Alda Philo celebrates 105th birthday |15 July 2020
MNA Lemiel talking to Mrs Philo after having presented her with her gift (Photo: Sylvanne Lemiel)
Alda Philo, one of the oldest women in Seychelles,celebrated her 105th birthday yesterday surrounded by friends and family.
A devout catholic, Mrs Philo celebrated her birthday with a thanksgiving service at the St Joseph’s parish church Anse Royale conducted by Father Colin Underwood. Last night, she was surrounded by close family members for a dinner.
This is the second time Mrs Philo has celebrated her birthday during a pandemic, the first time was in 1918 during the Spanish flu pandemic.
Thesemi-supercentenarian believes that the secret to her long life is prayer, work, good nutrition and a simple life.
Originally from Mont Plaisir, Anse Royale, Alda Philo was born in 1915 and is the oldest amongst nine brothers and sisters, who have since passed away. She has two daughters, 17 grandchildren, and 42 great grandchildren.
She recently moved to Les Cannelles in the same southern district to be cared for by one of her daughters, Josephine Leon.
Her carer Finesse Vidot has described Mrs Philo as being very maternaland that she often enjoys playing with her dolls and rocking them back and forth.
Alda Philo says she was never picky about food, especially during the times long ago when many families could not afford basic necessities.
Ms Vidot has also described Mrs Philo as being less active as she becomes older compared to the days when she would do someexercisethough not as vigorous as when she was young.
When asked if she wishes to live longer, she said: “It is the Lord who keeps us alive and we need to love our God. If I am to live some more years it is all up to Him. I do my very best to attend mass because we need to thank God but when I can’t the priest comes to my home.”
During the special service, Mrs Philo received hampers on behalf of President Danny Faure, Minister of Family Affairs Mitcy Larue, district administrationoffice, senior citizens committee, veterans committee and member of the National Assembly for Anse RoyaleHon. SylvanneLemiel.
Christophe Zialor
