Birthday for 104-year-old in New York includes most unusual bucket-list item

A centenarian named Loretta celebrated her 104th birthday in a unique way last week by spending the day in jail. This was a dream she had harbored for years, and she finally got to fulfill it. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office shared the heartwarming story on Facebook, stating that Loretta, a resident of a local nursing home, had expressed her desire to see the inside of a jail as her birthday wish.

Livingston County, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, made Loretta’s dream come true on February 10th. Hurlburt Care Communities, the nursing home where she resides, also posted about her visit to jail, thanking the Sheriff’s Office for granting Loretta’s wish.

During her time at the jail, Loretta enjoyed cake and coffee with the officers, got fingerprinted, had her mug shot taken, and even spent some time in a cell. She also had the opportunity to meet the deputies, including one of their new K-9s. The Sheriff’s Office praised Loretta for being a “great sport” about the experience and thanked her for the laughs.

Loretta shared her secret to a long life, saying, “Mind your business!” Her positive attitude and sense of humor clearly played a role in her reaching the impressive age of 104. Only 0.03% of the U.S. population is over 100 years old, making Loretta’s milestone even more remarkable.

While Loretta may be 104, she is still a decade younger than the oldest living American, Naomi Whitehead, who was born in 1910. Whitehead recently became the oldest living American after the passing of 115-year-old Elizabeth Francis. Francis, a resident of Texas, died in October 2024.

Loretta’s birthday celebration in jail was a testament to her adventurous spirit and the caring community around her. The heartwarming story serves as a reminder to cherish every moment and embrace new experiences, no matter your age.