Reflections of a blue zone centenarian

On 7 January 1923, Mrs Angelina Manias (nee Makris) was born on the Greek island of Ikaria—one of five known blue zones in the world, and home to some of the longest-living people.

Blue zones are widely recognised as regions where the population live the healthiest, longest lives—many surpassing 100. This is largely due to intuitive lifestyles, leading each day with an emphasis on wholefood diets, moving naturally, and a sense of community. The blue zones have been identified as Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica and Loma Linda, California.

Growing up during World War II, Mrs Manias, her mother, sister and two brothers experienced the difficulties and challenges of living through a war-torn Europe.

However, she was born and raised in a lovely home in Evdilos—a part of Ikaria—built on a cliff directly above the sea.  Paintings of this home still hang on the wall in her room (pictured above). She has fond memories of her childhood in Ikaria, despite the difficult war years.

Back then, her father was not home much, having gone to America three times to earn money and coming back to Ikaria every few years.

On his fourth trip, he came to Australia in 1924, and remained working there and sending money back home to support his family.

In 1948, after the war, Mrs Manias came to Australia with her mother and nephew to meet up with her father, whom she had seen so little of. Her father was a fisherman and was living in a shack at Baird Bay on the Eyre Peninsula.

Mrs Manias reflects, ‘At that time, there was no electricity, telephones, or running water. We used kerosene lamps at night, we had ice cube deliveries in the morning to keep our food, and our clothes were all washed by hand.’

That same year, Mrs Manias met her soon-to-be husband, Mr George Manias.

George was a fisherman too, and his family had also come from Greece. At that time, there were a lot of Greek families living in Baird Bay, and they effectively started the fishing industry in those parts.

‘We had a strong sense of community, often hosting parties in our homes with plenty of dancing and singing.’

After dating for six days, George proposed, and Angelina became Mrs Manias in the local town hall at Port Kenny (pictured right). The whole town was invited and witnessed the ceremony and the reception that followed.

Soon, the newlyweds welcomed three children of their own, raised in their two-bedroom Port Kenny house that George built from the ground up.

Mr and Mrs Manias spent the next 12 years there, before relocating to Adelaide, where they built their new home at Ascot Park.

Once the children grew up, the couple returned to Baird Bay, where they would go out fishing together each day until well into their 80s.

They kept their house at Ascot Park, but bought a new, larger home at Seacombe Heights. They would commute regularly between Baird Bay and Adelaide to see their children and grandchildren, as well as their many friends.

At this time, Mr and Mrs Manias began regular travel to Greece, reconnecting with family and friends and ensuring their children also got to know relatives they had not met before.

They would stay in the beautiful home that Mrs Manias was born in, as ownership had passed to her sister and family descendants, who are still close to Mrs Manias and her family.

Their children share, ‘Mum was famous for her cooking, and we would all flock to grab a plate of her meatballs, fish soup, baklava and shortbreads, amongst other dishes.’

‘Dad was known for meeting strangers on the beach at Baird Bay and inviting them home for lunch or dinner. Mum was never flustered by this and would cook up a storm for hordes of people whom she had never met.’

‘Mum never had anything bad to say about anyone, and she always welcomed people into our home.’

As a blue zone centenarian, Mrs Manias shares, ‘I always ate a lot of fresh fish, and homecooked meals. My family lived the same, and my YiaYia [grandmother] lived to 110!’

Now, Mrs Manias (pictured right) resides at Resthaven Malvern to be close to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who visit regularly.

On her birthday, Mrs Manias celebrated her centenarian milestone surrounded by her doting family and friends of 120.

‘I have lived a lovely life, with a good husband, and a good family.’

Many happy returns, Mrs Manias!