According to Launceston’s Chloe Duncan, the secret to a long life is happiness.
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Mrs Duncan celebrated her 105th birthday at her home in Mayfield on Friday, making her the oldest person living in the Bass electorate, and the third oldest person living in Tasmania according to the electoral roll.
She spent her day with visitors from across the state including her son, daughter and grandchildren, and said she was feeling good about celebrating her birthday.
“It’s been hectic, but it’s been good,” she said.
Mrs Duncan said she was a “very contented” person.
“I always had a happy nature from a kid, always dancing down Balfour Street home from school,” she said.
“I’ve been excited all day I think, I haven’t come down on Earth yet, I haven’t landed.”
Born and bred in Launceston, Mrs Duncan grew up in Balfour Street practicing ballet.
She said the patrons at Launceston’s local watering holes – including the Sportsman’s Hotel – would come out to greet her as she danced towards home.
Mrs Duncan raised 11 children, seven of whom are still alive today.
“They were good kids,” she said.
“Happy-go-luckys, the lot of them.”
Mrs Duncan has been living in her housing commission home in Mayfield since 1953, initially with eight of her children.