Keeping Active Is The Secret To Bournemouth Care Home Resident Turning 107

The secret to reaching 107 is keeping active, according to a centenarian at a Bournemouth care home.

Betty, who lives at Wickmeads care home in Southbourne, was joined by her daughters, Leonie and Stephanie, and son Richard and their partners for tea and birthday cake to mark her special day. She was delighted to receive a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as flowers and cards from her loved ones and the Wickmeads team.

According to online records, Betty is reportedly the oldest living resident in Dorset, and one of the top 100 oldest residents in the UK.

Speaking about her mother’s special birthday, Leonie said: “I feel very emotional. She’s just amazing. We were all so proud of mum, and now she’s 107! She was always very active and a very determined character. She was also very community minded as a member of All Saints Church nearby.”

Betty’s other daughter, Stephanie, added:
“Mum used to walk us down to the beach after school and she tried to go in the sea every day. She was always busy, never had a car, never smoked and never ate ultra-processed food.”

Betty is believed to be singer Cliff Richard’s oldest fan, having received a special video message from her idol to celebrate her 106th birthday last year. Betty has previously seen Cliff perform in Bournemouth as well as travelling abroad to see him sing in Paris and Brussels.

Tracey Walker, Home Manager for Wickmeads, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Betty’s family here to celebrate her 107th birthday. She is an inspiration to all of us and loves it when we have live singers come here to perform, as well as when our local nursery comes in to play games with the residents, which always makes her smile. It is a privilege for our team to be part of Betty’s incredible milestone celebration and to provide care to such a lovely lady.”