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 / Modified jun 10, 2015 10:24 a.m.

A Salute to Arizona's Eldest Residents

Did you know that every year, "Happy 100th Birthday" cards are being sold in larger numbers? Meet and hear stories from women and men aged 99 years and older.
by Vanessa Barchfield

Centenarian 6 spot William R. Putney will turn 100 this year and remembers how he loved to drive midget race cars and won the Arizona Championship in 1939 and 1940.

(Photos by Caitlin Dean)

Around the world, the number of people who live to age 100 or more is growing, but it is still a rare achievement.

Census data says that while there are more than 40 million Americans over the age of 65, fewer than 65,000 are centenarians.

Each year the Pima Council on Aging presents a tribute to the eldest members of our community, and the 28th gathering was held on May 1st, 2015 at Tucson Medical Center.

There were approximately 40 people there aged 99 or more, accompanied by family, friends, and caregivers.

Mark McLemore spoke to a few of them about their remarkable lives...

Listen:

Includes interviews with Pima Council on Aging's 28th annual Salute to Centenarians attendees Cecilia Schlieve, Janet Schlesinger, Curtis Spencer Bjelland, and Geneva Patterson.

MORE: News, People and Places, Tucson
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