“Plenty of Bounty chocolate bars!” – the secret to a long life according to 100-year-old Enfield care home resident

A 100-year-old Enfield care home resident has revealed her secret to living a long and happy life.

Gladys Burrows, a resident at Care UK’s Elizabeth Lodge on Pennington Drive, marked her 100^th birthday on 16^th April by revealing the secret to living a long life.

Reflecting on her many happy years, Gladys shared that her motto for life is to “do what you want, when you want”, with dancing, laughter, and “plenty of Bounty chocolate bars” the key to becoming a centenarian. 

To mark the big day, Glady’s family joined her at the home for a special celebration, and the team decorated the home with balloons and banners. The home’s talented Head Chef also baked a birthday cake for everyone to enjoy.

To make the day extra special, the home displayed over 200 cards from the local community and from well-wishers around the world, including America, after the home posted about Glady’s big day on their Facebook page. 

Born in Hackney, East London, Gladys left school in 1940 and started working as a tailoress for global fashion brand, Burberry, in the brand's factory in Hackney. She later moved to Enfield in 1967. Gladys has three children, seven grandchildren, and eight grandchildren, who all visit her regularly at Elizabeth Lodge and take part in the home’s intergenerational activities. 

Commenting on the occasion, Gladys’ daughter, Lorraine, said: “Mum had the best birthday! The cards were all beautiful and to receive so many left a lump in my throat!”

Michelle Sampang, Home Manager at Elizabeth Lodge, said: “The birthdays celebrations are certainly in full swing here at Elizabeth Lodge! Gladys is a much-loved resident with many friends and we all had a wonderful time celebrating her special day. 

“We work hard to support residents to lead fulfilling lives, and marking special occasions and birthdays plays a huge part in this. We love any excuse to celebrate the amazing people living here at Elizabeth Lodge and Gladys’ birthday was no exception. Everyone had a wonderful time toasting her special day and listening to her share memories from her long, happy life.

“We’re all incredibly privileged to have Gladys as part of the Elizabeth Lodge family – and look forward to hearing more of her favourite memories over a cup of tea and a bounty chocolate bar! Happy birthday, Gladys!”

Elizabeth Lodge is an elegant, purpose-designed care home which provides personalised residential, nursing and respite care for older people, as well as dementia care and compassionate end-of-life care. To ensure that every day is different and enjoyable each resident has a care plan that is tailored to their unique needs, interests and choices. The home has an extensive activity programme including a gardening club, arts and crafts, cooking and themed events.