Maria Schwaiger was born on April 22, 1916. The First World War was in full swing and Emperor Franz Joseph I was still alive. These days Maria Schwaiger turned 106 years old, believe it or not.
Among the well-wishers was Attnang-Puchheim’s Mayor Peter Groiß (SPÖ). The two now know each other quite well. Groiß has been coming to congratulate for a number of years.
Anyone who thinks that the visits will be difficult in view of Maria Schwaiger’s advanced age is very much mistaken: entering her room in the Attnang-Puchheim district old people’s and nursing home, you will see the open book with reading glasses, souvenir photos and flowers a beaming woman who jokes with visitors, picking up on talking points from past encounters. Her hearing isn’t quite what it used to be, but Maria Schwaiger amazes with wit and a good deal of charm. She is also amazed when she scans the congratulatory letter she has brought with her without reading glasses and says: “It says 106 years! Well, now I know how old I am.” She adjusts the brakes on her wheelchair herself, and she still gets up on her own.
Maria Schwaiger experienced the world economic crisis, the Dollfuss dictatorship, Hitler’s war, the occupation, the reconstruction and the growing together of Europe. Much has changed in the past 106 years. Maria Schwaiger’s sense of humor has survived.
Source: Nachrichten
