Viennese Emma Wenda celebrates impressive 110 years full of life!

Viennese Emma Wenda celebrates impressive 110 years full of life!

Haus Laaerberg, 1100 Wien, Österreich - On July 7, 2025, Emma Wenda, the oldest still living Viennese, celebrated her remarkable 110th birthday in the Laaerberg house. Mayor Michael Ludwig personally brought her his congratulations and brought a punk cake with him that represents Wenda's favorite meal dish. Her life story is impressive: Wenda was born in Biedermannsdorf in 1915 and has survived numerous historical events such as two world wars, Spanish flu and the Corona pandemic in the course of her life.

Since 2024 she has been running the title of the oldest citizen of Vienna and is one of the oldest living people in Austria. Her professional career was characterized by an exceptional commitment, because from 1940 to 1970 she worked as a tram maker at the Viennese lines, an activity that was mainly carried out by men.

a fulfilled life

Wenda found her joie de vivre and self -determination even in the period after her retirement. She traveled a lot and is proud today to be able to report incredible experiences, such as a helicopter tour of the Mürzzuschlag at the age of 95. She has been living in the houses to life for 18 years, where she has been resided in the Laaerberg house since 2016. There she enjoys spending time on the terrace that gives her a lot of fun.

Numerous well-wishers were also present in the celebration for their 110th birthday, including their niece Renate Schilhan-Polleres and representatives of the Viennese lines, who also welcomed Wenda. Mag. Christian Hennefeind, the managing director of the houses to live, praised her joie de vivre in his speech.
Emma Wenda is part of a remarkable age development in Austria: According to current statistics, there are over 400 people in Vienna who are older than 100 years. This is a significant increase compared to around 200 years ago 20 years ago that is attributed to improved health care and care in the city.

statistical insights into the senior citizens' life

Demographic development in Austria shows that the proportion of over 65-year-olds in the population increases steadily. In 2022 it was around 1.75 million people aged 65 and and over, which makes 19.5 % of the population. There is a special variation in region: In Burgenland, the proportion of older people is 22.6 %, while Vienna has 16.5 % the lowest share.
However, the way of life for seniors is often shaped by loneliness despite high mobility and social engagement. 30.8 % of the elderly are single people, while 69.2 % live in partnerships.

The quality of life and social networks play a crucial role for older generations. Seniors often support their children and grandchildren, which strengthens social connection. Despite the challenges that age entails, more and more older people, according to a survey, use social media regularly.

Emma Wenda not only embodies an impressive age, but also the change that society experiences with regard to age acceptance. Their history inspires and illustrates the importance of joie de vivre and social ties in old age.

For more information about Emma Wenda, click here. You can find more details about the senior citizens' life in Austria here and for your 109th birthday here.