Reaching the age of 100 is a milestone few achieve, but at Edgewater at Boca Pointe, in Boca Raton, Florida, it’s an accomplishment celebrated in grand style. The community recently hosted its inaugural Edgewater Centennial Celebration, honoring 15 remarkable residents aged 100 to 104.5 years.
Edgewater residents Mary Gilbert (left) and Florence Ellman (right), both celebrating 100th birthdays!
The joyous event brought the community together to pay tribute to these exceptional individuals, and sang "Happy Birthday,” followed by a celebratory cake and warm wishes from friends and neighbors. As part of this new tradition, Edgewater at Boca Pointe unveiled plans to install a plaque in the ARTWAY, commemorating the names of centenarians. This plaque will serve as a living testament to the longevity and vibrancy of the community, with new names added each year.
“I’ve been blessed every day I came to live at Edgewater,” said Mary Gilbert, a resident who moved in nearly a decade ago and celebrated her 100th birthday in April.
“It’s wonderful at Edgewater, I’ve been very happy here,” said Florence Ellman, who has lived at the retirement community for 25 years. She turned 100 in September.
Living Beyond the Average
Living to 100 is a rare feat. In the United States, only one in 5,000 people reaches this age. Acts Retirement-Life Communities, of which Edgewater at Boca Pointe is a part, boasts an impressive statistic: as of August 2024, 108 centenarians reside across its 28 communities. You could credit this to the quality of life and supportive environment.
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In fact, the average age reached by Acts residents is 90.6 years, significantly higher than the national life expectancy of 79 years for women and 73.5 years for men. This longevity reflects not just genetics but also the importance of a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle—something Edgewater residents exemplify.
Resident Kay Approbato, 103 years old, enjoys her social life at Edgewater at Boca Pointe!
The Secret to Longevity
A common misconception is that living to 100 is purely a genetic gift. While genes play a role, they account for only about 20 percent of an individual’s lifespan within biological limits, according to the Danish Twin Study. The remaining 80 percent is influenced by lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, social connections, and stress management.
Edgewater’s resort-like atmosphere, with its emphasis on community, wellness, and enrichment, undoubtedly contributes to the remarkable longevity of its residents. With plentiful opportunities for engagement, from social events and fitness programs to lifelong learning, residents often say there isn’t enough hours in the day to enjoy all the wonderful offerings on campus.
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Although stress and anxiety are inevitable, Edgewater residents embrace a forward-thinking approach to navigating life's uncertainties. By choosing to live in an Acts community, they ease the challenges of homeownership, enjoy a stress-free lifestyle, and secure financial stability with access to healthcare on the same campus, if it’s ever needed.
Resident Nick Vislocky celebrates his 104th birthday at Edgewater at Boca Pointe this year.
Edgewater’s very first Centennial Celebration was made possible by the Edgewater Culture & Belonging Committee. This celebration is a reminder that with the right community and lifestyle, reaching the century mark might not be as elusive as it seems.
As Edgewater at Boca Pointe looks forward to adding more names to its centenarian plaque in the years to come, it celebrates not just the years lived but the richness of lives well-lived.