Walking, doing morning devotions and going to bed early.
This is Dulcie Rathbone’s recipe that has kept her going for the past 100 years.
Affectionately known as “Aunty Peggy”, Rathbone turned 101 years old on Wednesday 3 May.
The centenary celebrated her milestone birthday with friends and staff at the Eleanor Murray Residence in Woodstock.
Rathbone has been a resident here for the past few years.
“I had a lovely birthday with lots of cake. I am so blessed. They sang for me and we had a good time,” explains Rathbone.
She says she is as healthy as a fiddle and doesn’t take any medication.
“I don’t like medication. So I don’t take any if I don’t have to. I just take regular walks and enjoy being outside.”
Rathbone is independent and says she prefers doing things for herself. She also enjoys knitting to keep her hands busy.
“I have to use my walking aid to get around. But I make up my own bed and I take care of my cat, Kitty. Kitty wakes me up every morning so that I can feed her at 04:00. Then, I go back to sleep and wake up again at 05:45. I then have breakfast and after that, I go and take a nap. I take a nap after lunch as well.”
She explains that she loves reading and often takes a walk to the library. “I read all kinds of books because I enjoy reading. My father used to gift me with books as a child and that is where my love started.”
Rathbone says she is grateful to God for sparing her for so many years.
“I never thought I would live this long. My sister and I lived here in this home together, but she has since died. I am blessed to still celebrate another year.”
The centenary explains that she goes on vacation once a year with her family, an occasion she looks forward to each year.
“I have many nieces and nephews and we all go on holiday every year. We take photos and I treasure those memories.”
Rathbone encourages people to make sure they plan for their senior years.
“People must think of their old age and save money because things are expensive. If you plan well then you will be able to take care of yourself.”
Rathbone praised the staff at the home for their love and patience towards the residents.
“They are kind and they help me a lot. We are all well looked after.”
Magda Fortuin, the house mother at the home, says: “We all love Aunty Peggy. She’s got a motherly heart and she is always concerned about others. She is very observant, if staff members are not here, she will ask where they are. If we forget something she will remind us. She’s got a good memory.”
Denise Vigus, an administrator at the home, says: “Aunty Peggy is an amazing lady, we love her and she is so special.”
