Florence Williams had some advice for people that she freely gave out Monday at the Dutchess County Office for the Aging's 11th annual Celebration of Aging on Monday.

“Keep active,” the 104-year-old Town of Poughkeepsie resident said. “Enjoy every day that you have.”
Williams, who will turn 105 in August, was one of 17 county centenarians honored at the luncheon held at the Villa Borghese here.
John Beale, director of the Office for the Aging, said the event was not only to honor the county's oldest residents, but to pay tribute to seniors who volunteer their services.
“Volunteering improves the quality of life for those who do give back to the community,” he said.
“Every morning they get up and they have a purpose,” Beale said. “People say, 'Isn't that nice?' but it's also good for them.”
Ellenora Oberhofer of the Town of Poughkeepsie was honored as female senior of the year in 2007.
In September, she will be the first former honoree to reach 100. A member of three book clubs, Oberhofer shared her secret to staying mentally sharp.
“Keep yourself interested and involved,” she said.
Maisry MacCracken said she used to ride the streetcar from Vassar College, where she lived as a girl when her father was the school's president, to her grade school on Cherry Street.
She regaled the luncheon attendees by reciting a school cheer.
MacCracken, who turns 100 in October, downplayed the importance of the celebration, her foster sister Christine Tall said.
“She said it was no big deal,” Tall said, with a laugh.
Kay vonReyn, the director of the Town of Wappinger senior center, said the luncheon was a wonderful opportunity to be inspired by the life stories of people who were witnesses to history.
She said some people don't realize that senior centers are places where you can rebuild your social network, especially after losing a spouse.
“We have a sign up at the center that says, 'Act old later,' “vonReyn said. “We are trying to change the perception of what older Americans can do.” (Source: poughkeepsiejournal.com)