- Shawn Bradbury, for grandma's 100th

Life expectancy in the U.S. has hit a record high, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. On June 11, they announced that for the first time, life expectancy for white males has reached 76 years; for black males, 70; for white females, 81, and for black females, 76.9 years. The data are based on more than 95 percent of death certificates collected in all 50 states and the District of Columbia as part of the National Vital Statistics System.

When Alice Courtright Scott was born June 15, 1908 in Chicago, Ill., the average life expectancy for a white woman born in America was only 52.8 years. This June 15, Mrs. Scott defied the statistics by celebrating her 100th birthday. Although Mrs. Scott comes from a long lived family (her grandfather lived to be age 99 and her mother lived to 93), her daughter, Julie Bradbury told me, "I don't think she likes the hype surrounding turning 100, so she is insisting she is 97. Regardless, we are going to have a nice party at the nursing home, complete with relatives from far and wide." It's astonishing to think of all that Mrs. Scott has witnessed in one lifetime. She has seen horses and wagons become automobiles. She has seen the use of radio (crystal sets) take hold and the invention of airplanes, telephones, TVs, microwaves, and computers.

She graduated from high school in 1925 and worked in St. Louis as an insurance auditor. Although she and her husband were married in 1930, Bradbury says they waited until after the Depression to have children: "They wanted to be sure they could afford them - no credit cards then!" The Scotts were married for 48 years and raised two children. She has been a widow for 30 years and has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Today she is alert and very interested in the election. She loves politics and watching golf tournaments on TV. She was born before women could vote, so imagine what she thinks about seeing a woman and a man who is half African-American running for office! When her birthday party was held at the Tablerock Retirement Village last week, Julie and her husband Robert Bradbury journeyed from Morgan Hill to Missouri to celebrate. Mrs. Scott enjoyed visiting with her guests, and in addition to all the cards and gifts from relatives and friends, she received a personal greeting from the White House. President Bush and wife Laura both signed the message that reads,"Happy 100th birthday! We are pleased to add our congratulations to your celebration. You have led a remarkable life, and your experiences have contributed to the strength of our Nation. We join our family and friends in wishing you all the best on your special day."

Julie Bradbury tells me that you can get a birthday card sent to your loved one as well. If requested, a card will be sent from the White House to any individual celebrating their 80th (or greater) birthday. The request must be made at least six weeks in advance of the birthday. Go to https://app1.whitehouse.gov/greetings/home, or write to: The White House, Attn. Greetings Office, Washington , D.C., 20502-0039.

Kat Teraji Kat Teraji is communications coordinator for a large non-profit organization that benefits women and children. Her column appears every Thursday in the Take 2 section of the Dispatch. You can reach her at kattoy@verizon.net.