103-year-old Gwen from Lawshall reveals her secret to a long life

Published: 15:19, 07 November 2020

| Updated: 15:25, 07 November 2020

103-year-old Gwen Mathews has revealed her secret to a long life.

Gwen, who turned 103 on October 26, says keeping mind and body active has kept her going.

The former secretary was born 1915 in Stanway, Colchester. She later moved to Shimpling with her husband Eric, whom she married in 1944.

Gwen kept her independence for 30 years, until the age of 99, after losing her husband - even asking for a new hedge cutter on her 80th birthday.

She still keeps her mind active by doing crossword, sudoku and codeword puzzles in her daily newspaper.

Gwen now lives at The Willows Residential Care Home, in Lawshall. On her birthday, she enjoyed window visits from her daughter Hilary and son Trevor.

She received many cards which included some homemade cards from her great grandchildren. She also enjoyed several bouquets and a birthday cake.

When asked how it felt to be 103, Gwen said no different, but she "could not believe" she was now in her 104th year.