Five fold increase in people celebrating their 100th birthdays

There are now currently over 12,000 people living in England and Wales over 100 years old, with an estimated 610 aged more than 105.

The Office of National Statistics revealed the figures which show the number of centenarians has increased five fold in the past 30 years.

One care home in Steeton has been celebrating birthdays of three residents who all turned 100 this year, with one resident approaching her 103rd birthday this December.

Senior manager at Czajka Care Group, Gillian Butler, said: “Nancy, Catherine, Nora and Clara are all very special ladies. Determined and full of character they have incredibly interesting life stories and we are delighted to be caring for them at Czajka where they continue to enjoy a variety of interests.”

Reflecting on her long life, Catherine Firth said: “I can’t believe that I am 100 years old and there is no real secret to it, my heart has just kept on beating!”

Konrad Czajka, managing director of Czajka Care Group, says: “Nancy, Catherine, Nora and Clara have all reached such a huge milestone in their lives and we are fortunate to be able to help celebrate these birthdays and reminisce with them about all that they have achieved.”

The nursing home celebrated resident Clara Bailey’s milestone birthday by having a party for 60 friends and family where Mrs Bailey reflected on her past and family lives.

Mrs Bailey said: “After the war we moved to Keighley and once all the children had finished school I worked in catering. My husband, who worked as an ironmonger, passed away in 1976. I always walked to and from church at St Anne’s near Keighley and I think I am their first centenarian! I started a dress making course when I was in my 90s and used to love knitting and sending it to Ethiopia.”

Nancy Wood, who turned 100 earlier this year said: “I owned my own hairdressing salon in Bramley, Leeds, and was happily married for 28 years. I have a son who comes and visits me and I still love to read.”

Nora Green who will be turning 103 in December and has two children, two grandchildren and a great grandchild, said: “My husband died over 50 years ago but I am lucky to live here with my sister Kitty who was a headmistress. We have our own rooms but it’s nice that we are together. She still loves listening to music and I like to have the news on so I can keep up with everything happening in the world.”

Czajka Care Group runs five nursing and care homes as well as purpose built retirement homes and apartments in West Yorkshire.