100th birthday celebration at Björken

In Boden, it is possible to enjoy a good life at any age. A shining example is Ture Sehlberg, who was born and raised in Valvträsk and has in recent years become a beloved presence at the Björken residence in central Boden. He regularly takes part in the activities in the house and meets friends in the restaurant and communal areas. Attached to his walker is a well-worn briefcase that he always carries with him. And it is no ordinary briefcase—it is filled with harmonicas!

“I have ten different harmonicas, but I can play in twelve different keys,” he explains, immediately demonstrating how he can switch between songs, keys, and harmonicas.

Whenever the mood strikes him, out comes the briefcase, and he often treats people to a tune in the entrance hall at Björken.

Party Organizers in the house

His lively melodies and stories have also reached the activities run by Jobbcenter for young people, adults, and the “Fixarna” group, which are also based in the building. Once it became clear that his 100th birthday was approaching, many people wanted to get involved in celebrating Ture - both privately and through various community projects.

“We all meet Ture in our everyday lives here at Björken. He almost always joins our Friday Cup gathering and is often sitting in the entrance hall chatting and playing the harmonica. We felt it was a wonderful opportunity for our participants to do something for someone else and to help organize a celebration,” says employment coach Susanna Hellström.

Her arts group, among other things, created floral decorations, posters, and baked treats for the party.

To mark the occasion, the Municipality of Boden also presented the centenarian with a birthday cake—and, of course, he had his harmonica repertoire ready to perform.

What’s the Secret to Living to 100?

“Well, playing the harmonica is good exercise for the lungs. But I’ve never even tried a cigarette either, because I’ve been involved in sports for much of my life. As a child, I cycled ten kilometers to football practice in Gunnarsbyn. Later, I competed in speed skating and cycling,” says Ture, who has won twelve district championship medals and accumulated memories from countless folk music gatherings, his work with the Swedish State Railways (SJ), and many other enjoyable experiences in Boden and elsewhere around the county and the country.

“And I don’t eat vegetables either—maybe that’s what has kept me healthy,” he adds with a laugh.

But cake—and the generous buffet of pastries and refreshments laid out for the celebration—that he certainly enjoys.

Congratulations on Your 100th Birthday!