Aileen Kars, New Zealand’s oldest living person, celebrated her 111th birthday

The Gerontology Research Group is pleased to announce that Mrs. Aileen Kars, the oldest living person in New Zealand, celebrated her 111th birthday on 12 September 2024 in Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand.

Aileen Kars was born in the farm Burnbrae in Tokomaru, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand on 12 September 1913. She was raised on a farm, milking cows. Kar’s husband Les died after 54 years of marriage, but their legacy included two sons, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. However, limited mobility and a global pandemic, made it difficult to maintain relationships.

Kars maintained an independent lifestyle until the day before her 100th birthday in 2013, after which it was decided that she would move into a retirement home. She attributes her longevity to drinking plenty of water and maintaining a happy disposition.

On 29 July 2022, following the death of 110-year-old Joan Brennan, she became the oldest living person in New Zealand.

On 12 September 2023, Kars celebrated her 110th birthday, achieving supercentenarian status. At the age of 110, she had three grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

On 5 June 2024, following the passing of 111-year-old Olga Abate of Australia, she became the oldest living person in Oceania.

Her age underwent verification by Oliver Trim and Waclaw Jan Kroczek, and validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) on 3 December 2023.

New Zealand’s oldest person Aileen Kars turns 111, celebration planned in Palmerston North