The pursuit of immortality has long defined the human race, with any mention of this quest conjuring images of power-hungry billionaires throwing money at high-tech advancements that promise eternal life.
But what if the secret to a long, happy existence is simply acknowledging that nothing lasts forever? At least that’s what Phyllis Inglut, a Newbury resident who recently celebrated her 105th birthday, believes.
Phyllis – whose real name is Alma – is one of four centenarians at Newbury Grove, a residential home operated by Care UK, and entered her 106th year on this planet on February 4.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Phyllis credited a sense of joie de vivre with keeping her young as she advised ‘say yes to everything’ while sharing her secrets for a long life.
‘Say yes to everything because life passes by so quickly,’ Phyllis added.
Together with Phyllis, Arthur Croxford, 100, Helen (Lynn) Howorth, also 100, and Barbra Evans, 103, form part of Care UK’s ‘Centenarian Club’ at Newbury Grove.
And, far from injecting themselves with plasma or tinkering with cryonics in a bid to live forever, they all believe it’s the simple stuff that has kept them going this long.
In moving interviews, Arthur, Lynn, and Barbra look back on the last century of their lives while reflecting on the greatest wins, biggest regrets, as well as happiest memories that came with it – and, of course, the secret to living till 100.
Phyllis Inglut, a Newbury resident who recently celebrated her 105th birthday, believes the secret to a long life is acknowleging nothing really lasts forever
Barbra Evans, 103
Barbra Evans is Newbury Grove’s most stylish resident.
Donned in hot pink trousers and a matching jacket, the 103-year-old threw on a crisp white shirt and a complementary silk scarf for our meeting – while also wearing a lovely smile.
By her own admission, Barbra was ‘very shy and very selfish’ while growing up in London in Twenties.
‘I got very snobby because I thought going to a private school made me better than others,’ she conceded.
Barbra was, however, very fond of her older brother and recalled how the pair would take the train to school together – including one time when he arranged for them to be seated in the engine room.
‘He had a word with the train driver and next thing you know the chappy got out of the cab and lifted me up into the engine room,’ she said, with a smile.
‘My feet were hot, the fire was so hot. I thought «Mum will kill me, I’ve got my socks dirty!»
Barbra Evans is Newbury Grove’s most stylish resident. Donned in hot pink trousers and a matching jacket, the 103-year-old reflected on growing up ‘very shy and very selfish’, her private school education, her relationship with her late sisters, and the tragic passing of her son at 22
Another happy memory for Barbra was riding a tandem bike with her husband during their marriage
Barbra later dropped out of school, despite getting a scholarship, at the age of 16 because ‘I wanted to do cooking’.
Another happy memory for Barbra was riding a tandem bike with her husband during their marriage.
They weren’t soulmates or ‘very lovey-dovey’ but they knew how to have fun together, Barbra shared. The couple welcomed two sons together – and fostered a daughter – but younger one tragically passed away at the age of 22.
Barbra’s face clouded over as she spoke about losing her son, even though ‘it was a long time ago’.
‘He had an accident and hurt his head. His friend had a helmet and he didn’t have one,’ she said.
At the age of 103, Barbra has outlived most of her siblings, her husband, and her sisters who, she wishes, she had more time with.
‘We got to a stage where we got together and we used to meet up – but there is nothing you and I can do about that kind of thing,’ she continued, recognising the inevitability of death.
So, what’s her secret to living to 100?
At the age of 103, Barbra has outlived most of her siblings, her husband, and her sisters who, she wishes, she had more time with
‘I don’t have a secret, I’m just here! I’m happy, I have fun,’ Barbra said cheerfully, before amending her answer.
‘Be yourself, don’t be someone that you’re not – and always tell the truth.’
Arthur Croxford, 100
When asked about his happiest memory over the last 100 years, Arthur Croxford answered without missing a beat.
‘Getting married,’ he said, his face lighting up at the mention of his wife of 65 years, Joan.
Arthur met the love of his life when he was 25 – after he retired from the army in 1948.
‘I got called up during World War II in 1942 at the age of 18, and spent six years in the army, which I didn’t like at all. It was too regimental.’
Life changed for the better when Joan entered Arthur’s life and, when asked how they met, he confirmed: ‘There’s only one place to meet a lady and that’s to go to dance lessons!’
When asked about his happiest memory over the last 100 years, Arthur Croxford answered without missing a beat. ‘Getting married,’ he said, his face lighting up at the mention of his wife of 65 years, Joan
Arthur and Joan on their wedding day. When asked how they met, he confirmed that ‘there’s only one place to meet a lady and that’s to go to dance lessons!’
After his stint in the army, Arthur got a job as a butcher for the Co-op, where he worked for 40 years.
Looking back on his life, Arthur expressed his regret over not getting a good education after his mother was widowed at the age of 30.
‘She had my sister and I to cater for which she did very well,’ he continued. ‘It wasn’t until I became and adult when I realised what a hard life she had.’
His mother’s passing was difficult, but Joan’s death felt debilitating.
‘It left me living on my own for nine years, cooking, doing the washing, well you don’t do washing these days, you just put it in the washing machine,’ the father-of-two recalled.
‘I couldn’t manage much more so I came to the care home.’
Today, he’s grateful for the company of his daughters, his fellow residents, and the memories he made with Joan.
On his advice for young people, also hoping to make it to 100, he encouraged them to grab all opportunities with both hands.
Looking back on his life, Arthur expressed his regret over not getting a good education after his mother was widowed at the age of 30
And to look after your teeth!
Helen ‘Lynn’ Howorth, 100
Mother-of-one Lynn was never particularly fussed about getting married, after taking issue with the institution of marriage in her younger years.
‘I didn’t agree with it,’ she said, adding that her partner George, was much older than her.
However, George managed to twist her arm and the pair eventually did wed. Now, Lynn describes her married years as ‘the happiest time’ in her life.
‘We’re quite a close family,’ she explained. ‘One would help the other one.
Lynn and George had one son – however he tragically passed away some years ago.
Thankfully, Lynn is still very close with her son’s fiancée, who visits her once a month in the home, which she describes as a ‘very good’ place to live.
Mother-of-one Lynn was never particularly fussed about getting married, after taking issue with the institution of marriage in her younger years
Lynn as a young girl. Today, revealing her secret to a long and happy life, Lynn said she lives by the rule of ‘not wanting everything and helping other people’
However in her 11th decade, Lynn hasn’t lost the rebellious streak that defined her younger years and she revealed how she’s found herself in trouble since moving in.
‘Sometimes they tell me off because I’m doing something I shouldn’t do,’ she explained. ‘When I first came here, I tried to get out onto the main road but it didn’t work.’
Revealing her secret to a long and happy life, Lynn said she lives by the rule of ‘not wanting everything and helping other people’.
She added: ‘After [struggles] with my legs, it became look after yourself for a little while but I still like doing things for people, helping them if I can.
‘Just do as you’re told and get on with it. It’s a bit lonely sometimes when everybody has left.
‘Most of my family have died anyway, I’m a lonely person really.’
