“Make sure you know what you want to do, and be determined to do it” – older women at Chandler Court

Home news

Mar 08, 2019

To celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday 8th March, three female residents from Chandler Court have been sharing the advice they’d give to their younger selves.

The women joined residents from across the UK to share what they think young women today should know.

The advice overwhelmingly focused on being yourself and enjoying life to the full, with most women advising to trust yourself and strive for your dreams. Margaret Crowther, 91, said: “Make sure you know what you want to do, and be determined to do it”. 

Anne Gallagher, aged 82, agreed, adding: “Go for it, go for what you want to do – and give it your best shot. Don’t give up at the first hurdle or two”.

Doing what makes you happy was an important lesson that the ladies wanted to share. Margaret added, the most important life lesson was to follow your gut instinct – she said she would advise her younger self: “You must make your own mind up. Go for it, but watch your step.” Betty Cooper, aged 90, said: “Enjoy life as much as you can.”

International Women’s Day is a global day which has been marked since 1911, and celebrates women’s achievements while calling for a more gender-balanced world. 

Jo Gill, home manager at Chandler Court, said: “We wanted to celebrate International Women’s Day, and what better way to mark this special occasion than by asking residents to share their words of wisdom and advise for young women today. 

“It’s been fantastic to have the chance to share the residents’ stories, their positivity and confidence is a true inspiration and we hope that our video will motivate women across the country to share their own achievements and successes.

“Betty, Anne and Margaret were all thrilled to be part of this film to celebrate women, and it provided a valuable opportunity for reminiscence, and has already got everyone talking at Chandler Court among residents, and their friends and family.

“We are very proud of the inspirational women at Chandler Court, and I’m sure women today will benefit greatly from the life lessons they have shared in the video.”

To view the life lessons video please visit: careuk.com/care-homes/IWD