Very few people reach the milestone of becoming a centennial, having been alive for a century. However, one woman in Georgia is celebrating such an achievement with her family.
Ms. Julia Ramos of Gwinnett County, Georgia recently celebrated turning 100 years old while surrounded by her family. Ms. Ramos was born on January 5th, 1923, and last week she celebrated her centennial milestone that so few individuals are able to experience. She has brought over four generations of life into this world behind her.
Julia Ramos can be seen in the in interview with 11alive holding her great grandchildren and expressing how much she loves them. Her family calls her “Gigi” and loves to spend time with her, honoring the woman who has brought so much life into the world. She displays an amazing youthful spirit and excitement for life. When asked how old she felt inside, Ramos responded, “I feel 16.”
Ramos was 16 years old in 1939. At that time she loved to dance at local social functions and have a good time. “I liked to do the Jitterbug,” Julia said. She claimed she still likes to dance, embodying her undying youthful nature.
Gigi also displays quick wit and humor that precedes her age, constantly making jokes and and brining a palpable positivity to those around her. She was asked by the interviewer, “What is your secret?” “You have to buy my book,” Ramos responded jokingly.
In 2012, the United Nations estimated there were roughly 317,000 centenarians in the world, far below a fraction of 1% of the global population. The United States is estimated to hold almost 98,000 of these centennials. With standards of living improving generation after generation is it is estimated the number of people reaching a century of life will also increase, giving more the opportunity to share Ms. Ramos’ experience.
Ms. Julia Ramos shows us that aging does not have to be viewed as something negative and with disdain. Aging is an inevitable aspect of the human experience and we must accept it. She finds her happiness in being kind to those around her, being righteous, and living vicariously through the four generation of life she has created.
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Ms. Ramos shows us that maybe we begin appreciate time more when we have less of it. We should be present in every moment and enjoy each minute of life.