100-year-old Basingstoke care home resident shares secret to a long life

A 100-year-old Basingstoke resident has shared her top tips for living a long and happy life.

 

Eileen Smith, a resident at Care UK’s Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, celebrated the huge milestone with all her closest friends and family, and revealed her secret to living a long life: living ‘a healthy lifestyle’, and riding her bike everywhere for ‘miles and miles.’

To make the day even more special, the team at Dashwood Manor decorated the home with balloons, banners, and treated Eileen to a cake prepared by the home’s Head Chef.

When asked how she felt about turning 100, Elieen said: “I had a lovely birthday with my friends and family. I don't feel 100 years old inside.”

Elieen was born on 18^th July 1925, in Silchester, Hampshire. She was engaged to an American serviceman during World War II, but ultimately decided a life in America was not for her.

She met her husband, Fred Smith, whom she married in 1950. They moved to Stratfield Saye, where they lived and worked on a farm, before relocating to a small village called Mortimer West End on their retirement. Together, the pair raised three children and has three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Eileen loved life on the farm and adopted donkeys, had many dogs, and enjoyed walking them through the woods.

Frankie Veramu, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “It was an absolute joy to celebrate Eileen's 100^th birthday, and it was wonderful to see her surrounded by family. Nobody can quite believe she is 100 years old!

“Here at Dashwood Manor, we’re committed to helping residents live active and fulfilling lives, so we love to celebrate incredible milestones – and Eileen’s 100th birthday was no exception.

“We’ve loved hearing Eileen’s advice for a long, healthy life. I think I’ll start riding my bike more often now!”

Dashwood Manor is designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, with luxury facilities including a hair and beauty salon, cinema, pub and gardens. The highly experienced team provides residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care.