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In 1916, silent movie star Charlie Chaplin signed a studio contract for an unprecedented $10,000 a week. And Jo Bryant was born.
On Thursday, Bryant turns 104 years old, but not before welcoming KelownaNow to her home where she lives independently (with her daughter Sharon just up the stairs).
"It's amazing I got there," said Jo Bryant with a smile."And I'm thankful I did," she added with a laugh.
Sitting down in her ground floor suite, Bryant is quick to smile.
She has some arthritis, but her appearance, the way she moves, and her ability to engage in conversation suggest a person in their mid-eighties.
But the cake on her dining room table tells the truth: 'Happy 104th Birthday'.
"I think because I always was active," said Bryant reflecting on the reasons for her longevity. "I guess I was inquisitive and I kept my mind active."
Her approach to life?
"I wanted to try everything from Yoga to Tai Chi, I used to go swimming and I love to go for long walks," she said.
"Maybe I was lucky," she added. "I was brought up in the '30s when we just had good food and no processed food." Ever since shes avoided eating foods with additives and chemicals. "I have my five fruits and veggies every day."
Still, she doesn't avoid the occasional treat. "I love chocolate," she admits, with a grin. Bryant prepares her own meals, and she believes that's partly to thank for her youthfulness. "It keeps me going. It gives me something to do."
When her cake was ordered, they called to see if the number on the cake was correct. Bryant said that kind of thing happens a lot. "A lot of people do that, so I keep my birth certificate handy and prove it to them."
Her quality of life is good, and she expects to have us back for a follow up a year from now. "Will you come back and take my picture?" she asked. And we certainly will.
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