Amanda Page and Lizzie Adkins celebrate the turning of their century with Aging Services
Two of Progress Village Senior Center's longtime clients reached an incredible milestone this month - they both turned 100.
Amanda Page and Lizzie Adkins enjoyed an elaborate celebration at the Progress Village Senior Center on Nov. 8, where they were showered with gifts and enjoyed food and entertainment surrounded by friends and family members.
According to the center's coordinator, it's the first time the center has had anybody reach 100 years old.
Music, poems, and elaborate decorations made for a lively celebration.
A lot has changed in the past century. Page recalled that electricity was not commonplace when she was born, and she now enjoys using her computer to pay bills, shop online, and watch YouTube.
Both born in Mississippi in 1925, these women have witnessed the world completely transform. From working alongside her siblings in cotton fields in her childhood, to working for the U.S. Treasury, and retiring from a V.A. Hospital, Page has embodied the evolution of the past 100 years.
"I've been coming to the Progress Village center for 28 years," Page said. "It means a lot to be among other seniors, to keep your mind active, and get out of bed."
Page and Adkins both credit the Progress Village Senior Center with keeping their days and their years full of life and community.
Hillsborough County's Aging Services programming and camaraderie enrich older adults' lives through connection and activity, which can be challenging to find after retirement.
The center coordinator called Aging Services a lifeline for its members.
Through the years, Page and Adkins have not only benefitted from Aging Services but have also contributed abundantly to the Progress Village Senior Center. Their longtime peers were elated to recount their favorite tales with the birthday girls.
You learn a lot in 100 years, and Page said that, most importantly, "you should spread your love to other people, and if you spread love, love will come back to you."