Centenarian and retired doctor reveals her secret to a long life

A former doctor living at a care home in Wolverhampton has marked her 104th birthday in style.  

Dr Elizabeth Howl, a retired general practitioner and resident at Care UK’s Foxland Grange on Wergs Road, gave her prescription for a long and happy life as she celebrated the impressive milestone with a glass of her favourite tipple – a gin and tonic.

The festivities included celebrations with her son and daughter opening cards and presents and plenty of songs with the care home team. Elizabeth then enjoyed a meal with her family as well as a special birthday cake baked by the home's talented head chef.

When asked for her secret to living a long and fulfilling life, Elizabeth said: “Take no nonsense!”

Elizabeth was born in Wolverhampton and attended Wolverhampton Girls’ High School before moving to Oxford to study medicine at St Hugh’s College. She began her career as a GP at Churchill Hospital during the second world war and later continued her development at John Radcliffe Infirmary Oxfordshire. 

Taking her no-nonsense approach to all aspects of life, Elizabeth travelled around the world helping those in need. A keen horse rider, she spent her spare time riding around the Oxfordshire countryside on her horse, Kestrel.

She married Oliver Brown Howl in 1954, aged 32, and the couple raised two children, Julia and Oliver. Elizabeth has three granddaughters in Claire, Katherine and Rosie, who regularly visit her at Foxland Grange.

A woman of many hobbies, Elizabeth enjoys flower arranging and reading. She is an avid bridge player and can often be found joining in games or socialising with friends.

Elizabeth said: “I am pleased with my achievements in life. Now is the time to put my feet up and enjoy day-to-day activities and food, which keeps me happy.”

Jazz Lalli, Customer Relations Manager at Foxland Grange, said: “Elizabeth is a much-loved member of our community, and we were so excited to celebrate this major milestone with her and her family.

“We are committed to ensuring residents lead active and fulfilling lives – and Elizabeth’s 104th birthday celebration was no exception. Reaching 104 is an incredible milestone, and it was fantastic to see everyone come together to make the day so special.”

Foxland Grange provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care, in a luxury environment. The home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including 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.