THEY say that wisdom comes from living, and that’s exactly what residents of one of the borough’s care homes has discovered.
Fusing modern technology with decades of knowledge, a new year’s post on social media went viral.
Residents of Crowthorne-based Pinehurst Care Centre were asked to share their words of guidance as the nation moved from the bleakness of 2020 into the new year.
And the residents, aged 84 to 105, of the 47-bed home responded in droves. Each posed for a photo holding up a placard with their pearls of wisdom on them.
Although this is an annual tradition, it is the first time that they have been shared online. And the response surprised everyone: more than 45,000 people have seen and shared the tip from people aged between 84 and 105.
Activity manager Victoria Pembroke said: “This is something we’ve done for a few years now, and the images have been shared with the residents’ families, but particularly over the last year, we’ve been trying to engage with our wider community more through social media – as face-to-face opportunities have been limited – so for the first time, we’ve posted them for everyone to see.”
Ms Pembroke said that the women, who live in the Duke’s Ride complex, have a wicked sense of humour, something that came across in their advice as witnessed by 105-year-old Claire, who says: “I’m still learning! Be as wicked as possible. Life’s for living. You can’t please all the people all the time.”
“I am fortunate enough to be able to ask these lovely ladies for advice whenever I need it; their views on dating were particularly helpful, though probably not suitable for publication,” Ms Pembroke said.
“Hopefully, people across the country can take enjoy sharing their advice as we head into 2021.
So what was their advice?
Helen 96
Be happy
Do unto others as they would do unto you
Drink plenty of Whisky (any given amount)
Nancy 96
Get up and go
Please yourself whilst you have the chance
Do it while you can, as time goes so quickly
Don’t write me off
Don’t write yourself off
Claire 105
I’m still learning
Be as wicked as possible
Life’s for living
You can’t please all the people all the time
Muriel 84
Count your blessings
Joan Patton 96
Don’t bother giving advice because they don’t take it
Eileen 96
Be kind to everyone
Take lots of exercise – it keeps me going
Appreciate where you are
Feel lucky
Kathleen 21 (100 actually)
Tell the truth, don’t tell fibs
If your husband works for BOAC, you can travel the world for free
Make the most of opportunities
Margaret 97
Be gentle with children, don’t shout, be calm
Be kind to other people
Help where you can
Doreen 90
Keep breathing
Be happy
Act your age, so take a rest, but don’t stop breathing!
Marion 90
Try to live a good life
All things in moderation
Do as you would be done by
Clare 91
Don’t complain
Keep the home fires burning ‘til the boys come home