They are as old as the hamburger, ice cream cone and Campbell's pork and beans.
As the fastest growing segment of Utah's population, centenarians are becoming the norm, rather than the unusual. In 2000, the United States had 48,400 people who were 100 years or older. By 2050, the projected population will top 834,000. At present, Utah has at least 98 centenarians.
"Looking around at how spry you all look, I've got a good 30 years or more to go," quipped Gov. Olene S. Walker as she addressed a room full of centenarians and their family members at a recent celebration.
"Older Utahns serve as valuable role models. Congratulations on the good life you must have led to live this long."
Gov. Walker asked for advice on how to live so long as she gave certificates to each centenarian. "Be happy. I'm thankful for every day I live," offered Edna Decker, 102. "Just don't let it get you down," laughed 101-year-old Ethel Johnson.
Another highlight was the attendance of two sisters, Hannah Tomlin, 102 and Ivy Brooks, 104. Brooks impressed the governor and the crowd with her lively recitation of a poem she'd learned when she was 10 years old.
"You have contributed a lot to this great state," concluded Gov. Walker. "May you have health and a wonderful year."