According to this 105-year-old woman, who lived through both World Wars, the secret to longevity is staying single.
Brenda Osborne was born in Mansfield, Nottingham back in 1913, and she shared her tips for a long life at her retirement home during her 105 birthday party.
She said that she managed to live that long because she steered clear of men, worked hard and regularly got out in the fresh air. Brenda even received an award for having just one day off sick in 33 years as a nurse!
The 105-year-old lived in her childhood home for 93 years before she moved into the nursing home just last year, after her 104 birthday. The modest two bedroom property was shared between Brenda, her two sisters Vera and Beryl, and her nephew Ian.
When speaking about her longevity, Brenda said:
“I would put my good health down to hard work and avoiding men.
“I loved celebrating my birthday although I was disappointed the Queen didn’t come.
I received my letter from her but I thought an appearance was the least she could do.” – she adds.
Brenda got her education at Carter Lane School and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammer School, and she first started working at Victoria Hospital in 1940, nursing Dunkirk veterans. She became an assistant nurse in 1946, and a senior nurse in 1953.
Brenda’s place of residence now is Brookholme Croft Nursing Home in Hasland, and she marked her milestone birthday with a party.
Speaking about Brenda’s big day, her great-niece Marrie Pollard says:
“It was a lovely day for Brenda to celebrate with all her nearest and dearest.
“The care home did a wonderful job planning it and making the day extra special.
My auntie living for over a century is no surprise to me as she’s always been fiercely independent.
She only moved into the care home last year and jokes her secret to long life is avoiding men – as they aren’t worth the hassle.”
Her two grand-nieces attended her birthday party last week, alongside other family members. This amazing centenarian has lived through the two world wars, the crowning of three monarchs, and England winning the World Cup in 1966.