Newmarket care home resident reveals the secret to a long life on 103rd birthday

 

A 103-year-old Newmarket care home resident has revealed her secret to a long and happy life – “Eating veggies and chocolate!”

Elizabeth Milner, a resident at Care UK’s Kentford Manor on Jeddah Way, shared her top advice to mark her 103^rd birthday, while celebrating with those nearest and dearest to her. 

In celebration of Elizabeth’s milestone birthday, a surprise party was organised by the team at Kentford Manor alongside her friends and family, with a delicious birthday cake prepared by the home’s Head Chef, Matt Drayton. 

Elizabeth was born on the 27^th December 1921 in Dundee, Scotland, but later moved to North Yorkshire where she lived most of her life. During the Second World War, Elizabeth worked in the Land Army, during which time she would often sneak out to meet her future husband, Alfred, who she wed in 1944. 

Together they had two children, David and Susan, who went on to bring two grandchildren, Mark and Tim, into the family; and they often visit Elizabeth at Kentford Manor. 

After the war, Elizabeth spent her time as a housewife before working at a local store. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting, baking and tapestry making, which she still enjoys to this day at Kentford Manor. 

When asked for her thoughts on turning 103, Elizabeth said that “eating veggies and chocolate” was her secret, adding: “You are only old as you feel – and I certainly don’t feel 103! I really enjoyed being able to celebrate my birthday with my family and especially loved my lemon drizzle cake. Being serenaded by Jimmy Kent singing Frank Sinatra was a highlight too!”

Kat Rayment, General Manager at Kentford Manor, added: “We were so excited to celebrate such a joyous day with Elizabeth. As a much-loved resident at Kentford Manor, it was wonderful to mark this tremendous milestone with her and her family. 

“Here at Kentford Manor, everything we do centres around our ethos of ensuring residents live active and fulfilling lives – and Elizabeth’s 103^rd birthday celebration was no exception. It was lovely to see how happy she was to be surrounded by those closest to her on her special day.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Kentford Manor incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been configured into a number of suites to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents, and the home has its own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon.