Still stirring at 100: Meet Italy's oldest barista Anna Possi

Indian Express

22-04-2025

In a world where most people dream of retiring early, Italy's oldest barista is still brewing coffee — and love — at 100.
Meet Anna Possi, fondly known as Nonna Anna, who has been running her beloved Bar Centrale in the quaint village of Nebbiuno since 1958. Officially retired at 60, she never truly hung up her apron. 'But why should I stop? My bar is so much more than work for me. It's my life,' she told Deutsche Presse-Agentur, as reported by South China Morning Post.
From opening the café at 7 am sharp every day — including Sundays and public holidays — to chopping her own firewood for the stove, Nonna Anna does it all. Her last holiday? A trip to Paris in the 1950s. 'People want to drink their coffee at Christmas too,' she shrugs.
Despite receiving a modest pension of 590 euros, she says, 'I don't need much. The important thing is that I'm around people. Then I feel good.'
A sign outside her café now reads proudly: La barista più longeva d'Italia — the oldest barista in Italy. And yes, she's still serving espresso with a side of joy.
On a crisp morning in Nebbiuno, Italy, the scent of espresso wafted through Bar Centrale as its centenarian owner, Anna Possi, celebrated her 100th (X)
Over the decades, Nonna Anna has witnessed how the rhythm of café life has changed. 'People used to sit here, talk and play cards. Today, they all just look at their mobile phones,' she observes, reminiscing about livelier, more social times. When things quiet down, she picks up her knitting needles — never one to stay idle.
Even after six decades behind the counter, Anna still prefers doing most of the work herself, from morning till night. And her secret? Staying active, staying useful, and staying close to the community she loves.