A woman who celebrated her 105th birthday last month insists the secret to a long life and a sharp mind comes down to two things, and they’re simpler than many health gurus claim.
Daisy Taylor, who was born in 1919 in Leytonstone, east London, and has 25 great-grandchildren, admits she “never imagined” she would live so long.
But looking back on her recent birthday party, she says, “I had a great time and I didn’t want it to end.”
Mrs Taylor left school at 14 and worked on machinery; worked in a soap factory; and later he ran a bakery and several cafes.
At age 19, she met her late husband, Ray, at an Electric Light Company social event.
The couple built a happy life together, raising three children, Pat, John and Jean, and sharing hobbies such as traveling, dancing and attending theater shows.
Mrs Taylor said: ‘I used to do the fox trot and the brisk walk. I’ve always had a very active life.’
Sadly, Ray died in 1981, aged 61, but even now, having lived more than a century, Mrs Taylor maintains her love of movement and fitness.
Daisy Taylor, who was born in 1919 in Leytonstone, east London, and has 25 great-grandchildren, admits she “never imagined” she would live so long.
Mrs Taylor left school at 14 and worked on machinery; he worked for a while in a soap factory; and then he ran a bakery and several cafes
In fact, she daily credits two things, in addition to appreciating “the little things,” for her amazing longevity.
Mrs Taylor moved from her home in Stratford, east London, to Care UK’s Manor Lodge, Chelmsford, Essex, in April 2022, where she teaches weekly yoga and dance classes, as well as stretching every morning.
Her favorite pose is the standing half-moon, as it gives her a “good stretch.”
She believes yoga has improved her mind and jokes that she has gotten “smarter” as she gets older.
At 105 years old, Mrs Taylor is determined to “keep moving”, as she does not like to “sit in the chair too long” and this allows her to enjoy her life and “see so many beautiful things”.
And he added: “My secret is that when you get up every day you have fun.”
‘I love talking to people, I like the little things and I’m happy being busy. I certainly enjoy yoga to keep fit and do my exercises in the morning.
‘I used to do yoga on the floor, on the mat, but now I mainly do it in my chair.
Ms Taylor moved to Care UK’s Manor Lodge, Chelmsford, Essex, in April 2022, where she teaches weekly yoga and dance classes, as well as stretching every morning.
“I can do it on the floor, but I would need someone to watch me in case I need help getting up.”
Ms. Taylor’s favorite yoga pose is the standing half-moon pose, in which she stands tall with her arms above her head and gently swings them from side to side.
She credits yoga for keeping her mind alert, joking, “I think I’m getting smarter.” I also do crafts and paint.’
Ms. Taylor’s passion for staying active has inspired her to encourage her family to exercise more.
Laughing, he said: ‘I’m telling my friends and family to exercise, but they don’t.
‘I would tell people to straighten up and move their shoulders over and over. But to start, take it easy.
“I don’t like sitting in the chair for too long,” she added. ‘I like to get some fresh air. I definitely enjoy my life because it’s a nice life right now.
“I love people and I like to live longer because I will see many beautiful things.”
Ms. Taylor’s favorite yoga pose is the standing half-moon pose, in which she stands tall with her arms above her head and gently swings them from side to side.
In November, her residence team threw her a birthday party, which included a cake specially made by the residence’s head chef.
Reaching this important age is something that Mrs. Taylor “never” imagined, although longevity runs in her family.
His sister, who also lives at the residence, is 103 years old, and his other five siblings lived into their nineties.
“I guess it’s a good thing,” Mrs. Taylor explained. “When I wake up in the morning, I say it’s another day and I get going.”
However, Mrs Taylor is not Britain’s oldest woman; that title currently belongs to Ethel May Caterham, who celebrated her 115th birthday in August.
Mrs Caterham is also now the oldest person in Europe and the fourth in the world, following the death of the world’s oldest person, María Branyas Morera, from Spain. at the age of 117 years.
His long life has spanned two world wars, the Cuban missile crisis, the first moon landings, the fall of the Berlin Wall and six different monarchs of the United Kingdom and he survived Covid-19 in 2020.
When asked what the secret to her longevity was, Mrs Caterham said: “Never argue with anyone.” I listen and do what I like!’