Centenarian Profile
Adella Shafer
Age: 105
Born: April 22, 1907
From: San Francisco, CA
United States
United States
In the last 100 years, what invention had the most impact on your life? Why?
Advances in medicine, especially vaccines and cures for diseases. It used to be that women died during childbirth and now that does not happen as often.
What was your favorite decade? Why?
The 1930s, because I was earning money and was no longer poor. I had finished college. I spent a lot of time reading and discovered books.
What advice would you give to a high school graduate today?
Try to get into a line of work that you enjoy, not just to earn money. If you like teaching, for example, then go teach.
What is the most important lesson you learned in your life?
Depend on yourself.
What leader in the past century impressed you the most? Why?
The women who got women the vote. I voted in the first election in which women were allowed to participate. I also admired President Roosevelt, especially his personality.
