A 101-year-old woman has revealed her secret to a young life by attributing her marriage to a younger man.
Edna Twivey of Strathaven, a former nurse who treated wounded troops in World War II, still enjoys an active life, including traveling abroad.
And according to Edna, who recently returned from a Scandinavian cruise, it’s her husband’s abiding love that keeps her young.
David, who at age 90 is 11 years younger than his centenarian wife, is described by Edna as her “rock.”
The couple met more than 60 years ago at a Scottish country dance class in London. Describing their relationship, Edna said, “Family is everything and David is my rock. The love we have keeps us both young!’
Edna Twivey (pictured, center, with Day Services with Stonehouse Lifestyles staff) recently celebrated turning 101
The couple already has further travel plans, with a river cruise in the Netherlands as their next holiday.
In addition to her marriage, Edna says the support she receives from local social workers helps her stay young and active.
She regularly attends Day Services at Stonehouse Lifestyles run by South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership.
The staff of the service – which aims to provide support, activity and stimulation for those in need, as well as rest for carers – recently held a party to celebrate Edna’s birthday.
It was the second ‘do’ held in Edna’s honour: she attended a party on her actual birthday in Newcastle, along with her wider family.
Speaking of the services, the London-born pensioner said: ‘As a nurse I was always focused on providing care throughout my working life, and during the difficult times of war.’
Now, she added, the “tables have turned” and she is “a recipient of support and benefits from the added assurance of being connected to a community in Strathaven.”
She went on to describe the service as a “god send,” saying that the staff and fellow service users are attentive, as evidenced by the batch they’ve put together.
One of the guests at the event was Provost Margaret Cooper, who described meeting Edna as “an absolute delight.”
She added that it was a “joy” to spend time with her on her special day, and it’s clear how much thought has gone into the centenarian with all her fellow patrons and staff.
Describing Edna’s relationship with her husband, Margaret said it was “delightful” to see how “absolutely devoted” David is to her.
Edna also praised her key worker Angela Alexander, who said the 101-year-old always appreciates the staff and regularly thanks them for the work they do.
The retiree will point out how she did her job when she was a nurse, and now it’s her turn to be cared for, Angela added.
Angela describes how Edna reminisces about nursing World War II soldiers in a London hospital. Angela said the former nurse would never accept the soldiers’ misconduct.
The times she scolded them and sternly ordered them to go back to bed, they did as they were told, Angela added.
The birthday party was also attended by Deputy Lieutenant Janet Low, representing the King.