Mills Meadow resident reveals the secret to a long life as she celebrates 100th birthday

Home news

Aug 13, 2018

A resident at Mills Meadow revealed the secret to a long life as she marked her centenary.  

Birthday celebrations were in full swing when resident Elsie Bearcroft, celebrated her 100th birthday. 

Elsie turned 100 years ‘young’ on 4th August and marked the milestone birthday with her family and friends. The special day included high tea in the care home’s garden, and a musical performance from Beaten Track, who played nostalgic Rock & Roll covers to get everyone into the party spirit.

Elsie was born just before the end of the First World War, on 4th August 1918 in Ipswich. She lived in a three-bedroom house on Camden Road with her parents, her three younger siblings, and their cat, Twinkle. 

Elsie married her husband, George when she was 21-years-old and they had five children together. Elsie and George always enjoyed riding their tandem bicycle around the countryside, she also loved painting landscapes in oils. 

Mills Meadow has been Elsie’s home for the past 24 years and some of her oil paintings are even on display around the home. Her love for the outdoors has not wavered, she enjoys spending time in the gardens at Mills Meadow, and likes to go on trips. Elsie enjoys the team members’ company, and credits them for always bringing fun and excitement to the home. 

When asked the secret to a long and happy life, Elsie said it’s important to have lots of interests, and to always enjoy it. 

Marie Reeve, home manager at Mills Meadows, said: “As Elsie has lived at the home for 20 years and has celebrated birthdays with us in the past, we wanted to make her 100th birthday extra special. 

“It was lovely that family and friends joined the birthday girl for high tea as Elsie loves spending time in the gardens. The musical performance was also great, everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves - especially Elsie!”

Julia Burton, one of Elsie’s daughters, said: “Choosing a care home for mum was a daunting process but we all knew – mum included – that Mills Meadow was the perfect place for her.

“I can’t express how pleased I am with the care mum has received over the years and want to thank the team for making Mills Meadow the fantastic place it is.”