I’ve lived 101 years in the West Midlands – My top 10 tips for a long, happy and healthy life

A great-grandmother and resident at a care home in Sutton Coldfield celebrated her 101st birthday and revealed her top 10 tips for a long and healthy life.

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Care UK’s Mercia Grange on November 5 when resident Joy McCliskie celebrated her 101st birthday.

Reflecting on her long life, Joy, who has seven great-grandchildren, said that “trying McDonald’s for the first time at the age of 100” was a highlight. Joy added: “I never feel too old to learn new things”.

Joy’s secrets to a long and healthy life:

1. “Keep active.”
2. “A good set of genes.”
3. “Be interested in other people’s activities.”
4. “Have a sensible lifestyle – no smoking and drinking. I did smoke for a little bit in my 20’s, but now I have quit completely. I drink sometimes but never excessively.”
5. “Have a good partner. Too many ladies in my generation struggled a lot when their husbands died because they were too dependent on them. You have to have separate interests within a relationship. Of course it is important to build memories with your partner, but it is also important to do things separately and remain independent. This has always been my advice to others.”
6. “A well-balanced diet.”
7. “Value your family and if you don’t have a good family network stay connected with friends or anyone else in your life.”
8. “When sad things happen, focus on the happy memories. For example, when a friend dies, you have to think of the happy memories you built with them.”
9. “Go with the flow.”
10. “Don't overthink too much.”

She also revealed that the secret to a long life is having a “good set of genes and to keep active”.

On the big day, the home team organised a party surrounded by her friends and family at Mercia Grange. In true celebratory fashion, the team decorated the home’s lounge with balloons, banners and surprised Joy with a special birthday cake, baked by the one of team at the home, for everyone to enjoy.

Commenting on the day, Joy said: “My favourite part of the day was see my whole family – there were over 20 people at my party! I really enjoyed the cake and being surrounded by family and friends.”

When asked how Joy feels to be 101, she smiled and said: “I feel the same”.

Joy was born in Oldbury on November 5, 1923, before moving to Sutton Coldfield after marrying her husband, Douglas, in 1948.

She worked as an SEN orthopaedic nurse at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital for her entire career – over eight years.

A keen knitter, Joy has two daughters, Alison and Kate, and four grandchildren.

For more visit careuk.com/mercia-grange