Upstate centenarian shares her love for classical music

LAKEWOOD, N.Y. — Elaine Smathers listens to Russian composer Igor Stravinsky as part of the music class she teaches at Brookdale Senior Living in Chautauqua County, where she has lived since 2017.

“They wanted to know more about classical music and I was happy to be able to do that. I just choose something that is about classical music and something’s different every month,” said Smathers.

What You Need To Know

• Elaine Smathers of Lakewood recenlty turned 100 years old
• She likes to teach classical music to the residents she lives with
• She credits her music and friends as the secret to a long life

Her love of music started at an early age and continued as she got older, having taught it in school for about 30 years.

“I sing a lot. I have many tapes and records in my room that I brought from home,” she said.

In addition to music, Smathers and the others take part in a number of other activities, including, during our visit, welcoming a young pony named Patches, who just turned one.

And Elaine, by the way.

“Oh, I am now 100,” she said.

The staff recently threw a big party for Elaine, after she came back from going out to lunch with her cousins.

“I thought it was wonderful. They had a male quartet, sang and they had cake and ice cream, so we had a nice time,” she said.

Program leaders enjoy having Elaine around.

“Her mind is sharp as a tack. She’s very independent and to this day, she’s still independent. She thrives here. She does her planning for her classical music class. She’ll plan for the next three weeks, for her class that she has coming up. She’s uplifting, she’s always encouraging people. She’s very upbeat. I’ve never seen anybody like her,” said Brenda Bongiovanni, resident engagement manager, Brookdale Senior Living.

Minus some minor vision issues, Elaine credits her longevity to her love for music and people.

“I feel just great. I enjoy visiting with people. I think that’s part of it. I have lots of friends,” said Smathers.

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