Hulda Carlsson
- Full name: Hulda Carlsson
- Lifespan: (02.02.1898 – 22.04.2008)
- Age: 110 years, 80 days
- Birthplace: Källsjö, Falkenberg kommun, Halland län, Sweden
- Last residence: Ekås, Borås kommun, Västra Götaland län, Sweden
- Application date: 03.04.2008
- Validation date: 23.04.2008
- Validation source: Celvin Ruisdael
Biography
Hulda (née Carlsson) Carlsson was born in Källsjö, Halland County, Sweden on 2 February 1898. Her sister Selma lived to be 103. Her husband was Verner Carlsson. In her youth, she worked as a maid.
Carlsson died in Vastra Gotaland County on 22 April 2008 at the age of 110 years, 80 days. Her age was validated by the GRG on 23 April 2008, one day after her death.
Life’s Journey
“Of course, there should be a party when you have a birthday,”
Hulda belonged to the ever-dwindling group who have experienced two turn-of-the-centuries and three centuries. She was born in Källsjö on 2 February 1898. She started school as early as 1905. She remembered the name of her teacher more than a hundred years later.
“His name was K.J. Andrén, but I’m not sure if we went to school every day. Maybe it was just every other day,”
At age 109, Hulda looked more like she was 85 than 109. Her face had barely any wrinkles, her skin was as smooth as a peach, her hearing was good, and so was her vision. She had a twinkle in her eye and is always quick to laugh.
“You should live normally. A little good food now and then, preferably with potatoes, which I have always liked. I also enjoy coffee and cake but not too many sweets,”
All of Hulda’s nine siblings lived to be over 90 years old. One of them, Selma, lived to be 103. Hulda was the third child in the large family. The youngest, Ragnar, was still alive as of 2007 at age 91.
“Today, it’s just Ragnar and me left,” Hulda says.
When Hulda was a teenager, the Spanish flu targeted both her and one of her sisters. The dreadful pandemic claimed millions of lives, but Hulda and her sister survived.
“We drank cod liver oil and both got well,”
As a young woman, Hulda worked as a maid in Gothenburg.
“I worked for a family named Bäcklund who lived on Linnégatan. Bäcklund held a high position, and I enjoyed it very much. The family had several children, and the eldest son was studying to be a dentist. I stayed with the family for four or five years and could only visit home in Källsjö once during those years.”
In the early 1920s, Hulda married Verner, who was from Istorp. He was also named Carlsson, so Hulda didn’t have to change her last name. Upon getting married, Hulda and Verner moved to Backagård in Hyltenäs, which is in Öxnevalla parish. They had six children, four boys, and two girls, between 1922 and 1935. The eldest was Gösta, aged 85 as of 2007.
Hulda was a housewife and a farmer’s wife with all that it entailed for most of the 20th century. In 1980, she became a widow but continued living on the farm in Hyltenäs with her son Evert, who took over the farm, until she was 107 years old. Thereafter, Hulda moved to the Ekås service home in Horred. There she celebrated her birthdays with an open house. On her 110th birthday, she received visit from 100 guests. She was then the second-oldest living person in Sweden behind Astrid Zachrison (1895-2008). Hulda had one wish for her birthday: she wanted to hear accordion music. So, to the sound of the keyboard, staff, relatives, and other guests sang “Happy Birthday.”
She has mentioned that hard work from an early age and a good sense of humor have contributed to her long life. Every night she thanked for the help she received during the day at her care home.
Longevity recognition
- The 2nd oldest living person in Sweden (behind Astrid Zachrison)
Validation
Hulda Carlsson’s age was verified by Celvin Ruisdael, GRG Correspondent for Norway, and validated by the GRG on April 23, 2008.
Hulda Carlson at age 110.
Photo courtesy of Borås Tidning.
Hulda Carlsson at age 109.
Hulda Carlsson’s 110th birthday.