High Wycombe centenarian shares secret to long life

A resident at a care home in High Wycombe celebrating a special milestone has given her advice for leading a long and happy life.

The team at Care UK’s Ridley Manor, in Lane End, marked Daphne Farmer’s 102nd birthday with a surprise party, decorating the home with balloons and banners and providing a cake prepared by the home’s head chef.

Daphne had a wonderful time surrounded by friends and loved ones – and even shared some words of wisdom.

She said: “I had a wonderful birthday and thoroughly enjoyed celebrating with everyone!”

Daphne grew up in London with her father, brother and sister, but was sent to her grandmother’s home in Lincolnshire at 15 for safety during the second world war. 

Describing her early life as “very chequered”, Daphne explained that she was cared for by a nurse while her father worked. Later, a kind neighbour named Mona became an important part of her life, remaining close until she sadly passed away a few years ago. Daphne still keeps in touch with Mona’s family, whom she considers her own.

Daphne worked first as a secretary and then as an occupational therapist from 1948 until her retirement. Having never married or had any children, she became a keen traveller, visiting countries including Norway, Greece, Spain and even going as far as north Africa.

When asked for her secret to a long and rewarding life, she said: “Hard work! I have fought off every illness, including cancer.”

At Ridley Manor, she enjoys being involved with the book club and exercise sessions when she is not spending time watching TV and meeting new people.

Estelle Adriaans, Home Manager at Ridley Manor, said: “We were so excited to celebrate such a joyous day with Daphne. As a much-loved resident, it was wonderful to mark this tremendous milestone with her. 

“Here at the home, everything we do centres around our ethos of ensuring residents live active and fulfilling lives – and Daphne’s 102nd birthday celebration was no exception.

“It was lovely to see how happy she was to be surrounded by those closest to her on her special day.”

Ridley Manor provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including a cinema, hair and beauty salon and café.