Be nice: That’s the advice from 109-year-old

l WHITE ROCK

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

AN active and compassionate life may be the key to longevity, at least, that is what White Rock resident Beryl James said was her secret to reaching 109 last Tuesday.

Aged care resident Beryl James has led a fulfilling life, living in Brisbane for most of her life, she was an avid golf and tennis player and has raised a loving family with three children and nine grandchildren. On July 25 she celebrated her 109th birthday next to her youngest daughter, her friends, and Councillor Cathy Zeiger who she shares the date with.

“Exercise and be nice to people,” advised Ms James on living a long life.

“That’s what has worked for mum, also she has never ever said anything bad about anyone,” said Vicki Brown, her daughter.

“She never had a car, so she always walked everywhere and she’s always on to me about exercise, exercise, exercise.

“Mum even has her own walking group here in the residence, they walk around the nursing home three times a day.”

“Every morning after tea,” added Ms James. Ms Brown, who was visiting from Canberra, said it was extremely touching for her to witness her mother’s milestone.

“It’s living history. Mum has lived through so much, she’s lived through two pandemics and survived them, lived through two world wars and she remembers everything but it’s always the good memories,” she said.

“Mum’s always so full of life, always looking to entertain people, she’s extremely social and that has kept her really young.

“We’re looking forward to 110.”