104-year-old Ant and Dec fan shares secret to long life - but admits she's feeling 'old'

A great-grandmother has shared her secret to a long life as she celebrated her 104th birthday.

Rosslyn Osbourne, known as Ros, marked her birthday on October 30 with cake, balloons and visitors. The mum-of-one was born in South Shields in 1920 and spent her years working in the local biscuit factory, before moving on to the tobacco industry and then back to confectionery.

Once the war started, Ros moved to Manchester and then moved back up north to work for a mail order company, and then worked in Lewis’ department store. During this time, Ros married the love of her life, Edwin, in 1943, and they had a son called Norman.

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Ros also has two grandsons, one great grandson and one great granddaughter, who she loves to spend time with. Ros, a resident living at HC-One’s Sheraton Court Care Home in Hartlepool, celebrated her 104th birthday surrounded by friends and family.

When asked what Rosslyn’s secret to a long life, she said: “Plenty of rest and watching your favourite television programme. I love watching Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway! I also like always having something to look forward to!”

On the day of her birthday, Ros was surrounded by all her family who came along to celebrate. Ros’ son Norman travelled from his home in Spain to spend the day with his Mam, and her niece Heather paid a visit from South Shields.

The residential dementia care home was decorated for the fantastic occasion with balloons, a homemade cake and lots of flowers and cards. Residents and colleagues sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Ros and enjoyed a slice of the delicious birthday cake, with a cup of tea.

Hollie Rhodes, HC-One Sheraton Court’s Home Manager, commented: “It was great to be able to celebrate Ros’ special day. When we asked Ros how she felt about being 104-years-old, she replied with 'old' and started to laugh.”

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