Woman, 108, reveals secret to her long life was having dogs instead of kids
A 108-year-old who just celebrated her birthday has revealed her secret to longevity.
Ada Daniel, who lives at Codnor Park Care Home in Derbyshire, received more than 300 cards from well-wishers – including one from the King and Queen – for the exciting festivities.
And the centenarian believes her key to longevity lay in having dogs instead of children.
Talking to the BBCCare Home Activities Coordinator Kelly Goucher said the retiree is “definitely a character.”
“I once asked her what her secret was and she said it was to have dogs, not kids,” she told the outlet.
Ada Daniel, who lives at Codnor Park Care Home in Derbyshire, received over 300 cards from well-wishers. Ada pictured in May
“She had a lot of greyhounds. She lived on Street Lane in Ripley and all her greyhounds were called Street Lane.”
Kelly also said that Ada has been looking forward to her birthday since early April, so the nursing home decided to put out an appeal to help her celebrate her birthday.
The house’s Facebook page shared a photo of Ada smiling, sipping a summer drink.
Our dear Ada turns 108 on Thursday, June 1, it read. “We would love to receive 108 birthday cards to mark the occasion.
If you want to be there to celebrate Ada’s birthday, send a card to the following address… Thank you!!’
Kelly says she woke up the next morning with a whopping 135 messages, all people wanting to send their regards.
a BBC Radio Derby snippet of the big day on social media showed a happy Ada surrounded by gifts, balloons and cards, as a journalist read out a personal message from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
It read, “My wife and I are so happy to know that on June 1, 2023, you will be celebrating your 180th birthday.
Kelly also said that Ada has been looking forward to her birthday since early April, so the nursing home decided to put out an appeal to help her celebrate her birthday. Ada pictured in January
The outlet said Ada enjoyed going to Ripley every day until she was 97 and didn’t go to care until she was 103. Pictured in March 2022
“Here’s our heartiest congratulations and heartfelt well wishes for such a special occasion.”
According to the Derbyshire timesAda was born in Ambergate, in 1915.
At the age of 27, in 1944 she married her late husband Percy – who fought in the war. The couple had no children and Percy died at the age of 73.
The outlet said Ada walked to Ripley daily until she was 97 and didn’t go to care until she was 103.
According to Oldest in BritainAda is the 65th oldest person in the UK
The BBC says Ada also received more than 200 cards when she turned 105, as the nursing home made a similar appeal during the lockdown.