409 years of advice! Sway care home centenarians share secrets to long life

Four residents at a care home in Sway have revealed their advice on how to join a very exclusive club during a commemorative lunch. 

At Care UK’s Sway Place on Church Lane, Margaret Smith*, Joan Dean, Joyce Sessions and Margaret Howard celebrated their centenarian statuses with a special guest, the Mayor of Lymington Councillor Colm McCarthy. 

The care home team decorated the dining room for a delicious lunch made by Head Chef Alan Bell, partnered with some prosecco, as the residents discussed their experiences, achievements and goals for the future.

With their combined ages adding up to 409 years, the centenarians also shared their secrets to leading a long and happy life.

Margaret Howard, 100, revealed: “The key is to enjoy life as it is and take each day as it comes!”

Meanwhile, Joan Dean, 101, said that having good friends and family around makes life better and has brought her plenty of happiness over the years.

Joyce Sessions, 105, agrees, adding: “I think living a long and happy life comes from being around friends and family – and having a good glass of wine!”

Care UK has launched the Centenarian Club in its homes across the country to celebrate and learn from the remarkable residents who have reached the milestone age of 100 and beyond. 

Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Sway Place, said: “We’re incredibly proud to host our own Centenarian Club, recognising and honouring the life achievements of the incredible residents who have reached 100.  

“At Sway Place, we’re passionate about supporting residents in living active and fulfilling lives, and we take great joy in celebrating the moments that matter. Every one of them has a rich, unique story to tell and continues to inspire those around them with their strength, humour and wisdom.

“This Centenarian Club is our way of recognising their incredible contributions and life experiences. Many have also shared their personal secrets to a long life. From surrounding yourself with family to the occasional glass of wine, their advice reminds us that there’s no single path to happiness and wellbeing.”

To learn more about the Centenarian Club and discover advice from some of its remarkable members, please visit careuk.com/the-centenarian-club. 

Sway Place provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, with the layout of the building configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities. There are also 14 independent-living cottages to suit individuals or couples.