While her age might tell a different story, Frankie Young acts exactly like her last name would suggest.

The 95-year-old bowler from Halifax County and oldest member of the Senior Swingers bowling league was enveloped with affection Thursday at her birthday party at the Bowling Center.

Before the 64 seniors took to the lanes, Young’s cake was cut and her fellow senior bowlers sung her “Happy Birthday.”

“I started bowling when the league started many years ago,” Young said. “Some of my friends brought me out here, and I’ve been bowling ever since.”

She said she likes the friendship with the people, the camaraderie and “getting out of the house every Thursday.”

Even though Young doesn’t put much heat on her throws, her 116 average proves speed isn’t a necessity to knock down pins.

Last week, she put 171 points up on the screen.

The secret to a long life is living a clean life, she said.

“(Young) is one of our favorite people at Senior Swingers,” said Joyce Vick, the league’s president. “Her demeanor is always the same – 
always congenial. She’s not mad one day and happy the next.”

Vick said the league serves as a great 
opportunity for seniors to network, experience fellowship and enjoy the sport of bowling together.

The league’s treasurer, Lois Ridgway, said Young is in great shape for her age.

“She’s a very caring and thoughtful person. When I was on her team during the holidays, she would bring us treats all the time,” Ridgway said.

The league also serves as a support group for seniors, and no matter how a member bowls, she said there is always someone cheering them on.

“For some of the older people especially, Thursday is a big day of the week. Miss Frankie always gets dressed up,” Ridgway said. “Being the oldest member, she is an inspiration for all of us. We hope one day we will be 95 and still bowling.”

Young said she loves coming out on Thursdays to bowl and “hopes (she) can continue to do so for many years to come.”