Reading care home resident, 101, shares secret to long life

A 101-year-old resident at a care home in Reading has given her advice on how to live a long and happy life.

Peggy Eustace, who lives at Care UK’s Parsons Grange on Westall Street in Shinfield, recently celebrated her big birthday with banners, balloons and a delicious cake organised by the care home team.

She was thrilled to be surrounded by her closest friends and family as they came together for her momentous day – and she even shared some of her wisdom.

When asked for her secret to leading a long and happy life, Peggy said: “Family, fun times and a good sense of humour help!”

Peggy was born on 31^st August 1924 in Shinfield. She moved to Tilehurst, where she lived for 74 years with her husband, Stan. Together, the couple raised a son and a daughter and have nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She enjoyed a successful career as a proofreader at The Reading Post. During her time there, she shared an office and was good friends with Sir John Madejski, who later became the chairman of Reading Football Club.

Peggy has always been a fan of sport herself and loves to watch matches on TV in her room at the home.

Rozina Ali, Home Manager at Parsons Grange, said: “Peggy’s 101^st birthday was wonderful and it was great to see her surrounded by her friends and family. She is such a big character at the home and never fails to make us all laugh.

“Here at Parsons Grange, we are committed to celebrating big milestones – and Peggy’s birthday was no exception. We loved hearing her advice and taking a trip down memory lane with her. Cheers to Peggy!”

Parsons Grange provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, the care home has plenty of space for leisure and hobby activities. It boasts its own café, hair and beauty salon and cinema for residents to enjoy.