North West woman, 100, reveals ‘not talking to strange men’ is key to a long life

A 100-year-old woman has shared her secret to living a long life is by ‘not talking to strange men’.

Chester-based care home resident Olive Westerman offered the advice while she was celebrating her 100th birthday at Deewater Grange on January 16th.

Other residents and care home staff joined her on the special day to mark a whole century of life, as Olive revealed her secret, saying: “Avoid talking to strange men and you’ll be just fine.”

The centenarian, who loves travelling, enjoyed her special day with a trip to Inglewood manor. The team at the care home went ‘above and beyond’ to ensure she had a ‘celebration to remember’.

Olive mentioned to staff that she’d never had the chance to experience a ‘high tea’, so the team organised a private afternoon tea for Olive and her friends at Deewater Grange.

The home also continued the tradition that Olive’s late husband Sam began – gifting Olive a bottle of Estee Lauder perfume on her birthday.

Sally Cooper, home manager at Deewater Grange, said: “Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating Olive’s birthday, and she was particularly pleased to enjoy a very special afternoon tea.

“Olive has been living at Deewater Grange for just over a year now, and the home simply wouldn’t be the same without her. Olive’s wonderful outlook on life never fails to make us smile and her quick wit definitely keeps us on our toes!”

She continued: “Here at Deewater Grange, we always strive to make an occasion of birthdays, and Olive’s 100th was no exception. We had a great day celebrating – thank you again to Inglewood Manor for having us and making the day so special!”

Olive was born in South Kirby, Yorkshire, in 1923, and attended Common Road Infant and Nursery School.  She worked for a while as a nursery nurse during the war and met her husband Sam at the local church she’d been going to all her life, and the couple got married soon after. 

Sam’s job as a clerk and a writer took the couple travelling all over the world, and they lived in Singapore for three years. They shared many special years of marriage together before Sam passed away.

Deewater Grange provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care.