Shredded Wheat and Bran the Key to a Long Life?

Every morning for more than 90 years, Cordelia "Cordie" Jungers sat down to a breakfast of shredded wheat and bran cereal. That daily routine is her secret, family members said, to her long life as Cordie celebrated her 100th birthday Monday.


"She was widowed twice and lived on her own for 50 years," said Opal Moore, Cordie's daughter, of Kirksville. "Not everyone can do that and be happy."

Cordie moved to Kirksville to be closer to family and for health issues, but since losing her second husband 50 years ago she's lived on her own, her family said.

Blue ribbons, streamers and balloons, Cordie's favorite color, hung from the ceiling and as decorations around the room.

"There's a whole bunch of people here for your birthday," Cordie's granddaughter Paula Moore told her, due to her complete blindness.

"I figured there would be," Cordie said.

As helpers cut the blue and white birthday cake, Cordie grasped a stuffed animal, something she does to help cope with her blindness.

"Something is definitely keeping her going," Opal Moore said, smiling.

And as the birthday well-wishers sang "Happy Birthday" and friends wished her happy birthday, Jungers softly said, "Thank you."