Each Year Better Than the Last

 

If you ask 100-year-old Dorothy (Dottie) Iverson to pick a favorite year of her life, she’ll tell you she can’t. According to her, each year has been better than the last. According to her, she’s had a marvelous life. “If I die tomorrow, don’t cry; just think of all the fun I had.”

That’s a fabulous perspective from someone who was born during World War II and later lost her home in a fire. Her secret? She says the key to living to 100 is focusing on happiness and positivity.

A dental hygienist by training, Dottie stopped working officially after having her first child. Instead, she stayed active by joining – and starting – clubs and social groups in her newfound hometown of Santa Barbara, California. 

She combined her love of activities with her desire to help her husband build his dental practice by becoming an active member of the community. Her daughters describe her as the original networker.

Over the years Dottie participated in numerous activities including skiing, ice dancing, flower arranging, playing bridge, camping with youth groups, and being a founding member of the Friendship Club.

When a fire that ultimately burned their home to the ground forced them to evacuate, Dottie’s husband told her it looked like she was going to get the sliding glass door she had wanted in the dining room. Dottie said she “felt like a new bride” getting a second chance to build their dream home and purchase all new things. 

It sounds like Dottie has always followed her own advice. “Keep happy and look on the bright side of life.” Words to live by Dottie!

Curious about the details of this amazing woman’s life? Keep reading.