AGE has nothing on Esther Grant who, at 100 years old, is able to walk on her own, eat as she likes, crack a good joke, and have meaningful conversations.

On Saturday the centenarian celebrated her birthday with family and friends who were anxious to spend quality time with her while enjoying warm meals, cool drinks, and soothing music at Long Road, St Mary.

When asked how she feels at that age the sprightly woman jokingly said, “Am I 100? Me wouldn’t tell nobody my age because it’s too old,” said Grant as she chuckled heartily.

“To tell you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, I don’t feel like 100. In my heart I don’t feel like I reach that age but it’s what the Lord wants,” she added.

Among the things she enjoys is worshipping at church on Sundays.

“I love going to church. I am a real Catholic; I still try to go to my Catholic church on Sundays,” a passionate Grant said.

Grant, who is one of nine siblings, five of whom are still alive, also expressed love for her country.

“I would never say anything bad about Jamaica because I was born and raised here. Me will always love my country, always,” she said.

Her sister Joyce Forrester boasted about her strength and warm personality.

“She doesn’t have any particular illness but as far as I know she is better off than me because my two knees are giving out on me and she walks stronger than me. I have to use a cane while she doesn’t,” she said.

“She is a simple woman. Even though she has no kids of her own she was a mom to many. She was even good to me, too, with my children,” she said.

Her caretaker Doreen Sutherland described her as humble and intelligentm meanwhile.

“She has taught me how to be humble, care, share and love. She laughs for everything,” she said.

Recalling a memorable moment, Grant shared, “Once I was heading to church and told her I tore my stocking and she said, ‘Man pon a galloping horse nuh see but ‘walk foot’ man will see.’ I couldn’t stop laughing.”

Her grandson Brandon Grant was also eager to share fond memories.

“Everybody who meets her for the first time will love her. My friends from school still talk about her because when they were younger and would come to the yard they would get food, juice, and she would travel often and bring stuff for us,” he said.

He also remembered running to his grandmother to escape punishment from his mother whenever he misbehaved as a child.

“Normally when I give trouble I would jump in the bed beside my grandmother and I know my mom wouldn’t beat me. That would happen every time,” said Brandon as he laughed.