101-year-old Solihull care home resident says “being curious” is the secret to a long life

A 101-year-old Solihull care home resident has revealed the secret to living a long and happy life.

Sylvia White, who lives at Care UK’s Blossomfield Grange, on Worcester Way, celebrated her 101^st birthday surrounded by close family, residents, and team members.

 

Sylvia was born in Birmingham on 13^th February 1924 and spent her early life in Edgbaston. She was a keen singer in her youth which is how she met her husband, Stan White. Stan ran his own 10-piece orchestra and Sylvia joined as a lead vocalist, while he played the piano. 

Sylvia has a perfect medical record, having never visited a hospital for illness. When asked what her secret to a long and healthy life was, Sylvia said: “Being curious! Being interested in people and in everything around me has certainly contributed to my long life.”

To help make Sylvia’s birthday one to remember, the team threw her a special surprise party, complete with balloons and a birthday cake specially made by the home’s talented Head Chef.

Passionate about performing, Sylvia sang with the orchestra for many years in and around Birmingham before the war and into the late 40s, 50s and 60s. Today, Sylvia’s love of singing continues, with her still putting on a show for other residents at Blossomfield Grange. 

Together, Sylvia and Stan have two children, Steve and Chris. Sylvia dedicated a lot of her time to raising the children and running the household as the boys grew up, before heading back to work during their adult life at Lyon’s Maid Ice Cream and Candy and Morris in Shirley. 

Sylvia’s children went on to bring three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren into the family, who often visit her at Blossomfield Grange. 

Jag Singh, General Manager at Blossomfield Grange, said: “We love to celebrate special milestones at Blossomfield Grange – and Sylvia’s 101^st birthday certainly called for a huge celebration!

“It was wonderful to see Sylvia surrounded by her loved ones to mark such an incredible milestone. The team worked hard to make sure her special day was one to remember, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to raise a glass to Sylvia!

“Perhaps we should all take her advice on board and be a little nosier and more curious to ensure a longer and healthier life!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, 

Blossomfield Grange incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The home offers full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and it has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.