Longevity takes the cake as Glendale residents celebrate hitting 90 and beyond

Gloria Aguirre, 92 of Glendale, poses in front of a large birthday cake during a party for Glendale residents ages 90 and over at the Adult Recreation Center in Glendale on Thursday, May 19, 2016.

May 19, 2016 5:48 PM PT

Lighting candles on a cake is one of the oldest birthday traditions, but more than 3,500 would have been needed for a celebration at the Adult Recreation Center on Tuesday.

That’s because 40 elderly residents — all over the age of 90 — gathered for an annual party where city officials recognized them for their longevity and, for most, their colorful personalities.

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“This is inspirational because of the energy in this room,” Mayor Paula Devine said. “When you think of the ages in this room and what they’re doing, they’re active, they’re engaging, they’re social. It’s an absolutely fantastic event.”

It was the 13th year for the 90-Plus Birthday Celebration. It didn’t matter on what day their birthday fell; if they’ve lived nine decades or more, they received a commendation from the city and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) as well as a slice of birthday cake.

Madeline Salibian, 100, and Bob McTaggert, 99, were crowned king and queen at the 90-Plus Birthday Celebration on Thursday, May 19, 2016.

Jean Bates, 95, said she comes to the recreation center three times a week to meet up with her many friends.

That routine may be a key secret as to why she’s lived for almost a century, she said.

“I think getting out and socializing is an important thing for older people, it really is,” Bates said. “I think it’s very important to keep moving and being outgoing.”

A Missouri native, she’s lived in La Crescenta since 2005. Bates has held a number of jobs over the years, but found her longest-lasting career when she turned 50 and became a nurse. She retired when she was 72.

In addition to the commendations, a king and queen were named at the event, and this year the honorees were Bob McTaggert and Madeleine Salibian.

Afifi Masri, 100, shows her big smile during a party for Glendale residents ages 90 and over at the Adult Recreation Center in Glendale on Thursday, May 19, 2016.

At 101 years old, Salibian is one of the last remaining survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

Born in Aintab, now known as Gaziantep, Turkey, she and her family managed to escape the Ottoman Turks with the help of her father’s Turkish friend who lent three donkeys, Salibian said.

“On the following day, we went toward Damascus,” she said.

They managed to flee to Aleppo, Syria.

It was a long journey, but so was the path to becoming a centenarian.

As for being surrounded by many others near her age, she said: “I’m very honored.”

Arin Mikailian, [email protected]

Twitter: @ArinMikailian

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