“Don’t smoke and only drink at weekends!”– Chingford care home resident reveals the secret to a long life on 100th birthday

A resident at a care home in Chingford celebrated her 100^th birthday and shared the secret to a long and happy life.

A very special birthday party took place at Care UK’s Ivy Grove, on Hatch Lane, when resident, Nellie Denning, celebrated her 100^th birthday with her friends and family.

To mark the big day, the team at Ivy Grove decorated the home’s lounge with balloons and banners, and the home’s chef baked a special birthday cake for everyone to enjoy.

Nellie was born on 16^th July 1923, in Walthamstow, London. After leaving school, Nellie worked in a local shoe factory but quickly found herself making shoes for the War effort when World War Two began.

Reflecting on the war, Nellie recalled having to hide in an air raid shelter with her family, including their dog, each time the sirens would ring.

Nellie equates living such a long happy life to “not smoking and only drinking at the weekend” which she comments is “key to good health”.

Alexander Bragg, General Manager at Ivy Grove, said: “Nellie is a much-loved resident, and it was fantastic to celebrate her 100^th birthday with her extended Ivy Grove family.  

“Everything we do here is centred around helping residents to live fulfilling lives, which is why we are always eager to mark special occasions. Nellie’s 100^th birthday was no exception, and it was wonderful to raise a glass in her honour!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Ivy Grove incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among residents. 

To find out more about Ivy Grove, please call April Jones, Home Admissions Advisor on 020 3797 0198, email April.Jones@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/ivy-grove