Happy At One Hundred

“They have witnessed almost a whole, eventful 20^th century, including two world wars, economic crises, destruction, construction, division and reunification – and they have survived.” – Karsten Thormaehlen. 

German photographer Karsten Thormaehlen’s wanted to photograph centenarians and between 2006 and 2011, created a beautiful portrait series that became an award winning exhibition and book. Titled “Jahrhundertmensch”, (which means ‘Century Man’ in German) Thormaehlen photographed centenarians in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The exquisite close-up portraits of the “oldest of old” faces reveal wisdom, courage, confidence and joy. And also that 100-year-olds may look younger than their years!