You might have to speak into her good ear during a conversation, but make no mistake, 105-year-old Lottie Colarusso has plenty of wisdom to share.

The Central Falls native was showered in attention during her birthday at Silver Creek Manor in Bristol last week, Oct. 20, where she is universally beloved by the staff for her charm and indefatigable energy (she still does Zumba as often as she can).

She spoke about meeting the love of her life, Freddie, at a dance hall.

“He asked me if I knew how to waltz,” she recalled, impressed by his dancing ability which included the Polish hop. “We were the only ones out on the floor, and after we were finished we got a standing ovation from everyone.”

Lottie is of Polish descent, while Freddie was Italian. The marriage of the two brought with it the marriage of their love for their respective cuisines. Lottie recalled visiting Italy with him and learning how to cook proper Italian food. She said the two of them owned a bakery at one point and every weekend they would go dancing together. She worked for a long time as a seamstress.

It may sound simple, but she credited that consistent dancing, the cooking of good, fresh Italian and Polish food, being around quality friends, and enjoying her surroundings in every way possible as the secret to her longevity.

“It’s been a great life,” she said, eliciting smiles from the Silver Creek Manor staff who had all gathered to celebrate her birthday.

The staff presented her with a Timex watch (her only request, as she had lost the one she loved), and an array of 105 chocolates.

“I got enough to share with my whole family,” Lottie said, looking forward to a visit from her family — which includes two children, two grandchildren, and four great grandchildren — later that day.

As she was going to enjoy one of the chocolates, it slipped from her hand. And yet, aged as they might be, her fingers quickly caught the falling sweet.

“Even at 105, my fingers are still nimble,” she said.