AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin veteran celebrated his 106th birthday on Monday.
The Parsons House assisted living facility was full of smiles as musicians played classics to celebrate Karl Schlessinger's 106th birthday. They also served his favorite dessert, lemon pie. Schlessinger got a little adventurous and had a cupcake as well.
During Schlessinger's time in the military, he was a World War II aircraft mechanic.
He said at the age of 7, his family moved from Germany to the U.S. and lived in many states.
When asked how he stays looking so young, Schlessinger chuckled.
"I shave, take showers, whatever, and try to keep myself healthy," Schlessinger said.
His daughter, Karla Larson, said she hopes to exercise as much as he did in his later years.
"He just started using a walker, maybe like a year ago," Larson said. "He was just using the cane up until then."
Larson said she believes her father has lived so long because of how sweet and caring he was to her mother, who had many health issues.
After living for over 100 years, Schlessinger gave his best advice.
"All I know is, from my own experience, do the best you can with what you've got," he said.
Schlessinger said he hopes to live four more years to make it an even 110.