What can 100 years teach us about living well? Tennessee’s centenarians have plenty of answers: work hard, stay active, love your family, serve others, keep your faith and eat your vegetables.

The Century Club of Tennessee has now recognized 108 Tennesseans age 100 and older, preserving stories that collectively span more than a century of Tennessee and American history.

Their lives include military service during World War II and Korea, careers in nursing and education, years spent raising families and caring for others, and decades of service to churches and communities. Their advice is equally memorable: “Work hard and be kind to others.” “Keep family first.” “Always smile, be kind, and keep pressing on.”

The Century Club began in 2022, but its roots go back to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Jodi Southerland, an assistant professor at East Tennessee State University, wanted to share positive stories about aging at a time when older adults were often discussed primarily in terms of vulnerability, illness, and loss.

“I wanted people to see aging differently,” Southerland said. “These are people who have raised families, served their country, built careers, cared for others, invested in their communities, and lived through tremendous change. There is so much we can learn from them.”

Originally focused on East Tennessee, the Century Club expanded statewide after recognizing its 100th honoree. The initiative complements the Governor’s Centenarian Recognition Program and other local efforts, while providing another way to celebrate older Tennesseans, preserve their stories, and share the wisdom that comes with a century of experience.

In recognition of National Centenarian’s Day on September 22, the Century Club is asking Tennesseans to help identify the state’s centenarians.

Know someone age 100 or older in Tennessee? Visit the Century Club of Tennessee website to submit a recognition form at http://www.centuryclubtn.org.

Dr. Jodi Southerland

Johnson City