Advice from 105-year-old: ‘Just live day to day’

Like most people in Palmerton, Edgar Weiss thinks that today is just another Monday.

But it’s not.

Today is a special day, because it marks 105 years since Weiss was born, at home, in Franklin Township.

Even if he’s now reached 105, which some might consider a huge milestone, Weiss said he feels the same.

“It doesn’t make a difference. Just another day,” he said.

Through the years, Weiss has worn many different hats.

Before working in a hosiery mill in Weissport, he worked on a farm for $1 a day.

“That’s how I got rich,” Weiss said, proving that age hasn’t had an effect on his sense of humor.

During World War II, Weiss was an employee at Bethlehem Steel. He lived in the township his entire life before moving into The Palmerton, a senior living community in the borough of the same name.

Weiss was married to his wife, Evelyn, who was from Palmerton, for more than 40 years. While he didn’t have any children of his own, Weiss did have a stepson named Jim, as well as a grandson called Timothy.

Being the oldest resident at The Palmerton, you might think Weiss would have some kind of elaborate advice for younger people. But seeing as life typically isn’t as complicated as it seems, and that Weiss is a man of few words, the centenarian’s guidance was aptly simple.

“Keep your mind straight,” Weiss said.

As for Weiss’ secret to living a long life, we may never know what it truly is. When asked, Weiss comically replied, “Oh, I’m full of secrets.”

Joking aside, Weiss said there really isn’t a secret.

“Just live day to day,” he said.

And maybe, if Weiss is an example, squeeze a few beer parties and poker nights into your schedule.