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<\/p>\nThese residents celebrate more than 800 years of life among them with the help of music and dancing.<\/p>\n
AUSTIN, Texas \u2014 When Martha Bombaugh was young, she said a doctor told her mother she would not live very long. More than a century later, she can laugh about that prediction.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe doctor told my mother I wouldn\u2019t live very long,” Bombaugh said. “Here I am, 104.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bombaugh was among eight residents honored Tuesday at Westminster senior living in Austin for National Centenarian\u2019s Day.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The resident’s ages range from 100 to 104. The celebration put the centenarians front and center for an afternoon of music and dancing.<\/p>\n
Dorothy \u201cDottie\u201d Dearden, 102-year-old resident, said simply waking up each morning is something she appreciates.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery day when I look in the mirror in the morning I think, I\u2019m here another day. Who would\u2019ve guessed it?\u201d Dearden said.<\/p>\n
The residents shared some of the experiences and habits that have helped them reach this milestone.<\/p>\n
Bernard Snyder, a World War II Navy veteran who has traveled the world, pointed to staying active over the years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have worked out for years,\u201d Snyder said.<\/p>\n
After a century of experiences, Dearden and Bombaugh also offered simple reflections on how they approach life.<\/p>\n
\u201cWork hard. Take that step every day,\u201d Dearden said.<\/p>\n
Bombaugh offered another perspective.<\/p>\n
\u201cSlow down and enjoy what you\u2019re doing,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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