What They Look Like at 100 Will Leave You Speechless – Their Younger Selves Were Just as Surprising!

In photographer Jan Langer’s series “Faces of Century,” we are introduced to individuals who have lived over 100 years, capturing both their youthful and elderly selves in striking contrast. These portraits aren’t just about the passage of time—they’re about the resilience and continuity of the human spirit, even after enduring decades of change and hardship.

Langer’s portraits focus on centenarians, a rare demographic who have lived through monumental events such as world wars and global transformations. His goal is not just to show their aged faces but to highlight how, despite physical changes, these people remain, at their core, who they’ve always been. “One should live every single moment according to their best knowledge and conscience because one day we will see clearly what has a real value,” Langer says, reflecting on the lessons he learned from his subjects.

The series pairs contemporary photos of these centenarians with images of their younger selves. Langer recreates the lighting, pose, and mood of the older photos, showing the deep connection between their youthful and elderly versions. While time may have altered their appearances, their identities remain familiar, recognizable in both the aged and the young.

1. Prokop Vejdělek (22 and 101 years old)

Vejdělek, once a metallurgical engineer, still vividly remembers “the taste of warm fresh goat’s milk,” a memory that has remained with him throughout his life. His eyes, though surrounded by wrinkles, still carry the same energy they did in his youth.

2. Bedřiška Köhlerová (26 and 103 years old)
Köhlerová, born in Italy, holds onto a wish to visit her birthplace one more time. Despite the years, her love for Italy and its influence on her early life remains unchanged.

3. Ludvík Chybík (20 and 102 years old)
A former postal carrier, Chybík has never forgotten his daily route, a job that once shaped his routine. His portrait shows a man who, even at 102, recalls the details of a life of service and dedication.

4. Vincenc Jetelina (30 and 105 years old)

Jetelina’s life was marred by eight years in prison after World War II. Now, at 105, his wish is simple—to spend the rest of his life in peace. His younger self may have been shaped by conflict, but his current self seeks tranquility.

5. Marie Fejfarová (101 years old)

Fejfarová, a woman who has lived through immense hardship, chose to burn all her material memories when she moved into long-term care. Her decision to let go of her past contrasts with her incredible life story of evading both the Nazis and the Russians, only to eventually travel the world with her husband.

6. Antonín Kovář (25 and 102 years old)

Kovář, a former musician, wishes to play the clarinet one more time. His love for music has endured, even as his body aged and time passed. His passion for the arts remains a defining trait.

7. Anna Vašinová (22 and 102 years old)

Vašinová’s life was forever changed the day her husband was taken by the Nazis. Though years have passed, her wish remains unchanged—to be reunited with him after death.

8. Stanislav Spáčil (17 and 102 years old)

Spáčil, an electrical engineer by trade, insists that it’s still too early to dwell on the past. His outlook on life, even at 102, reflects a forward-thinking attitude that has remained with him since his teenage years.

9. Anna Pochobradská (30 and 100 years old)

Pochobradská, once a farmer, now enjoys a quiet life, appreciative of her daughter’s weekend visits. Her earlier life, full of hard work and dedication, contrasts with the peace she now finds.

10. Antonín Baldrman (17 and 101 years old)

Baldrman, who worked as a clerk, keeps up with current events by reading the newspaper. His dedication to staying informed and engaged in the world has not wavered with age.

11. Marie Burešová (23 and 101 years old)

Burešová cherishes conversations with her family, and her biggest wish is to have them all together again. Her relationships with those closest to her have been a constant source of joy throughout her life.

12. Vlasta Čížková (23 and 101 years old)

Once a cook at an airport dining hall, Čížková hasn’t forgotten the joy of reciting her own poetry at wedding ceremonies. Her creative spirit remains a central part of her identity.

13. Ludmila Vysloužilová (23 and 101 years old)

Vysloužilová stays active daily, chopping wood and shoveling snow. Despite being over 100 years old, her determination to maintain physical activity mirrors the energy of her younger self.

The strength of these individuals, despite having lived through war, loss, and immense change, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Their portraits tell stories of lives well-lived, of memories cherished, and of lessons learned. Langer’s series is a powerful reminder that while time may change our appearance, the essence of who we are remains the same.

As Langer notes, “One should live every single moment according to their best knowledge and conscience.” These centenarians exemplify that truth, showing us that life, in all its forms, is something to be embraced at every age.