‘Having a nice lie-in’ – Solihull care home centenarian reveals secret to long life

A resident at a care home in Solihull celebrating a very special milestone has shared her refreshingly straightforward advice for leading a long and happy life.

Sylvia White, who lives at Care UK’s Blossomfield Grange on Worcester Way, marked her 102^nd birthday in style with a delicious birthday cake prepared by the home’s talented head chef, Adrien Henard and a special performance by vintage vocal harmony group, The Boogaloo Babes.

She had a wonderful time surrounded by close family and friends, fellow residents and team members – and even shared some words of wisdom.

When asked for her secret to a long and healthy life, Sylvia simply said: “Not taking life too seriously and having a nice lie-in!

“I have had a wonderful day today, especially having the party and the music from The Boogaloo Babes, thank you.”

Sylvia was born in Birmingham and spent her early life in Edgbaston. She was a keen singer in her youth, which is how she met her husband, Stan White. Stan ran his own 10-piece orchestra and Sylvia joined as lead vocalist while he played the piano. 

Passionate about performing, Sylvia sang with the orchestra for many years in and around Birmingham before the second world war and into the late 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Today, Sylvia’s love of singing continues, with her still putting on a show for residents at Blossomfield Grange. 

Together, Sylvia and Stan had two children, Steve and Chris. Sylvia dedicated a lot of her time to running the household as the boys grew up, before heading back to work at Lyons Maid Ice Cream and Candy and Morris in Shirley. 

Sylvia’s children have gone on to bring three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren into the family.

Jo Hopkins, Customer Relations Manager at Blossomfield Grange, said: “We love to celebrate special milestones here and Sylvia’s 102^nd birthday was no exception.

“It was wonderful to see Sylvia’s face light up as she was surprised by her loved ones to mark such an incredible occasion. A big thank you to the team who worked so hard to make this a day to remember. 

“Perhaps we should all take her advice on board and have a lie-in from time to time to ensure a longer and healthier life. Cheers to Sylivia!”

Blossomfield Grange provides high-quality residential, dementia and short-term respite care, with the home incorporating plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. 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.