Norway's oldest youth politician

Norway's oldest youth politician

Ellen had glasses but gave them away (Picture: Harald Saeteroey)

A 103-year-old woman is running for election in northern Norway - on a youth platform.

Ellen K Soermeland is running for the council in her home town of Osen on behalf of the Christian People's Party.

"Youth, youth, youth. I will focus on good, secure jobs for the young.

"If things aren't good for the young people in the municipality, things won't go well for Osen," she says.

Although it is not likely that Ellen will be elected to the municipal council, she is ready to play her part.

"I would have to go if I was elected," she chuckles.

"But I will first and foremost take it humorously."

Ellen has supported the Christian People's Party almost all her life.

Knitting and crosswords

The party was founded in 1933, when Ellen was 34.

She cannot remember exactly when she became a member.

I will have to get a hearing aid if I am elected

Ellen K Soermeland

There is no doubt that she would have plenty to contribute to the council's debates.

"You have to exercise your brain every day. I also go and fetch the post when it comes," Ellen told the local newspaper, Troender-Avisa.

"I don't need glasses to read. I had glasses, but I gave them away. I don't need anything like that."

She does not have any problems with her sight.

Her hands are nimble and she uses them a lot for knitting and doing crosswords.

Her one concern is that she might have difficulty following the speeches of other councillors.

"I will have to get a hearing aid if I am elected," she says.

"I don't always understand what the church minister says."

Good schools

Ellen lives comfortably on the first floor of a care centre in Osen.

She has little to complain about.

"Care for the elderly in Osen is good. We live very well here. The schools are also good and the roads are good and well surfaced."

There is just one thing Ellen is not satisfied with - she would like the church to receive more money.

"The roof on our church isn't very good," she told Troender-Avisa.

"I would very much like it to be repaired."