Centenarian’s advice: ‘Surround yourself with people you love’
WEST GOSHEN >> Rose Insetta celebrated reaching triple digits recently at Wellington at Hershey’s Mill senior living community.
Fellow residents, family and staff sang “Happy Birthday,” enjoyed cake and cupcakes, and welcomed the centenarian club’s newest member.
Insetta, who grew up in Norristown and whose maiden name was Marino, attributes reaching the 100-year milestone to eating well, getting rest and being aware of your surroundings.
“Surround yourself with people you love and be accepted and loved,” she said.
Although she lived through the Great Depression, her family with 10 children didn’t go hungry since her father was a farmer.
She keeps up with the news and her favorite television show is “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Insetta worked for more than 10 years at the Pentagon in Washington where she rubbed shoulders with many celebrities. She attended Embassy balls and Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s inaugural parade. She worked in the Army’s entertainment and education division.
“I’d pick up a pad and pen and (follow) down the hall,” she said about getting close to Walt Disney and others.
The 100-year-old who was born when Woodrow Wilson was president had been a social smoker and quit more than 60 years ago.
“I wouldn’t smoke during the day but I smoked the moment I got into my apartment,” she said with a smile. “I never smoked in front of my father.”
Insetta loves to read. Her favorite teacher was Miss Price who taught English. She walks often and enjoys listening to music. Her favorite food is ice cream, “after a good turkey dinner,” she said.
After her husband Lloyd passed she moved into Wellington at Hershey’s Mill.