107-year-old Carmel Valley woman honored on National Centenarian Day
By Jazmon DeJarnette
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CARMEL VALLEY, California (KSBW) — Every Sept. 22 is National Centenarian Day. Its creation was to celebrate and honor those who have reached the age of 100 and older.
Here on the Central Coast, Sophia Gasser is 107 years old, making her a supercentenarian and the oldest resident living at Carmel Valley Manor.
Gasser has lived at Carmel Valley Manor for 14 years and has lived every single moment.
“Just the people for one thing, and just the atmosphere. I just love it,” Gasser said.
When asked about her greatest accomplishment in life, she didn’t hesitate, saying it’s her children.
“It just fills my life every minute, and I just love it,” Gasser said.
One of her favorite things about Carmel Valley Manor is the food, and that fits perfectly with Carmel Valley Manor’s new Blue Zone approval. The facility has changed many of its menus to make them healthier.
“Having lunch, breakfast and dinner with my friends, and that is always a joy,” Gasser said.
“They eat healthy meals, locally sourced, mostly all organic, both plants and proteins,” said Jay Zimmer, Carmel Valley Manor president and CEO.
Carmel Valley Manor even offers jobs for residents. Until recently, Gasser worked at Rose, a shop inside the manor.
“We have seven over 100 today. Sophia is 107, and, up until recently, she was still working in the Rose, which is an on-campus retail site, and not only was she working there, but she was the top salesperson in the group,” Zimmer said.
Gasser offered her secret to reaching 107 years old, saying it’s nothing but hard work.
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