Berlin's Oldest Resident, Gertrud Oertel, Marks Her 111th Birthday in Good Health

Gertrud Oertel, a long-time resident of Berlin's Schöneweide district, has celebrated her 111th birthday, making her the city's oldest living citizen. Born in 1914 in Seddin, Brandenburg, Oertel has witnessed over a century of profound changes in Berlin and Germany, from the era of horse-drawn carriages on Unter den Linden to the introduction of autonomous vehicles at recent technology exhibitions in the German capital.

Oertel's milestone birthday was observed in robust health according to the local district administration, which marked the occasion with both official recognition and personal visits from local dignitaries. Representatives from the district of Treptow-Köpenick, including the district mayor and the district councilor for social affairs, health, labor, and participation, extended their congratulations in person, acknowledging her remarkable longevity and resilience through the many challenges and historical events of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Growing up in Michendorf, just outside Berlin, Oertel eventually moved to the city where she worked for the railway. In her adult life, she made the decision to adopt a child from a local children's home, choosing to raise a family as a single parent. Today, she resides in a senior living community in Niederschöneweide, sharing her home with her pet cat.

As someone who has experienced two world wars, the division and reunification of Berlin, and numerous personal and societal transformations, Oertel's life story stands as a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Despite the adversities of the past century, she continues to approach life with optimism and a focus on the small joys of daily existence.

Oertel's longevity is especially notable in the context of Berlin's demographic landscape. Recent data from the Federal Institute for Population Research indicates that in 2024, the German capital was home to 5,470 women and 1,540 men aged 95 or older. The average age in Berlin was reported to be 42.8 years, highlighting Oertel's exceptional age and the rarity of her achievement.

On the occasion of her 111th birthday, Oertel offered a simple piece of advice to younger generations: to act with reason and to maintain peace in their communities. Her message underscores the values that have guided her through more than a century of life, serving as inspiration for all who seek to navigate the complexities of modern society with patience and goodwill.

The celebration of Gertrud Oertel's 111th birthday not only honors an individual's remarkable lifespan but also serves as a reflection on the dramatic changes experienced by Berlin and its residents over the course of more than a hundred years. Her life is a living link to the city's history, offering unique perspectives on the evolution of urban life, social structures, and cultural values in Germany's capital.