Dorothy Staten knows the importance of having a room of one’s own. So at 106 years old, she still lives in her own apartment, enjoying good health and dispensing tips on . She has firm rules about sugar, alcohol, cold drinks and ice cream.
Staten, who resides in El Paso, Texas, is cheerful and energetic when a reporter calls. “I feel like I’m 16 years old,” she tells TODAY.com with a laugh.
“I’m doing fine, honey.” Born on June 17, 1918, Staten has lived in her apartment for more than 40 years, says her daughter, Rosie Lyles, who lives across the hall from her mom in the same apartment building. The arrangement allows her to take care of the centenarian whenever she needs her.
“She’s got her own place, and I’ve got mine. Everybody needs their own place,” Lyles, 80, tells TODAY.com.
Other than some vision problems, Staten is doing well, her daughter says. A pacemaker helps keep her heartbeat steady. She cooked for herself until a few years ago, but has found it more difficult recently.
She loves food and enjoys the meals Lyles prepares for her. “I have a good appetite,” Staten says, lighting up when certain foods, like beans, are mentioned. “Oh, honey, that’s my favorite,” she exclaims.
Staten was born near Austin, Texas, then moved to El Paso to enjoy the lower humidity there. Longevity runs in her family: she has a sister who is 104 years old. The centenarian used to be “a professional cook for rich people,” so she has lots of experience w.