Listening to music, expressing your creative side and seizing opportunities are the secrets to a happy life, according to a Sovereign Lodge resident who has just celebrated her 103rd birthday.
Betty Hardwick has lived at Sovereign Lodge for nearly three years and celebrated her 103rd birthday at the home recently.
Life at Sovereign Lodge is full of activity for Betty who particularly enjoys musical activities and nothing more than a good old sing-song with her favourite being ‘My Bonnie lies over the ocean.” Betty also enjoys playing balloon tennis, one to one sessions and reminiscing with the staff. Betty loves her cuddly toys, especially cats as she has had several throughout her life.
Home Manager Sam Kirwan said, “We love to celebrate special occasions at Sovereign Lodge and Betty enjoyed spending her birthday with staff and fellow residents. The chef made a beautiful cake and Betty received cards, flowers and presents from family and friends.
“When asked about her secret to leading such a long and happy life Betty said you had to be surrounded by family and friends and listen to music whenever possible. When she was younger she used to seize every opportunity which came her way and thinks it is important to be able to express your creative side – as she does by putting pen to paper.
“Betty is a pure joy, her smile lights up a room and she really enjoys the simple things in life,” added Sam.
Betty lived in Hillingdon, Middlesex and has two sons, Michael and David, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spent much of her working life as a window dresser in a local store.
Betty has always enjoyed creative writing as a hobby and has had some of her work published. She also enjoyed embroidery, knitting and dressmaking.
Sovereign Lodge in Eastbourne is part of the Healthcare Homes family of 47 homes and provides modern living for older people with nursing and dementia care needs. The home is rated good in all categories by the Care Quality Commission – CQC.
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