As the guests of honor walked into the Kalispell Senior Center Thursday afternoon, they were fitted with crowns — shimmery blue and green ones for the ladies, classic Burger King models for the gents.

It wasn’t a birthday party per se, but rather a celebration of the center’s 17 nonagenarians — folks 90 years of age and older.

In nine decades, they’d witnessed the birth of the television, man’s first steps on the moon and the rise of technology. They’d lived through World War II, the Great Depression and the Vietnam War, among others.

“They’re an inspiration,” said Kalispell Senior Center President Gerri Backes. “They come out and they exercise and they’re active.”

The afternoon affair was held to honor these residents and the example they set for new members by leading active lives. Backes said the idea for the party came about after they realized just how many 90-plus-year olds were members at the center. She also hopes to make the party an annual event.

“It was decided that we wanted to do something to honor them instead of to wait for a memorial service,” she said.

So how does one reach 90 years of age?

Clara Johnson, 94, credits her health to “hard work — and being Scandanavian,” she said with a laugh.

For Ken Milton, 91, the secret to a long life lies in “treating people right” while Mary Ruff believes it’s due to “chocolate and sweet stuff.”

Looking back on their lives, many of the 90-plus-year-olds said they were most proud of their children, but Ruff was also satisfied with her choice to move to the Flathead Valley.

“When I came down the hill into the valley, I said this is it and never regretted it,” Ruff added.

The nonagenarians in attendance also had a few pearls of wisdom to offer the younger generations.

Johnson said she recommended getting an education, while Milton said that staying healthy and being kind were important priorities. Ruff, on the other hand, advised young folks to “stay away from smoking, drinking and drugs.”

For 90-year-old Edie Kaps, it was all about savoring time.

“Live every moment, you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow,” Kaps said. “It happens so fast.”

Reporter Mackenzie Reiss may be reached at (406) 758-4433 or mreiss@dailyinterlake.com.