A British woman who celebrated her 105th birthday in November, Daisy Taylor, attributed her impressive longevity and mental sharpness to leading an active lifestyle.
She believes the key lies in maintaining a balance between movement and enjoyment. Her formula for a long and fulfilling life includes consistent exercise, practicing yoga, and engaging in creative hobbies such as painting and crafts.
Born in Leytonstone, East London, in 1919, Mrs. Taylor has seen more than a century of change, yet she continues to embrace movement and fun as vital elements of her daily routine.
Now a great-grandmother to 25, she admits she never imagined living so long but cherishes every moment. Reflecting on her milestone birthday celebration, she shared, “I had a wonderful time, and I didn’t want it to end.”
Mrs. Taylor’s journey began early—she left school at 14 to work in machinery, later transitioning to roles in a soap factory, managing a bakery, and running several cafés.
At 19, she met her late husband, Ray, at an Electric Light Company event. Together, they built a fulfilling life, raising three children—Pat, John, and Jean—and bonding over shared hobbies like traveling, dancing, and theater outings.
Dancing played a special role in her active lifestyle. “I used to do the fox trot and quick step. I’ve always had a very active life,” she reminisced. Sadly, Ray passed away in 1981 at the age of 61. However, Mrs. Taylor has carried forward their shared love for movement, incorporating fitness into her everyday life.
Since moving to Care UK’s Manor Lodge in Chelmsford, Essex, in April 2022, Mrs. Taylor has continued to embrace an active lifestyle. She participates in weekly yoga and dance classes, alongside daily stretches.
Her favourite yoga pose is the standing half-moon, which she enjoys for the “good stretch” it provides. Remarkably, she feels that yoga has sharpened her mind, joking, “I think I’m getting brainier.”
Determined to “keep moving,” Mrs. Taylor dislikes sitting still for too long and finds joy in staying busy. “My secret is when you keep waking up every day, have fun. I love talking to people, I like the little things, and I feel happy keeping busy,” she said.
While her yoga routine now mostly takes place in a chair, she still appreciates the benefits. “I used to do yoga on the floor, on the carpet, but I mainly do it in my chair now. I can do it on the floor, but I’d need someone to watch me in case I need help getting up,” she explained.
Her passion for fitness has even inspired her to encourage her family to exercise, though she laughs about their reluctance. “I’m telling my friends and family to exercise, but they won’t do it. I’d tell people to straighten up, move your shoulders round and round. But take it easy to start with.”
Celebrating her birthday in November, Mrs. Taylor enjoyed a party organized by the care home team, complete with a custom cake prepared by the chef. Longevity seems to run in her family—her 103-year-old sister also resides in the care home, and their five other siblings all lived into their nineties.
“When I wake up in the morning, I say, it’s another day, and get going,” she shared. Reflecting on her life, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness so many wonderful things, stating, “I love people, and I like living longer because I will see so many nice things.”
Though not the oldest woman in Britain—that title belongs to 115-year-old Ethel May Caterham—Mrs. Taylor’s extraordinary life story serves as a testament to the power of staying active, having fun, and embracing every new day.
