Wolverhampton care home resident, 103, shares secret to long life

Taking no nonsense could be the secret to reaching centenarian status, according to a resident at a Wolverhampton care home.

 

103-year-old Elizabeth Howl, who lives at Care UK’s Foxland Grange on Wergs Road, shared her wisdom as she celebrated her milestone birthday.

She was surrounded by family members and friends at a special party organised by the home’s team members, with a delicious birthday cake provided by the Head Chef.

Reflecting on her many happy years, Elizabeth revealed her secret to living a long life.

“Take no nonsense,” she said. “Eat and drink what you want, when you want!”

Elizabeth was born in Wolverhampton on 5^th July 1922 and moved to Oxford during her time at college. She was happily married to her husband Oliver for 51 years and together raised two children in Oliver and Julia, who went on to bring three grandchildren into the family.

Highly career-driven, Elizabeth began her role as a general practitioner during the second world war at Church Hall Hospital in Oxford before moving over to Radcliffe Infirmary. She then continued at her brother’s GP practice and worked part time as a magistrate. 

In her spare time, Elizabeth likes to keep her brain active through word puzzles and quizzes or can be found enjoying her favourite tipple – gin and tonic. 

Katy Anderson, Home Manager at Foxland Grange, said: “Elizabeth is a much-loved member of the Foxland Grange community and it was wonderful to see her surrounded by family and friends as we celebrated her birthday.

“Here at Foxland Grange, we love to celebrate incredible milestones – and Elizabeth’s 103rd birthday was no different. It was lovely to raise a glass together on her special day and hear her advice for a long, healthy life.”

Foxland Grange provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care, in a luxury environment. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and also has its own café, hair and beauty salon and gardens. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.