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SHE still finds it easy to thread a needle, says Christina Bruiners, of Bridgeton near Oudtshoorn, who quietly turned 101 last Wednesday.
Bruiners, who received a visit from Oudtshoorn Mayor Diane de Jager and DA councillor Mary May yesterday when they found out, told The Herald she was born in the Uniondale district in 1908.
She said her health was still good and she had no serious illnesses – not even diabetes and high blood pressure, which seemed to her to be “modern day diseases” in the elderly.
“It’s just my head that at times is not that good. I don’t know about diabetes and blood pressure because I never complain of these things. I still put a little sugar in my coffee and, of blood pressure, I know nothing,” she said.
“Ouma Christina”, as she is affectionately known, said she had experienced many “big diseases”.
“I remember well the first big flu pandemic (in 1918). I lay flat on my back for three months. I still think of that when I wake in the morning.”
She ascribed her longevity and good health to “the Master’s mercy” and being “good to your parents like the Bible tells you”.
She said she did not believe her children would live to as great an age as she has. Her husband died years ago and only four daughters of their nine children are still alive.
Bruiners said she has 31 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.
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