World-Famous Supercentarian Another Year Older and More Remarkable
CHICAGO, Sep 21, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Ventas, Inc. (NYSE: VTR) ("Ventas" or the "Company") today celebrates
the remarkable birthday of one of its most famous residents Walter
Breuning, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's
oldest living man at the age of 114. The celebration will take place at
The Rainbow Senior Living in Great Falls, Montana, where Walter has
resided for the past 30 years.
"What Walter has achieved by reaching the age of 114 is no small feat,"
said Robert Young, Senior Consultant for Gerontology, Guinness World
Records. "Walter officially became the Oldest Man in the World on July
18, 2009, and the fact that he has held this record for over a year is
amazing. The 2011 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records is the
first edition that recognizes Walter's accomplishment, and I'm so
pleased to personally present him with a copy today."
The age of 114 has been reached much more often by women. So far,
Guinness has recognized 72 women, but only five men, to have reached the
age of 114. Currently, the world's oldest person, Eugenie Blanchard of
the French island of Saint Barthelemy, born February 16, 1896, is just
seven months older than Walter.
Expected to attend Walter's birthday celebration today at The Rainbow
Senior Living are Mr. Young and the Governor of Montana Brian
Schweitzer, in addition to several Shriners (Walter is the oldest living
Shriner), friends, and fellow residents.
"All of us here at Ventas wish Walter a very happy birthday and a
wonderful 114th year," Ventas Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer Debra A. Cafaro said.
In anticipation of this birthday, Walter reflected on the three
centuries his life has spanned and shared some of his experiences and
thoughts, which are shown below.
Life in the 1900s:
There was no electricity, and transportation was only horses and the
Great Northern Railway, and no running water or bathroom in the houses -
imagine that.
Growing up during WWI:
It was pretty tough business; you had no choice, you just had to do what
was going on. There were no jobs, and you were just lucky to get a job.
My job on the railroad paid $60 a month and that was a lot of money.
Invention of the Car:
We boys would take out the Model T and about every five miles you had to
get out and change out the tires, patch them up and pump them up and
then off we'd go again.
The Great Depression:
Banks were closing all over the place; there was no money and no jobs.
If the war hadn't started, we'd still be in a Depression! And my advice,
stay working as long as you can and don't retire too early 'cause you'll
find out you need a little more money than what Social Security pays.
Most Memorable Invention:
Radio and TV are probably the biggest inventions that changed the world.
And then in the 1960s the computer made a real difference in how
business was done.
Most Memorable Event:
Halley's Comet, the flash of fire lasted three nights. People stayed up
all night to see the ball of fire going across the sky - that was quite
a sight.
Secret to a Long Life:
I'll tell you one thing is diet - stay slim and keep that mind and body
busy all the time, and you'll find it a darn good thing to do.
Words of Wisdom:
Be good to everybody, be kind to everybody, and help other people. The
more you do for other people, the better you are going to help yourself.
Every day is a good day and make it that way.
For more information about Walter, visit www.ventasreit.com/about/oldestmanintheworld.asp.
Ventas, Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a leading healthcare real estate
investment trust. Its diverse portfolio of approximately 600 assets in
44 states (including the District of Columbia) and two Canadian
provinces consists of seniors housing communities, skilled nursing
facilities, hospitals, medical office buildings and other properties.
Through its Lillibridge subsidiary, Ventas provides management, leasing,
marketing, facility development and advisory services to highly rated
hospitals and health systems throughout the United States. More
information about Ventas and Lillibridge can be found at www.ventasreit.com
and www.lillibridge.com.
SOURCE: Ventas, Inc.
Ventas, Inc.
David J. Smith, (877) 4-VENTAS
or
Stacia Kirby, (206) 363-1492
Stacia@speakeasy.net