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

Having a little tipple could be the secret to reaching 100, according to a resident at a care home in Windsor.

Betty Irene Harris, who lives at Care UK’s Mountbatten Grange on Helston Lane, celebrated her new centenarian status with balloons, banners and a cake prepared by the home’s Head Chef.

 

Betty was thrilled to be surrounded by family and friends as they came together to mark her momentous birthday, and even shared some of her wisdom.

When asked for her advice on living a long and happy life, Betty said: “Always look on the bright side. Get out and about while you’re able to. Drink brandy and dance!” 

Betty was born in Datchet on 14^th June 1925. During the second world war, she spent most of her time in London working for the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes while juggling the care of her mother, as her father had been captured in France at the start of the conflict.

After the war, Betty married her childhood sweetheart, Gordon Cooper, and together they travelled around Europe on a motorbike and sidecar. Soon after, they brought daughter Lynda into the world, living in Kent and then Warrington until Gordon sadly passed away.

Later in life, Betty worked at a factory packing aircraft parts and settled in Cippenham with her second husband, Fred Harries.

Debbie Winwood, Home Manager at Mountbatten Grange, said: “Betty is a much-loved resident at the home and it was wonderful to see her surrounded by family and friends as we celebrated her special day. Nobody can quite believe she is 100 years old…all the dancing and brandy has kept her young!

“We love to celebrate incredible milestones and Betty’s 100th birthday was a great way to create new memories while also reminiscing about old ones.

“It was lovely to raise a glass together on her special day and hear her advice for a long, healthy life.” 

Mountbatten Grange provides residential, nursing and short-term respite care, as well as specialist dementia care. The home features 72 en-suite bedrooms and enables residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence. It has its own pub, hair and beauty salon and cinema.