Celebrating a Century of Wisdom: National Centenarians’ Day

Every September 22, Gilchrist joins in honoring an extraordinary group of people—those who have lived for 100 years or more. National Centenarians’ Day shines a light on their remarkable lives and the rich history and wisdom they carry with them. For us at Gilchrist, this day is especially meaningful, as the holiday—officially recognized by the U.S. Senate in 2016—first began decades ago right here in Washington County, where our care teams and volunteers continue to serve centenarian patients today.

How the Day Began

In the early 1990s, Tim Berry, then administrator of Williamsport Nursing Home, noticed that one of his residents, Edna Jessop, was about to turn 100. At that time, reaching the century mark was far less common than it is today, and Tim thought the milestone deserved recognition. He reached out to other facilities and discovered they, too, had centenarians. Together, they organized a celebration—a joyful gathering that highlighted the dignity and resilience of these remarkable individuals.

Tim soon realized that the celebration could grow beyond the walls of one nursing home. He contacted Chase’s Calendar of Events, a national reference for holidays and observances, to suggest that centenarians be honored with their own day. The editors embraced the idea and made the observance a permanent entry. Tim chose September 22 as the date because it is the 265th day of the year, leaving exactly 100 days remaining—an appropriate tribute to those who have lived 100 years or more. What began as a local idea slowly took root nationally, and in time, National Centenarian’s Day became an annual observance.

For Tim, who is now a volunteer with Hospice of Washington County, the holiday carries personal meaning. His very first hospice patient as a volunteer was 103 years old, bringing his journey with centenarians full circle. “Bringing attention to them in a positive light is always good,” he reflects. “There’s so much negativity around senior issues, and this is a bright spot.”

The Growing Centenarian Population

Today, the number of people reaching this milestone is steadily increasing. In the United States, there are nearly 90,000 centenarians, and that number is projected to quadruple over the next 30 years. Around the world, their stories shed light on resilience, community, and the secrets to longevity—whether it be healthy living, genetics, or simply the strength of the human spirit.

At Gilchrist and our affiliates, we are proud to serve 48 centenarian patients. On National Centenarian’s Day, we honor their lives, their stories, and the wisdom they continue to share. They remind us of the richness of a century well lived and the importance of celebrating every stage of life.

Ways to Celebrate the Centenarians in Your Life

• Host a gathering with family, friends, or neighbors to honor their milestone.
• Share their stories—ask them to talk about their life, record the conversation, or create a memory book.
• Bring generations together by having children and grandchildren write letters, draw pictures, or ask questions.
• Give a special tribute such as a proclamation, certificate, or even a handmade gift that acknowledges their 100 years.

At Gilchrist, we believe every stage of life is worth honoring—from the first breath to the hundredth year and beyond. On this National Centenarian’s Day, we celebrate those who remind us of the beauty of a century well lived.