Two Namesake Anastasias in Jelgava Celebrate 100th and 101st Birthdays
Over the weekend, two elderly residents of Jelgava, Latvia, marked milestone birthdays: Anastasija Ivanova turned 100, while Anastasija Solodovņikova turned 101. Positivity and optimism are the secrets of their long lives, according to them and their relatives.
Two women who share the same first name celebrated remarkable birthdays in the Latvian city of Jelgava over the weekend. Anastasija Ivanova reached the age of 100, while her namesake Anastasija Solodovņikova turned 101. The information was provided by the Jelgava city municipality.
On her centenary, Ivanova was congratulated on behalf of the municipality by Iveta Hofmane, head of the Social Care Division of the Social Affairs Department, and Aigars Rublis, deputy chair of the Jelgava City Council. Besides flowers and gifts, people reaching the age of 100 also receive a municipal allowance for improving their health.
A life between Ludza and Jelgava
Ivanova was born in Ludza and moved to Jelgava in 1968 after getting married. She spent her working life at a bread factory and a bread shop. Today her grandson Jurijs and two great-granddaughters help her with daily life.
Asked about the secret of her long life, the celebrant pointed to positivity, love for her family and the ability to enjoy small things.
The second celebrant
On the same day, Jelgava resident Solodovņikova celebrated her 101st birthday. Her daughter Tamāra believes her mother's longevity comes from optimism, a good sense of humour and diligence, as she worked hard throughout her life. Reading books and gardening have always brought Solodovņikova the greatest joy.
