Yahoo News Woman, 102, reveals secret to long life
Joyce Jackman decided to spill the beans after celebrating her birthday in May.
A woman who has been alive for more than a century has revealed the secret to a long life.
Joyce Jackman decided to spill the beans after celebrating her 102nd birthday on 9 May.
The former RAF chef told staff at her care home she credited "good sex, good sherry" and chocolate for her longevity.
Joyce, from Colchester, Essex, marked the milestone at Care UK’s Silversprings, Thorrington, as staff surprised her with a cake.
Read more: One of the UK's oldest women shares secret to long and happy life
Her family visited to celebrate her birthday, and the centenarian said she "didn't want the day to end".
Joyce said: “I had such a lovely day.
"I can’t believe I’m 102 – it must be all the chocolate I eat that’s helped!”
In her early life, Joyce worked in a sweet shop, before joining the RAF as a chef during World War Two.
Joyce, now widowed, married her childhood sweetheart, Terence Jackman, in 1945 - the year the war ended.
While they never had children, Joyce loved to help look after the children in her neighbourhood and also enjoyed baking with her mother and going out with her friends.
Now, Joyce enjoys keeping her mind busy at Silversprings with regular crossword puzzles and staying up-to-date with the daily newspaper.
Read more: Champagne's the secret to a long life, says 108-year-old woman
Joanne Rix, Home Manager at Silversprings, added: “Joyce is a much-loved resident at the home – she’s always making us laugh with her fantastic sense of humour and outlook on life.
"It was wonderful to be part of her special day.
“Here at Silversprings, we work hard to support residents to lead fulfilling lives, and celebrating special occasions and birthdays plays a huge part in this.
“We were honoured to raise a glass of sherry to Joyce’s incredible life so far and are privileged to have her as part of our Silversprings family.”
It comes after Dinkie Flowers, who also celebrated her 102nd birthday in May, said her secret to a long and happy life was sunshine and dancing.
The mum-of-one and grandmother-of-four from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, has launched new daily fitness classes to raise money for local charity The Gateway Hub.
