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

Taking vitamins could be the secret to reaching 100 years old, according to a Norwich care home resident.

100-year-old Daphne Rogers, a resident at Care UK’s Cavell Court, on Dragonfly Lane, shared her wisdom to mark her newly minted centenarian status as she celebrated her milestone birthday. 

 

Daphne was born in South Africa on 19^th March 1925 and moved to Norfolk in the 1960s. She was happily married to her husband George for 50 years and together they lived in Holt, before settling in Diss. 

Together they raised two sons, and Daphne spent her time looking after her family. Daphne was overjoyed when her family grew, with the arrival or five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Daphne was a skilled dressmaker who crafted many of her own clothes and outfits for the wider family, including a beautiful christening gown used by all the grandchildren and matching dresses. Her wardrobes were always filled with expensive rolls of fabric, spools of cotton, and paper patterns. Many of these items are now used by her granddaughter Caroline who has followed in Daphne’s footsteps.  

In addition to her sewing talents, she was also an excellent cook and was eager to share her culinary knowledge with the rest of her family. Later in life, Daphne developed a passion for collecting antiques and could often be found at auctions in Diss, where she expanded her collection of ceramics.

After sadly losing her husband George in 2003, Daphne lived independently until she was 97, before deciding to move to Cavell Court to be closer to her family. She is in remarkably good health and still gets around the home unaided. 

Daphne’s milestone birthday was celebrated with a special party at Cavell Court surrounded by family members and friends, with a delicious birthday cake provided by the home’s Head Chef.

Reflecting on her many happy years, Daphne revealed that her secret to living a long life was “Taking my vitamins.” She would regularly take multivitamins to stay as healthy as possible.

Elaborating on her healthy lifestyle, Daphne said: “I’ve always been careful with my diet and would go on a daily walk around the neighbourhood in Diss when I was well into my 90s. Apart from that it’s just down to luck and my genes!

“I can’t believe I’ve turned 100! I had a lovely time at my party and I want to thank everyone who came to celebrate with me.”

Pedro Campos, Home Manager at Cavell Court, said: “Daphne is a much-loved member of the Cavell Court community, and it was wonderful to see her surrounded by family and friends as we celebrated her new centenarian status! Nobody can quite believe she is 100 years old, as her mobility is fantastic and she definitely doesn’t look her age. 

“Here at Cavell Court, we’re committed to helping residents live active and fulfilling lives, so we love to celebrate incredible milestones – and Daphne’s 100th birthday was an incredible milestone indeed. It was lovely to raise a glass together on her special day and hear her advice for a long, healthy life. I think I’ll be taking more vitamins now!”

Cavell Court is a modern care home which provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.