they have learned throughout their lives. And as their 90th birthdays approached, they experienced that kindness firsthand. Friends, family and members of the Grandview Terrace community surrounded them with encouragement and heartfelt birthday wishes.
Reaching 90 also gave both women an opportunity to reflect on just how remarkable the milestone is.
Lael said she was especially surprised to reach this age, particularly because many members of her family passed away in their 50s.
For Ann, turning 90 didn’t feel dramatically different from being 89.
“At least shortly after turning 90,” she joked.
Both women acknowledge that their bodies have changed over the years. Their joints and other parts of their bodies don’t always work quite as well as they once did.
Their advice is to pay attention to your body. If something doesn’t seem right, get it checked out and addressed.
Staying Active and Engaged
At Grandview Terrace, there are plenty of opportunities to remain socially, mentally and physically active.
Residents can participate in fitness classes, crafts, gatherings, games and other activities, or simply spend time with friends.
The important thing, Ann says, is that there isn’t pressure to do everything.
“It’s there if you want it.”
That freedom allows residents to choose the activities that interest them and create a lifestyle that works for them.
Even at 90, Lael continues to find ways to stay involved. She has a desire to participate in organizations, help others and put her skills to use. She also enjoys problem-solving and fixing things and continues to use the knowledge and abilities she has developed throughout her life.
A Celebration 180 Years in the Making
When it came time to celebrate their milestone birthdays, Lael and Ann wanted a party worthy of the occasion.
Approximately 160 family members and friends gathered to celebrate the two women.
The Grandview Terrace Life Enrichment and Dining teams helped with the setup and food, working alongside Lael and Ann to bring their vision for the celebration to life.
They appreciated how the team customized the party especially for them. The goal wasn’t to take over the celebration, but to help them create the party they wanted.
And they certainly created a memorable one.
The celebration featured plenty of laughter, dancing and tradition, including Lael and Ann being lifted in chairs as the Hora played. The birthday honorees also proudly wore crowns and sashes proclaiming, “90 and Fabulous!”
After 90 years of living, they had certainly earned it.
Finding Longevity in Community
Lael and Ann’s story offers a wonderful reminder that longevity isn’t simply about the number of years we live. It’s also about how we spend those years.
Staying connected with family and friends. Continuing to learn and try new things. Finding opportunities to contribute. Staying active. Laughing. Showing kindness. And, perhaps most importantly, having people around you who make life more enjoyable.
Their experience also highlights one of the benefits of living in a community where opportunities for connection and engagement are part of everyday life.
For Lael and Ann, one of the greatest benefits of Grandview Terrace is the feeling of safety and happiness they have found there.
That peace of mind extends to their families, too. Their children don’t live nearby, but knowing their parents are safe, happy and cared for provides an added sense of comfort.
At 90, Lael and Ann aren’t looking back at life as something that has passed them by. They’re continuing to participate, contribute, connect and celebrate.
And if their birthday celebration is any indication, there’s still plenty of living, and plenty of laughing, ahead.
Ready to find a community where you can continue to live life your way? Explore Sun Health Communities and discover your next chapter at SunHealthCommunities.org.
