As we close the books on another year, it’s important to take some time to celebrate milestones around the world. People, things, and events turned 100 this year and we want to bring them to the forefront and celebrate their achievement of a milestone. This list can’t possibly contain every centenarian celebration on the planet, but it’s hopefully filled with enough of them to get you thinking about the next 100 years and how much has happened in the previous century. Let’s see who and what turned 100 in 2024!
Who turned 100 in 2024
Let’s take a look at the people who reached the milestone of 100 in 2024. There are three of them this year and each one deserves a round of applause for living to the ripe, old age of one century and still looking forward to the future.
- Jimmy Carter – The former U.S. president celebrated his centennial on October 1, 2024. Known for his humanitarian efforts and his tenure as the 39th president, Carter continues to be admired globally
- Eva Marie Saint – The Academy Award-winning actress reached 100 in July 2024. Known for her roles in classics like North by Northwest and On the Waterfront, she celebrated the milestone with family while remaining active and enjoying life
- Enuga Sreenivasulu Reddy – A prominent Indian activist for anti-apartheid efforts and a significant figure in international human rights movements also celebrated his 100th birthday in 2024
What turned 100 in 2024
Here’s a look at the items and products that turned 100 in 2024. Some of them may be surprising, but you can still find them and make them a part of your life!
- Wheaties Cereal: Introduced in 1924, Wheaties became iconic as the “Breakfast of Champions,” popularized through athlete endorsements starting in the 1930s
- Band-Aid: While invented earlier, Johnson & Johnson began mass-producing Band-Aids in 1924, revolutionizing first aid kits with this adhesive bandage
- Kleenex: Launched in 1924 as a disposable cold cream towel, Kleenex later evolved into the facial tissues we use today
- Cheeseburger: The cheeseburger was reportedly invented in 1924 by Lionel Sternberger at his Pasadena, California, stand, making it a staple of American cuisine
- Dum-Dums Lollipops: These simple, flavorful lollipops were first introduced in 1924, loved for their affordability and variety
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: The first parade was held in New York City in 1924, starting a tradition that remains a major holiday event.
- Spiral-Bound Notebooks: This practical design for notebooks debuted in 1924, revolutionizing the way people take notes.
- Edwin Hubble’s Galaxy Discovery: In 1924, astronomer Edwin Hubble revealed that the Andromeda nebula is actually a galaxy, leading to the realization that the universe contains numerous galaxies
Events that turned 100 in 2024
Now let’s get into the events that turned 100 in 2024! These events were notable when they happened and they’re still just as notable as they reach the milestone of a century.
- First Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (1924): Held in New York City, it featured floats, bands, and live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. The iconic giant balloons were introduced in 1928
- First Winter Olympics: The inaugural Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix, France, in January 1924, showcasing sports like ice hockey and ski jumping
- Invention of the Electroencephalogram (EEG): German psychiatrist Dr. Hans Berger developed the EEG, a groundbreaking method to measure brain activity, in 1924
- The Founding of the Mongolian People’s Republic: In 1924, Mongolia declared independence and established itself as the Mongolian People’s Republic, following a communist revolution
- Death of Giacomo Puccini: The renowned composer of operas like La Bohème and Madama Butterfly died on November 29, 1924
- Last California Grizzly Bear Sighting: The last confirmed sighting of the California grizzly bear occurred in 1924 in Sequoia National Park. The species is now extinct, but it remains the symbol of California’s state flag
- Premiere of The Navigator: Buster Keaton’s classic silent comedy film premiered in New York, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year
Those are some of the biggest milestones this year and we’re excited to see what happens next year! There’s always something and someone turning 100, so always be ready to celebrate!