Utah woman celebrates 100th birthday, shares her secrets to a long life

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Velia S. Cuatto was surrounded by friends and family at a restaurant in Salt Lake City for a special celebration on Saturday.

But it wasn’t a typical party — Cuatto and her family were celebrating the fact that she will soon reach triple digits, as she turns 100 years old on July 31.

Pictures from throughout Cuatto’s life adorned the tables at the party, along with fact sheets from the year she was born. Cookies and the cake at the party were decorated with “100” in golden frosting and golden candles.

Cuatto, born in 1924, told ABC4.com that she is originally from Carbon County, Utah. When asked what keeps her going, she said she plans ahead.

“I always plan what I’m gonna do the next day and I do it,” Cuatto said. “I don’t forget one thing that I’m gonna do.”

Cuatto also said her job and hard work are some of the things that motivate her. Each day, she said she feels good when she wakes up, and each day, she follows her routine.

“I wake up and have one cup of coffee, have my breakfast, and then I go to work,” she said. “I have a big yard and a home.”

Cuatto said she lives alone, but she goes to visit her children who live out of state. She said it was “great” having so many people in one place to celebrate her birthday.

Her grandson Landon was one of the attendees at the party on Saturday.

“I’m happy that she’s turning 100, big hundred birthday for her,” Landon said as he hugged his grandmother. “And I’m happy that she’s still here, with me.”

Cuatto offered some more of her secrets to those who hope to one day live as long as she has.

“Just to keep working and be honest. That’s the most important thing,” she said. “Don’t forget God in your life, OK?”

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