8 Ways People Celebrate 100th Birthdays

New figures show 13,780 people are now over 100. 5,650 turned 100 in 2013 alone. With one in three children born today expected to reach three figures – the DWP team behind sending 100th birthday cards reveal some ways people celebrate hitting 100.

1. Pool party

Flickr: seesmoo

One former swimming champion invited family and friends down to the pool for the party.

We’re not sure how many lengths he did – but over 100 years he must have been able to get around the world.

2. Dressing up as a bunny girl

Flickr: tjflex

A few eyebrows were raised when we heard that one centenarian celebrated their big day dressing up as a bunny girl.

But after 100 years, you should do whatever you want to.

3. A quick abseil

Flickr: sovietuk

After hitting the heights of 100, one pensioner chose to drop a few floors with a celebratory abseil.

As you do.

4. Jiving

Flickr: jive-addiction

You should never be too old to cut some rug – and one person reaching 100 headed on a jiving holiday.

With the children in their 70s in tow, the party might not have had all the swings but made all the right moves.

5. Balloon flight

Flickr: walkadog

After reaching 100, you can’t accuse anyone of having their head in the clouds, but one centenarian marked their big day with a hot air balloon flight.

6. Vintage car ride

Flickr: ell-r-brown

The cars of 100 years ago weren’t the speediest, but one pensioner strapped on their driving goggles for a spin in a vintage car.

A 1960s classic would have been new on the road when they were in their 50s.

7. Street parties

Flickr: neonbubble

Having the family around you for 100 not out might not be enough. One person invited the whole street to celebrate.

Who said street parties should only be for the Royals?

8. Telegrams

All British citizens reaching 100 receive a card from the Queen and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. This year over 5,000 people will get the card.

To help people have a comfortable retirement – all the way to 100 and beyond – automatic enrolment is helping people save in a workplace pension.

4.4m people are now auto-enrolled into a pension. Find out more information here:

https://www.gov.uk/workplacepensions