105-year-old says long-life secret is exercise she still does every day

A 105-year-old has said the secret to living a long and happy life is yoga, daily stretching and an appreciation for the “little things”. Daisy Taylor, originally from Stratford, east London, has always embraced life and been active and this has not stopped since she moved into a care home in Chelmsford, Essex – where she does weekly yoga and dance classes, on top of doing stretches every morning.

A yogi with about two years of experience, Daisy’s favourite pose is the standing half-moon pose as it gives her a “good stretch”. She thinks yoga has improved her mind, quipping she has gotten “brainier” in her older age. At 105, Daisy is determined to “keep moving” as she does not like “sitting in the chair too long” and it allows her to enjoy her life and “see so many nice things”.

Daisy never thought she’d reach 105, but longevity runs in her family – her sister, Alice, is 103, and her five other siblings all lived into their nineties. Daisy told PA Real Life: “My secret is when you keep waking up every day, have fun. I love talking to people, I like the little things, and I feel happy keeping busy.”

Daisy was born in November 1919 in Leytonstone, East London, and left school at 14. When she entered the workforce she took on a variety of roles: she worked in machinery; had a stint in a soap factory; and later managed a bakery and several cafes.

When she was 19, Daisy met her late-husband, Ray, at an Electric Light Company social event. The pair built a happy life together, raising three children: Pat, John and Jean; welcoming 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, and sharing hobbies such as travelling, dancing, and attending theatre shows.

Daisy said: “I used to do the fox trot and quick step. I’ve always had a very active life.”

Ray sadly died in 1981, at age 61. Even now, at 105 years old, Daisy maintains a love for movement and fitness. Daisy moved into Care UK’s Manor Lodge care home in April 2022 and she has embraced life there, enjoying the activities and camaraderie with other residents.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t look after myself anymore,” Daisy explained. “The carers here are very kind to me, and I have a good life here.”

Since moving in, she has participated in dancing sessions and particularly enjoys her weekly yoga class, led by an instructor. “I certainly enjoy yoga to keep myself fit, and I do my exercises in the morning,” Daisy explained. “I used to do yoga on the floor, on the carpet, but I mainly do it in my chair now. I can do it on the floor, but I’d need someone to watch me in case I need help getting up.”

Daisy’s favourite yoga pose is the standing half-moon pose, where she stands tall with her arms above her head, swaying them gently side to side. She credits yoga with keeping her mind sharp, joking: “I think I’m getting brainier. I do crafts and painting too.”

Daisy’s passion for staying active has inspired her to encourage her family to exercise more. Laughing, she said: “I’m telling my friends and family to exercise, but they won’t do it. I’d tell people to straighten up, move your shoulders round and round. But take it easy to start with.”

At 105, Daisy remains determined to “keep moving” and cherishes the life she leads. “I don’t like sitting in the chair too long,” she added. “I like having some fresh air. I definitely enjoy my life because it’s a nice life at the moment. I love people, and I like living longer because I will see so many nice things.”

In November this year, Daisy celebrated her 105th birthday in style: the team at her care home threw her a party, complete with a specially made birthday cake crafted by the home’s head chef. Daisy said: “I had a wonderful time, and I didn’t want it to end.”

Reaching this milestone age is something Daisy “absolutely never” imagined, although longevity runs in her family. Her sister, who also lives in the care home, is 103, and their five other siblings all lived into their nineties. “I suppose it’s a good thing,” Daisy explained.

“When I wake up in the morning, I say, it’s another day, and get going.”

Manor Lodge is a modern care home that provides full-time residential, dementia nursing and short-term respite care.