Portarlington woman Betty Malkin celebrates 100th birthday

A Portarlington woman, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Sunday, has revealed the secret to living a long and happy life.

Portarlington woman Betty Malkin turned 100 on August 29. Picture: David Smith

A Portarlington woman, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Sunday, has revealed the secret to living a long and happy life.

Betty Malkin said she “doesn’t feel any different” as a 100-year-old.

Mrs Malkin was born in Mount Gambier in 1923 and lived in South Australia until the birth of her first child in 1949.

It was then Mrs Malkin and her husband Neil moved the young family to Geelong.

Mrs Malkin has two children, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She worked as a typist and receptionist at accounting firms during her career, both in Geelong and South Australia.

She said one of the highlights of her life was when her husband came home from the war.

Sadly, he died 17 years ago in 2007.

Mrs Malkin said the changes she had seen in Geelong since she moved here had been “amazing”.

“Especially the residential development, there are so many more houses and people,” she said.

Mrs Malkin has received her letter from King Charles III as well as a card from the Governor-General David Hurley and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

She also received a letter from Veterans Affairs, which was “very special”.

Her big secret to living to 100 was to “roll along as things happen” and take everything in your stride.

“I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful family,” she said.

Mrs Malkin turned 100 on August 29 and celebrated the special occasion with an afternoon tea on Sunday with her family and friends.

Her loved ones had travelled from across Australia to celebrate, flying in from Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Originally published as Portarlington woman Betty Malkin celebrates 100th birthday