105‑year‑old Zlín resident celebrates 105th birthday

Marie Nováková, a 105‑year‑old resident of Zlín in the Czech Republic, marked her 105th birthday. She remains fully independent, handling household chores, cooking, shopping and walking on her own. Nováková, the city’s oldest inhabitant, said a doctor confirmed she is healthy but noted, "I am alone now."

Born in 1921 in Dolní Bečva, she has lived through the First Republic, World War II, the communist era, the 1968 occupation, the Velvet Revolution and the modern Czech Republic. After moving to Zlín to study at Baťa’s vocational school, she worked as a seamstress and later in a hosiery factory. Her husband, František, died 38 years ago, and one of her two sons also passed away; the surviving son visits regularly. Despite the loss of peers and family, Nováková continues to host guests, share meals and plan outings, embodying resilience and a lifelong commitment to self‑sufficiency.