Dorothy Creighton has revealed the breakfast habit she believes carried her past the century mark.
Creighton, 107, told staff at her English care home that bacon and eggs every morning for more than 100 years helped keep her going. She celebrated her latest milestone last month at Pear Tree Court in Horndean, England, where she moved in 2023.
The great-grandmother was born in Bristol and grew up as something of a tomboy, passing her childhood playing football with boys. Her first job was as a hairdresser, but World War II changed her path. When the war broke out, Creighton joined the Women’s Land Army. It was there she met the man who would become her husband.
The couple raised two daughters and a son, and their family grew to include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
At her surprise party last month, surrounded by friends, family, balloons and banners, Creighton shared more than just her breakfast tip. She said: “The secret to a long and happy life is to have a good man, a good family and to keep everyone around me on their toes.
“Also, I can’t live without my bacon and eggs every morning, or my jelly babies!”
Aimee Sparks, home manager at Pear Tree Court, said: “We were so excited to celebrate such a joyous day with Dorothy.
“As a much-loved resident, it was wonderful to mark this tremendous milestone with her.
“Here at the home, everything we do centres around our ethos of ensuring residents lead active and fulfilling lives – and Dorothy’s 107th birthday celebration was no exception.
“It was lovely to see how happy she was to be surrounded by those closest to her on her special day.”
Since arriving at the Care UK facility, Creighton has kept busy chatting with fellow residents and making regular visits to the home’s coffee shop and sweet cart. Staff noted her social nature and enthusiasm for the home’s amenities.
The head chef baked her a cake for the occasion, adding to the decorations that filled Pear Tree Court for the celebration.
Creighton’s longevity tips join a crowded field of centenarian advice, though her specific combination of protein-heavy breakfasts, family focus and playful mischief offers a distinctly British flavor. The jelly babies mention adds a particularly local touch to her regimen.