104-year-old former teacher on the key to longevity: activity, community

Erlene Dennis, 104, was a teacher for almost 40 years. Although it has been decades since she retired, Denise still has an impact on her former students. According to the statement, many of the children she taught then are now older adults Fox 8.

“Every once in a while I see someone I haven’t seen in years. I may have forgotten, but they haven’t. They remember very well,” Dennis told the channel.

Denise was born on July 2, 1920 in Winston-Salem, NC and remains in her hometown. She lives in High Point, where she taught for many years The highest point company.

Keeping up with family, friends, and even former students is extremely important to Denise, and she’s grateful that her friends remind her to step up.

“I think the key is to continue to be active as much as you can and (the people) around you,” she told Fox 8.

Denise’s efforts to make these connections very likely contribute to her long and fulfilling life. Maintaining positive relationships, or what researchers call longevity, is the most important thing that allows us to feel happier and live longer. decades of Harvard research.

Dennis has a huge and engaged community. On her 100th birthday in 2020, her friends and family, as well as many people from the High Point community, organized a birthday parade for her.

A reception was held for Dennis before the parade, with the mayor, sheriff, county commissioner and state representative all in attendance. WFMY News 2 reported at the time.

As of 2023, Denise was still active in her sorority, of which she was a founder, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is a Gold Member of her sorority, meaning she has been a member for over 50 years.

Denise’s friends describe her as a determined woman. Her friend Evelyn Williams told Fox 8, “She was always willing to do what she had to do.”

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