Press release
International women’s day: Care Home residents share life lessons to younger selves
Show tolerance, be proactive and drink plenty of wine. These are just some of the tips that a group of female pensioners came up with, when asked what advice they’d give to their younger selves.
While many of the women were reflecting on over ninety years’ experience, their advice remains important for any generation. Other suggestions included practicing self-care and not shying away from being ambitious.
The quotes were collated by colleagues at Bupa’s care homes in an effort to recognise International Women’s Day (8th March), and celebrate the experiences of older women.
Care homes across the country took part in this activity, compiling and sharing suggestions on how to make the most of life.
Covering a variety of topics, the wisdom from residents across the country included kindness, love, and honesty.
One of the women taking part is resident at Bupa’s Broomcroft House in Sheffield - Joan Warwick. Her wisdom resonates particularly well for International Women’s Day: "don’t be afraid to be more ambitious".
Elsewhere, three residents from Bupa’s Premier Court care home also shared their tips: 93-year old Alice said, "don’t put all your eggs in one basket", whilst 97-year old Ruth shared "make the most of your life today as you don’t know what’s around the corner".
Finally, 91-year-old Betty revealed, "do what you can, when you can."
Whilst many tips focus on making the most out of life, others draw pleasure from the smaller things.
Residents at Mount Hall care home in Macclesfield took this challenge in their stride, sharing "try not to worry too much", "keep smiling" and "treat everybody with respect".
Care home staff at Mount Hall enjoyed getting involved in this challenge, too. Their advice included: "lead with your head and not your heart", and "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!"
One life lesson definitely caught our attention, with 94-year old Beryl from Woodend Care Home in Altrincham, Cheshire, sharing "my advice is drink wine – twice a week!".
Beryl grew up in Hale in Cheshire and became a teacher in the area during her younger years.
Beryl shared that when she was younger, she was surrounded by French men and she adored the accent - one French man asked her to move to France and marry him, but she declined the offer.
However, it was apparently love at first sight for Beryl and her husband Rowland - they have been married for over 70 years. Although he can be very bossy, she loves him more than anything!
Other life lessons that residents and staff would share with their younger selves:
- Be kind to everyone
- Don’t be afraid to be more ambitious
- Try not to worry too much
- Honesty is everything
- Be as good as you can be
- Life goes quickly – don’t forget to enjoy it
- Keep enjoying the small moments with your family
- Drink wine – twice a week!
- Enjoy what you have
- Look after yourself
- Have tolerance with other people
- Do what you can when you can
- Make the most of your life today as you don’t know what’s around the corner
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
- Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today
- Be happy
- Keep smiling
Often, it’s the little things that can make a big difference and help us all to enjoy life a little more. So, what advice would you give to your younger self?
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