100-year-old Whitstable care home resident shares secret to a long and happy life on her birthday

 

A resident at a care home in Whitstable recently celebrated her 100^th birthday with a special afternoon that paid homage to her German roots.

Hannelore, a resident at Care UK’s Harrier Lodge, on Thanet Way, marked her newly minted centenarian status with a party at the home, where team members granted her wish for them to perform a traditional German dance.

Team members Liz Porter and Ella Wilson rehearsed and performed the Schuhplatter, a traditional style of Bavarian folk dance that dates back to the middle ages, which Hannelore thoroughly enjoyed. The Head Chef, Simon topped off the celebrations with a traditional German dinner of Frikadelle, mashed potatoes with white asparagus, to give Hannelore a taste of home.

Born in Germany on the 5^th January 1925, Hannelore grew up leading a very active life, playing many sports. Among her favourites were swimming, running, cycling, and roller skating, and she has fond memories of having races with her friends and seeing how long she could hold her breath underwater.

Later in life, Hannelore moved to Birmingham and worked in a hospital where she met her husband, Stefan, and together they had one son named Ron. Hannelore is also a proud grandmother and great-grandmother.

When asked what her secret was to leading a long and happy life, Hannahelore said it was all about “Staying fit, happy, and healthy.”

Sadie Porteous, Home Manager at Harrier Lodge, said: “Hannelore is a much-loved resident at Harrier Lodge, and it was fantastic to help her celebrate this incredible milestone. Liz and Ella did an incredible job learning and performing a traditional German dance, and I know Hannelore was delighted with the show they put on, so a huge thanks goes to them.

“Here at Harrier Lodge, we are committed to helping residents live active and fulfilling lives, so we love to celebrate important milestones – and Hannelore’s 100^th birthday was no exception. It was lovely to raise a glass to toast her new centenarian status on her special day, surrounded by her family and friends here at Harrier Lodge. Happy birthday Hannelore!”