Do activities to keep your mind sharp and your body active.
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That's the key to a long and happy life, according to 101-year-old Valmai Pearse.
The Abbey House resident celebrated her birthday with family and friends at an afternoon tea on Tuesday afternoon.
"I've lived a very active life, mentally and physically," she said.
This includes swimming, tennis, boating on the Port Hacking River in the Sutherland Shire and playing bridge three times a week.
Valmai lived in the Sutherland Shire before she had a tree change to the Southern Highlands at the age of 97.
She said she was "overwhelmed" with the attention she received on her birthday, as residents chatted over slices of cake and a cup of tea.
"I like to see them all, I love people and I love company. It's great to see everyone here today," she said.
These days, Valmai said she enjoyed walking, socialising and taking regular naps.
"What I usually do is I have a sleep in the morning and a sleep in the afternoon, then I socialise the rest of the time," she said.
Valmai also keeps her mind sharp as a member for the Society of Australian Genealogists in Sydney.
"I was a volunteer, I helped people find their families," she said.
"It was fascinating before the days of computers. We had to depend on individuals to do the research. I was doing it for years. I'm still a member.
"I think people should study a bit more about their background and family."
