A resident at a Market Harborough care home shared her secret to living a long, happy life as she celebrated her 104th birthday.
Margery Jackobs, a resident at Care UK’s Oat Hill Mews on Leicester Road, was joined by her loved ones as she marked her milestone birthday with a special party organised by the home’s team.
When asked for her secret to longevity, Margery said: “Have a positive mental attitude and care for others more than you do yourself. Get plenty of fresh air and drink lots of red wine!”
She added: “I really enjoyed my 104th birthday. I appreciate everyone who made it so special.”
Margery was born on 1st June 1922 as the youngest of five children and was largely brought up by her eldest sister. In her teenage years, she contracted tuberculosis and spent 18 months in a Nissen Hut, originally designed for military use during the First World War, as that was the only care available at the time.
She went on to work as a clerical assistant during the war before meeting her late husband, Ronald. The two moved all around the UK during their lifetime, including times spent in Solihull and Henley-in-Arden, where literature-lover Margery visited many local Shakespeare productions.
Together, Margery and Ronald raised two children, Alan and Jim, who went on to bring two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren into the family.
Throughout her life, Margery enjoyed rambling and playing bridge with friends – the latter of which she continues to enjoy at Oat Hill Mews to this day.
Susanne Stevens, Home Manager at Oat Hill Mews, said: “It was a pleasure to celebrate Margery’s big day; she’s such a fun, caring person to have around the home. We never tire of hearing her incredible stories, many of which are not suitable for publication!
“We love a celebration at Oat Hill Mews and the team pulled out all the stops to make her 104th birthday unforgettable. It was wonderful to see her surrounded by friends and family on her special day.
“Happy birthday, Margery – we look forward to celebrating many more milestones.”
Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives while also promoting independence, Oat Hill Mews incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including a cinema, hair and beauty salon and bar. Its highly skilled team provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.
For more information about Oat Hill Mews, please call Customer Relations Manager Justyna Bartyska on 01858 390 039, email justyna.bartyska@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/oat-hill-mews.