ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. (WENY) -- Today was a day for celebration at the Chemung Valley Senior Center. Ollie Lindblad, who is just one day away from turning 102 years old, celebrated with his friends and family.  

Lindblad has been dancing at the Chemung Valley Senior Center since 1972. 

“That's what keeps me going...is the dancing,” he said.  

They key to Lindblad’s long life is not only dancing, but singing and playing the accordion, as well. He said he has been entertaining his friends and family since he was five years old. 97 years later and nothing has changed. 

Robin Burdick has been Ollie's dancing partner for the past 11 years. But they have been family friends for much longer, as long as Robin has been alive. Their long-lasting friendship is kept alive by their shared love of music on the dance floor, and with their favorite instrument the accordion. 

“He is a very, very, very good teacher,” she said. “He has taught me so much on the accordion.” 

Lindblad was dressed in his music-themed suspenders to pay homage to his love for music at the celebration. 

“Even after I repaired accordions … I meet young people from all over because when you can do something that nobody else can do, you meet a lot of new people,” he said.  

 Sandy Cook joined her father's friends in the birthday celebrations. Cook said she has always been impressed by his ability to stay active all his life and the fact that he still lives independently. 

"He takes care of himself the best he can, still gets on his tractor and mows his yard,” she said. “Yeah, it's crazy.”