“A glass of wine a day” is the secret to living a long life, says 103-year-old Sway care home resident

 

A resident at a care home in Sway shared her most valuable life advice as she toasted a special milestone.  

Joy Sessions celebrated her 103^rd birthday in style at Care UK’s Sway Place, on Church Lane, and attributed her impressive longevity to “a glass of wine a day”. Revealing the secret to a long life, Joy also suggested it was about balance, with “lots of walking and enjoying the outdoors” also important activities.

On the big day, the team at Sway Place hosted a special afternoon tea party for Joy and her family and friends, complete with a delicious birthday cake baked by Head Chef Alan Bell

Born in London on 22^nd November 1924, Joy grew up with her parents and three sisters. During the war, Joy was evacuated to Exeter where she met her husband, John. After the war ended, the couple moved back to London in the 1950s and raised three daughters, before moving to Poole. 

Joy enjoyed staying at home to care for their children, and spent her free time painting, playing tennis and badminton, practicing yoga and walking. Today, Joy is a proud grandparent to seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren, who regularly visit her at Sway Place.

Commenting on the day, Joy said: “I had a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends. 

Sharing her advice for the younger generation, Joy said: “A glass of wine a day and lots of walking!”

Francis Owusu Bosompin, General Manager at Sway Place, said: “It was an honour to celebrate Joy’s 103^rd birthday by hosting a special afternoon tea party with her friends and family. She is a much-loved resident at Sway Place, and we all had a wonderful time celebrating this tremendous milestone.

“Everything we do centres around supporting residents to live happy and fulfilling lives, which is why we are always eager to mark special occasions. Joy’s 103^rd birthday was no exception, and it was a delight to hear her advice for living a long and happy life. Let’s all raise a glass to Joy.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Sway Place incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, dementia care and respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, and 14 independent living cottages, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.