The Secret to a Long Life? "Don't Knock It If You Haven't Tried It'

Don't drink, don't smoke, blah blah blah...

It's customary at an event celebrating the lives of those who have excelled well into their golden years—in this case about 25 nonagenarians at the —to dish on the secret to a long life.

"Keep a good sense of humor," said Trudie Thornbough. "And don't knock it if you haven't tried it."

There's one more.

"Live and let live," Trudie said with a big smile.

It's also customary never to ask a lady her age, but at this event it seemed OK. "I'm proud of it," Trudie said. "I'm 93."

The event on Monday, the "1st Annual 90's Celebration," was made possible by the Senior Center's Grass Roots Advisory Committee Foundation and contributions from Red Petal Cupcakes, Fairwinds Brighton Court (coffee mugs filled with treats) and Ida Fernandez (for the flowers).

According to Senior Center executive director Farrell Fleming, there are actually more than 120 active members 90 or above.

"Much has been made about the aging population and often portrayed as a problem, crisis or disaster," said Fleming. "However, I witness on a daily basis the contributions of the oldest of our volunteers, and they are an excellent example of living life to the fullest and graciously accepting the limits imposed on their bodies."