If you live a full life and eat to your heart’s delight, you may live to see your 100th birthday, says Barbados’ latest centenarian, Gwendolyn “Daisy” Mayers.
She celebrated her milestone yesterday surrounded by relatives, friends and neighbours at her Savannah Road, Bank Hall, St Michael home.
Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, who brought Daisy a bouquet, champagne and two birthday cards, was enjoying her company so much that she told her aide-de-camp and security officers she wanted to stay on a while longer. She also invited Daisy to Government House, adding she was free to stop by whenever she wanted.
The centenarian said life was not only about working hard, but being happy and sharing that happiness with others.
When asked what she thought contributed to her longevity, Daisy, who is diabetic, replied sharply: “Eating proper. I eat everything. I must have something proper and I would advise the youth to do the same too.”
Although she suffers from pain in the knees, Daisy stays active. She said she enjoyed baking, washing clothes and cleaning her house, as those activities kept her independent. A day and night nurse tend to her weekly.
She had two children but the eldest, Colin Mayers, passed away in April. She has five grandchildren and seven great-grands.
Daisy grew up in Hillaby/Turners Hall, St Thomas, and later moved to Jackmans, St Michael. In 1966 she emigrated to the United States, where she stayed for over 20 years, before returning to Barbados.
The devout Christian, a member of St Matthew’s Anglican Church, thanked God for allowing her to reach 100.
She later dined with loved ones at a hotel. (SB)
