Older than Czechoslovakia: Oldest resident of Czechia celebrates 108th birthday
Blažena Strachotová, the oldest living citizen of the Czech Republic, is 108 years old. Born on February 9, 1917, in Slavičín in the Zlín region, she now resides in České Budějovice. Throughout her long life, she has witnessed a number of significant events, including the presidencies of Masaryk and Beneš, as well as an aerial battle near her hometown.
Blažena Strachotová lives independently in an apartment in České Budějovice, with only the staff from a nearby facility bringing her lunch.
"I make my own breakfast each morning—a slice of bread with a spoonful of honey, that's my daily routine. The other important thing is that I still take care of my own hygiene. I'm not in a hurry to move to a nursing home," she says.
The oldest Czech woman was trained as a butcher and smoker, and spent her entire life doing manual work, including selling sausages.
"My husband inherited a soda factory from his parents. I survived the war and nationalization, when all trades were shut down. We had to move out of our house and deliver building materials. Whatever came our way, we accepted it," she says with a calm expression.
She remains full of energy and optimism.
"Every morning, I first give thanks for another day I've lived to see. Then, I get moving—I make sure to exercise for half an hour every day. And when you have a loving, supportive family, old age becomes a joy," she added.
Blažena Strachotová celebrated her 108th birthday with her entire family, including her great-great-grandchildren.
"I always say that she’s the healthiest in our family. She still joins us at the cottage sometimes, where she gets in and out of the bath. Of course, I wish my mother good health and happiness."
There are currently about a thousand people over the age of 100 in Czechia, with the majority being women.
