Sutton Coldfield centenarian shares secret to long life

A Sutton Coldfield centenarian has shared his refreshingly straightforward advice for leading a long and happy life.

Alan Beckley, who lives at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road in Four Oaks, marked his 101st birthday in style surrounded by friends and family.

To help make Alan’s birthday one to remember, the team threw him a special celebration complete with balloons, banners and a birthday cake made by the home’s talented head chef.

When asked for his secret to a long and healthy life, Alan replied: “Stay connected with others.” 

Born in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, and raised in Walsall, Alan joined the army at 18. After completing his basic training, he was posted to Lanark in Scotland for six weeks, followed by various training depots across the UK, including Preston. During the Second World War, Alan trained as a radio operator, mastering an array of skills including morse code.

He was then posted to France, arriving six weeks after D-Day, and was stationed in Germany when the war ended. He remained in service for a further three years as part of the British Army of the Rhine. After leaving the military, Alan built a successful career as an accountant, working for multiple companies over the years.

After his return from the war, Alan married his late wife, Doreen, and together they had two children, Keith and Anne. His family has since grown to include four great grandchildren, who, much to Alan’s delight, regularly visit him at Mercia Grange.

In his spare time, Alan spent a lot of time caravanning – a hobby to which he also credited his long life.

“I spent a lot of time caravanning and meeting other caravanning people, which might have helped!” Alan said.

In his later years, Alan picked up gardening as a hobby, which is something he still enjoys to this day at Mercia Grange.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, added: “Alan's 101st birthday was a true celebration of his remarkable life. He has lived an extraordinary life and always has so many wonderful stories to share – he is truly much loved here.

“It was wonderful to see Alan surrounded by all his loved ones to mark such an incredible milestone. The team worked tirelessly to make sure his day was one to remember, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to party with us. Cheers to Alan!”

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The three-storey home, which features 67 en suite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. It incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and the very popular Sadlers Café.