Nina Johnson
Get the candles ready and lots of them. On July 23, Westminster Woods resident Nina Johnson will celebrate a birthday — her 103rd!
Still very active, the centenarian is a prominent feature at the retirement community located adjacent the St. Johns River. Johnson is seen daily pedaling her candy-apple red, three-wheeled bike rather briskly throughout the Fruit Cove campus. However, the quick-witted Johnson, whose rides these days are frequently interrupted by well-wishers, does not plan to slow down.
She also spends a significant portion of each week volunteering her time folding the community’s newsletter, something she’s been doing for the past four years. Johnson also stays in touch with the families of dear friends past; she writes poetry and delights her fellow residents with at least one joke per day over lunch.
Married for 69 years and the mother of two children, Johnson boasts eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Many of them will join her in celebrating the milestone, along with her friends from Westminster Woods.
You’ve been in Florida for about a tenth of your life, how do you like living here?
You know, I didn’t think I would at first. But after I acclimated to it, Florida’s been great. I moved here from Ocean Pines, Md. I was very active in my church and in the community there. It’s a great state, a little snow and cold.
What’s the secret to your many years?
Everybody asks me that question (laughs). I always tell those who ask, when you breathe out, make sure you breathe back in.
You’re known for riding your bike around campus. How far do go?
I ride every day. Probably only about a half a mile now. Two years ago, I was riding 2 miles a day. I really think you need to keep active. That’s the main thing. I’ve slowed down a lot over the past few years. My heart’s still good, but the muscles around the heart have weakened a bit, so I have more trouble breathing. As you get older, you start to lose some things. I like to ride over and feed the turtles at the lake. Publix gives me their stale bread so I can feed them.
Do you still have any of your old friends with whom you stay in touch?
Everyone my age is gone, so I stay in touch by writing their families. You know, I wrote my own eulogy. You never know when you’re going to need it. Not to sound morbid, but when you’re 103, you know at some point you’re going to die. It might just be a wonderful experience for me. (With a twinkle in her eye and a broad smile) I hope I’ve been a good girl!
— TERRY BROWN
