Ludwika Kosztyła
- Full name: Ludwika Kosztyła
- Lifespan: (03.08.1897 – 01.12.2008)
- Age: 111 years, 120 days
- Birthplace: Brzozów, Austria-Hungary (now Brzozów, Brzozów County, Subcarpathia Voivodeship, Poland)
- Last residence: Brzozów, Brzozów County, Subcarpathia Voivodeship, Poland
- Application date: 11.11.2013
- Validation date: 01.05.2016
- Validation source: Wacław Jan Kroczek
Biography
Ludwika Kosztyła was born in Brzozów, Austria-Hungary (present-day Subcarpathia Voivodeship, Poland) on 3 August 1897. She spent her whole life in the subcarpathian town of Brzozów.
Ludwika Kosztyła had six children, with only Ewa being able to attend her 110th birthday. At the time of Ludwika’s 110th birthday, the oldest daughter was 87. Three of her children were deceased, the remaining two were ailing. “When loved ones pass away, life is no longer as joyful.”
Ludwika lived through many challenges, including working hard with her husband and raising a large family. Despite her age, she remained independent, handling her daily routines herself. She enjoyed pork ribs and a shot of vodka, reflecting her non-adherence to “healthy eating.” She never thought much about her age, focusing instead on living each day fully. She was not a fan of television; she believed that televisions had spoiled young people.
Ludwika married Antoni in 1919. A boy from the neighborhood, it was love at first sight. She saw him riding a horse ‘standing up’ and immediately thought: him or no one. And he couldn’t take his eyes off the beautiful blonde. Leokadia, the middle sister, was called the ‘angel’ in the family because of her blonde curls.”. The couple built their house shortly after the wedding. As a wedding gift, Ludwika’s father-in-law promised them wood for the entire house. They used to go to the forest to cut it down. She never regretted her choice. “I had a very good husband. He was hardworking, respected me and the children, helped people, and didn’t drink vodka.“
On her 110th birthday Ludwika has been eagerly awaiting her guests since morning. She peeked through the window, then stepped out onto the porch. She prepared juice, coffee, and fruits and directed her. “Put the cake here, on the table,” she directs her daughter-in-law, 71-year-old Bolesława, as she reached for chocolates from the cupboard. “Would you like some cognac?”
The wooden house on Szopen Street in Brzozów has a clean kitchen, a well-kept yard, and flowers in the garden. As of her 110th birthday, Ludwika could no longer go outside, the blooming dahlias behind the window bring her joy.
Before the war, Antoni worked at a nearby tannery. When the Germans destroyed it, he became a cart driver, transporting coal. “The work was hard. Coal had to be loaded in Rymanów. Sometimes, he had to hitch the horse at midnight or three in the morning. I always got up with him to prepare his food and a meal for the road,“.
Ludwika didn’t like to sleep in for too long, although no chores dragged her out of bed anymore. “I get up at eight unless it’s a cloudy day, then I stay in bed longer.”
She handled her daily routine herself. She washed, dressed, combed her hair, and opened windows because she liked fresh air. She prepared breakfast: spread butter on a slice of bread (her daughter-in-law always buys sliced bread), put a tea bag in a glass, added sugar, and a slice of lemon.
“Mama always insisted on being independent,” confirmed Mrs. Bolesława. “Until recently, she lit the gas stove herself, and it took both me and her daughter, Ewa, to persuade her to stop cooking dinner.”.
The family comprises of 55 members, including 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Ludwika remembered all their names. She worked on the farm with her husband and has been a widow since 1980. She lived alone but was cared for by her 71-year-old daughter-in-law who lives next door. Mrs. Ludwika remained fairly physically fit, with an excellent memory and sharp mind. She stayed informed about national and world events, and until late centenarian years, read newspapers regularly, as she was passionate about politics.
“My grandmother is a very kind person,” emphasizes granddaughter Ruta Musiał from Tyczyn. “She loves guests and visits.”
“Grandma symbolizes everything good in life to me. She raised me from a young age, so I visit her whenever I can,” says grandson Piotr Kosztyła, a miner in Silesia.
Longevity attribution
Ludwika Kosztyła attributed her longevity and good health to always striving to be kind to others.
“You just have to be a good person,“
Longevity recognition
- Oldest living person in Subcarpathia Voivodeship (15.07.2004 – 01.12.2008)
- Longevity Recordholder of Subcarpathia Voivodeship (2006 – present)
- Doyenne of Poland (30.03.2007 – 01.12.2008)
Validation
Ludwika Kosztyła’s age was verified by Wacław Jan Kroczek, GRG Correspondent for Poland and Nordic Countries, and validated by the Gerontology Research Group on 1 May 2016.
Ludwika Kosztyła celebrating her 110th birthday in 2007.
Ludwika Kosztyła on her 110th birthday.
Ludwika Kosztyła aged 110.
Ludwika Kosztyła on her 110th birthday.
Photo courtesy of Wacław Jan Kroczek, GRG Correspondent for Poland and Nordic Countries.