Local Doctor Celebrates Residents Over 90

LAKE PLACID - Every guest of honor Thursday at the Better Living Community Center was born prior to the end of World War I in 1918.

About 20 partiers in this exclusive club were all at least 90 years old.

The annual Happy and Healthy 90s Club started seven years ago when Dr. Antonio Roa invited his oldest patients to a party.

"People are always having parties for the young ones, but nobody gives appreciation to or recognizes our older ones," Roa said.

The event was sponsored by Florida Home Health and featured music from a time before the invention of Velcro, Ziplock bags and DVD players.

Jerry Jereos, 92, talked about his success formula for a long life.

"I played four sets of tennis yesterday and won three," said Jereos. "My only problem - the only problem I have is - I have no problems. When I became 90, I had no more problems."

Jereos is married to Loida, who is 50 years old and 42 years younger.

"Age doesn't matter," he said. "My wife makes me happy. She cooks good food and when you're happy, you get younger."

Although she retired from work in 1962, 98-year-old Frances Kirch of Sebring attributed her long life to hard work. The former bowler and golfer was the oldest person in the room.

"It's all healthy living," she said. "I don't get into much trouble anymore or have many worries. It's surprising to me, I feel like I'm doing something I shouldn't be doing.

"I don't feel that old."

The oldest man in the room, at 95, was Edward Dickson who has been married to Martha Dickson for 71 years.

"The Bible tells us to honor your father and mother and your days will be long on this earth," said Edward Dickson. "And be careful that you don't get in front of any semi-trucks."

Cecile Miller, 92, of Lake Placid said she occasionally drinks half a glass of wine and attributed her long life to good genes.

"I am a survivor, said Miller. "I don't think about it. I just live one day at a time."

Lavista Webber of Lake Placid retired in 1962, never smoked or drank, and said hard work leads to a long life. For two years during World War II she was a certified welder in a shipyard in Portland, Ore.

"From the looks of this room, Dr. Roa takes good care of his patients," said Webber.