On Being 100: 31 Centenarians Share Their Extraordinary Lives and Wisdom

(...) when I saw the finished product I was in awe of what she had achieved! The stories are so inspirational they bring me to tears every time I read them, and I'm still (re)reading them. The college professor who reduced his work week to "only five days" when he turned 100. The lady who decided to go help others in South America when she was in her eighties. They're all here. Every character is such a powerful person and it is very clear from their stories what it takes to be a survivor in this world and beat the odds on longevity. The adversities that most of these people would have felled a lesser person. Read this book and learn how to grow "old" with grace and dignity. In a word - stubbornness!

This book is a gem, as are all of the wonderful people whose stories are told! Congratulations to all of these 100+ year old folks. The stories are told with great humanity and love. It makes you realize how insignificant the little things in life are. The photos and life stories are touching. The author/photographer did a wonderful job representing a cross section of people with varied backgrounds. Go out and talk to one of these inspirations, they have seen a multitude of change in their lives and transcended bias, segregation, wars, poverty, etc. It's a real life history lesson.

Personally, I found this book very inspirational. For Christmas, I gave "On Being 100" to all my friends (and I have many) who've been cringing as they approach the fifty-year mark. I figured that once they saw the wonderful photographs of people more than twice their age and read about how these centenarians had conducted their lives - often in face of extreme adversity -- they would feel inspired rather than defeated. Most did report back to me that the photographs, which exude the joie de vivre and determination of their subjects, deeply moved them. Additionally, they liked the anecdotes and detailed biographical information, which not only tell about the people, but also open a window on history. Several friends said they felt encouraged and inspired, and I couldn't agree more. Really, how could anyone whine about life after fifty when "On Being 100" makes it clear that it's possible not only to live beyond 100, but to embrace all 100 years with gusto.

As someone who is sixty-ish, with a mother in her eighties, I am aware of the down-side of the aging process. Liane Ekelis's "On Being 100" filled me with renewed faith that old age can be rich and vital. These are real people. Their moving stories are told in their own words. And the photographs are superb.