Demographic regions of the world where people commonly live active lives past the age of 100 years have been identified as Blue Zones. There are five locations and Loma Linda, CA is the only Blue Zone in North America. Independent Retirement Community, Linda Valley Villa, supports and promotes the Blue Zone lifestyle. This month, Linda Valley Villa resident, Pastor William Elder celebrated his 101st birthday.
He and Mary, his wife of almost eighty years, were joined by friends, family, and Villa residents for this momentous event. Several special friends of the Villa were honored to attend William’s celebration. Field Representatives from the offices of Senator Mike Morrell and Assemblyman Marc Steinorth presented William with letters of congratulations. They were present for his 100th birthday and were glad to be included on his 101st. Dr. Wayne Dysinger of Lifestyle Medicine Solutions read a rousing letter which outlined the good choices that William must have made to reach a spirited 101. He also received a letter from the President of the South Eastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Dr. Sandra Roberts, for which he worked for about forty years.
In tribute to his love of music the dynamic sibling trio, The Waworoendengs, serenaded the audience during an impeccable musical performance featuring the piano, violin, and cello. William beamed as he stood to express heartfelt gratitude, “Each day, we rejoice in this time that God has granted us. And living in this place makes each day a pleasant one.” William is a true testament of the BLUE Zone lifestyle.