Born in 1912, Catherina van der Linden has lived through two world wars and two pandemics.
Key points:
- Catherina van der Linden celebrates her 110th birthday today
- She is one of the greatest living Australian women
- He says daily walks are key to good health
The South Australian will celebrate her 110th birthday today, but insists it “won’t take anything spectacular” for the milestone.
“I don’t need a big cake or anything like that,” he said.
Mrs van der Linden said she was looking forward to a “nice dinner” with her family, which includes 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was also looking forward to sharing afternoon tea with staff at Southern Cross Care’s West Beach Residential Care, where he lives.
“I don’t need anything special, maybe for the staff a cup of afternoon tea or a drink or something if they want,” he said.
Catherina van der Linden celebrates her birthday with part of her family. (Southern Cross Care)
Although he prefers something a little stronger than tea.
“My favorite drink is champagne, I like champagne,” he said.
Born in the Netherlands, Mrs van der Linden immigrated to Australia with her husband and young family in 1955.
Catherina van der Linden in the Netherlands in August 1938. (Catherina van der Linden/Southern Cross Care)
The mother of four worked as a picker, nurse’s aide, typist and office assistant and inherited her love of fashion from her mother, a seamstress, and her father, a tailor.
Her milestone birthday makes her one of the oldest living Australians.
He said that although her longevity was unexpected, she had always kept active with daily walks.
Catherina van der Linden with her husband John and their four children in Glenelg in 1958. (Catherina van der Linden/Southern Cross Care)
“I’ve done it for a long time, especially when I lived in the Hills, I walked every day,” he said.
He still goes for walks twice a day and enjoys the solitude.
“I can easily walk on my own without any company,” he said.
Catherina and John van der Linden on their wedding day in 1940. (Catherina van der Linden/Southern Cross Care)
Southern Cross Care said the super-centenarian also hit the gym twice a week.
Independence has remained important to Ms van der Linden, who enjoys playing cards and gardening.
“I try to do everything I can myself, that’s in my nature,” she said.
“I don’t want to impose or bother people.”