Aileen Kars, New Zealand’s oldest person, recently celebrated her 111th birthday surrounded by family and friends. She has been a resident of Arvida Olive Tree community in Highbury, Palmerston North, for 31 years. Robyn Ballard, the Village Manager, describes Aileen as a beloved figure within the community, both among residents and staff.
“Aileen has been with us since 1993. Over the years, she’s lived in a villa, an apartment, and now resides in the care centre. She has a wonderful, warm nature, and everyone loves visiting her,” said Robyn.
Aileen’s life has been one of hard work, joy, and resilience. Raised on a farm, she spent her younger years milking cows and shearing sheep. An accomplished ballroom dancer, Aileen balanced her passion for dance with the responsibilities of farm life alongside her late husband. Together, they raised their children in the Manawatu region, where family was always at the heart of their lives.
Aileen and her husband shared a marriage lasting 54 years. She is now the proud matriarch of a large family, including two children, three grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Her family attributes Aileen’s remarkable longevity to her strong faith. When reflecting on her life in 2021, Aileen shared her simple but meaningful philosophy: “I’ve had a good life ... you need to have a good nature to live this long. I always got along well with others. My mother always said, ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ You get out what you put in.”
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