Viennese Emma Wenda celebrates an impressive 110 years of life!

Viennese Emma Wenda celebrates an impressive 110 years of life!

On July 7, 2025, Emma Wenda, the oldest living Viennese, celebrated her remarkable 110th birthday in Haus Laaerberg. Mayor Michael Ludwig personally conveyed his congratulations and brought a punch cake, which is Wenda's favorite pastry. Her life story is impressive: Wenda was born in Biedermannsdorf in 1915 and over the course of her life has survived numerous historical events such as two world wars, the Spanish flu and the corona pandemic.

Since 2024 she has held the title of Vienna's oldest citizen and is one of the oldest living people in Austria. Her professional career was characterized by an extraordinary commitment, as from 1940 to 1970 she worked as a tram conductor on the Wiener Linien, a job that was predominantly carried out by men at the time.

A fulfilled life

Wenda found her joy in life and self-determination even after her retirement. She traveled a lot and is now proud to be able to report on incredible experiences, such as a helicopter flight over Mürzzuschlag at the age of 95. She has currently been living in Haus zum Leben for 18 years, where she has resided in Haus Laaerberg since 2016. There she enjoys spending time on the terrace, which she enjoys.

Numerous well-wishers were also present at the celebration of her 110th birthday, including her niece Renate Schilhan-Polleres and representatives of the Wiener Linien, who also warmly welcomed Wenda. Mag. Christian Hennefeind, the managing director of Haus zum Leben, praised their joy of life in his speech.
Emma Wenda is part of a remarkable age trend 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 20 years ago, which is attributed to improved healthcare and care in the city.

Statistical insights into senior life

The demographic development in Austria shows that the proportion of people over 65 in the population is constantly increasing. In 2022 there were already around 1.75 million people aged 65 and over, which makes up 19.5% of the population. There is particular regional variation: in Burgenland the proportion of older people is 22.6%, while Vienna has the lowest proportion at 16.5%.
Nevertheless, despite high levels of mobility and social commitment, the lifestyle of seniors is often characterized by loneliness. 30.8% of older people are single people, while 69.2% live in partnerships.

Quality of life and social networks play a crucial role for older generations. Seniors often support their children and grandchildren, which strengthens social connections. Despite the challenges that age brings, more and more older people are using social media regularly, according to a survey.

Emma Wenda not only embodies an impressive age, but also the change that society is experiencing in terms of accepting age. Her story inspires and illustrates the importance of joy in life and social connections in old age.

For more information about Emma Wenda, click [here](https://presse.wien.gv.at/presse/2025/07/07/buergermeister-ludwig-gratulierte-aeltester-wienerin-zum-110- Birthday). You can find further details about senior living in Austria here and about her 109th birthday [here](https://www.meinbezirk.at/wien/c-leute/emma-wenda- Feierte-ihren-109-geburtstag_a6804246).