I’m a 101-year-old ex-nurse — here’s the secret to my long, happy life

She’s just getting started.

Edna Twivey, a 101-year-old former World War II nurse from England, is sharing her tips for a long, happy life – and they include her younger, 90-year-old husband.

“Family is everything, and David is my rock. The love we have keeps us both young!” Twivey told NHS Lankarkshire.

Twivey met her husband 60 years ago while the two were attending a Scottish dancing class in London.

From there, the rest was history.

She also credited her local social care staff at Stonehouse Lifestyle, a South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, for helping her keep the pep in her step.

The service strives to keep seniors busy and works to prevent them from getting lonely.

“As a nurse all my working life, and during the testing times of war, I was always focused on providing care,” Twivey said.

“Now the tables have turned. I’m a recipient of support and benefitting from the added reassurance of being connected to a community in Strathaven and here in Stonehouse.”

And Twivey’s life seems to only be getting better with age – she recently traveled to Scandinavia on a cruise and is planning to go on another one to Holland next month.

She also lives independently, recently celebrating her 101st birthday twice with friends and family.

Her first fête, which was on her actual birthday, took place with family in Newcastle, while the second celebration was with the community at Stonehouse.

A representative of King Charles II, Deputy Lieutenant Janet Low, was also present at the second gathering.

Provost Margaret Cooper was one of the party-goers and described Twivey’s husband as totally “devoted” to the former nurse.

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet Edna and a joy to be able to spend part of her special day with her,” she said. “It was obvious how well thought-of she is by all the service users and staff at Stonehouse Lifestyles.

“David is absolutely devoted to her and that was lovely to see as well. Congratulations to Edna.”

Soumen Sengupta, who is the director of health and social care for South Lanarkshire, described Twivey and her husband as having a “zest for life” that’s especially “infectious.”

But Twivey isn’t the only senior who is still enjoying all that life has to offer.

In March, native New Yorker Shirley Goodman turned 100 years old, revealing that her signature dance — the “tush push” — was one of her secrets for a long life.

Goodman also advised people to enjoy what they eat, admitting that she doesn’t indulge in many healthy foods but also doesn’t drink or smoke.

“I eat very small portions, but I eat everything and anything I like,” she confessed.