Honoring our centenarians

Every year, in the Summer issue of our quarterly THRIVE60+ newsletter, we honor Dutchess County’s centenarians and couples married 70 years or more.

And it’s getting crowded at the top. The number of centenarians and ultra-long-term married couples keeps growing. It’s a trend we really like to see, and a testimony to all the things our older adults are doing to maximize their chances of long, happy, independent lives.

So what’s their big secret?

We ask this question of as many of our oldest adults as we can find. They’ve given us some diverse and intriguing answers as to how they’ve been able to stick around for so long, and how we might follow if we did this same. They’ve sworn by good nutrition, strong faith, nine golden raisins soaked in gin, regular exercise, a sense of purpose ... wait, can we go back to that third one, the one with the raisins?

It’s a common European folk remedy, where the raisins are soaked, sometimes for weeks, in whatever the popular local spirit may be. There’s no science that we’re aware of to support the longevity claims, but we weren’t about to get into an argument with a 107-year-old. As always, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before attempting to treat yourself with any therapy that has not been prescribed for you.

We’ve been in touch with centenarians’ families, some for several years. When their centenarian family member passes away, they’ve often said something we never expected: we were surprised. How can that be?

The answer lies in a phenomenon that may be even more impressive than their long lives: How so many of them remained physically and mentally active, in many cases until they day they died. They were not only extending their lifespan; they extended their “healthspan,” the amount of time living in good health, free from chronic disease and disabilities associated with aging. And so, their next of kin tell us things like “He just mowed the lawn three days ago” and “She came in from the garden, sat down in her favorite chair, and passed away.”

The Office for the Aging is again looking for Dutchess County centenarians or 70+ year married couples. We honored 36 centenarians in 2024; and if current trends continue, we may honor 40 or more this year. If these unique examples of successful aging turn 100 or more, or celebrate their milestone anniversary at any point this year, we’d love to know about it and honor them in the Summer 2025 THRIVE60+ newsletter. Reach out to OFA at 845-486-2555 or ofa@dutchessny.gov to let us know.

Golden Living is prepared by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

County legislature candidates lay out their priorities

Contested seats in the Dutchess County Legislature are close to home this election season, with Districts 19 and 25 covering the rural towns across the northern and eastern corners of the county. Though the candidates bring distinct experiences and perspectives, they share common ground on some of the biggest challenges facing local communities, including emergency medical services and affordable housing.

Here’s a look at the candidates.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - October 23, 2025

Help Wanted

Weatogue Stables has an opening: for a full time team member. Experienced and reliable please! Must be available weekends. Housing a possibility for the right candidate. Contact Bobbi at 860-307-8531.

Services Offered

Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vincent Inconiglios brings ‘Face Time’ to Hunt Library
Artist Vincent Inconiglio’s show “Face Time” opens Oct. 25 at the Hunt Library.
L. Tomaino

Abstract artist Vincent Inconiglios' love and enthusiasm for color and form are evident all around him at his Falls Village studio, where he has worked for 25 years. He is surrounded by paintings large and small, woodcuts, photographs, collages and arrays of found objects.

The objects Inconiglios has found while out walking — in Falls Village, near his studio on Gansevoort Street in New York City, and in other places throughout the world — hold special importance to him. Appreciation of them, he says, comes from “seeing while exploring. I am always finding things.” His particular delight is finding objects that look like faces, many of which will be featured in the ArtWall show at the Hunt Library.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton grocery store opening delayed

The entrance to Kim and Chris Choe’s newest grocery store venture, Market 360, in New Haven, Conn. The store opened several weeks ago and Kim Choe said the new business has required her and her husband’s attention while it finds its footing and builds up a staff.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — Millerton residents eager for a new food market will have to wait a little longer.

During a recent visit to her newly opened New Haven grocery store, Market 360, co-owner Kim Choe offered The News an update — or rather, a lack of one — on the highly-anticipated Millerton market she owns with her husband, Chris.

Keep ReadingShow less