At the grand age of 105, Daisy Taylor knows a thing or two about longevity. And the Brit says her secret is yoga, daily stretches and having fun every day.
Daisy, from Stratford, east London, says her lust for life has continued unabated after moving to a care home in Chelmsford, Essex. There, she takes part in weekly yoga and dance classes, alongside her regular morning stretching routine.
An avid yoga fan with roughly two years under her belt, Daisy’s go-to yoga position is the standing half-moon pose, for the “good stretch” it provides. She credits yoga with enhancing her mental acuity, humorously stating that it’s made her “brainier” in her twilight years.
Daisy remains resolute about staying active, and does not like to sit for too long. She believes that movement is key to her enjoyment of life and the ability to “see so many nice things”.
Surprisingly, Daisy hadn’t anticipated reaching 105. That’s despite her family’s history of longevity—with her sister Alice aged 103 and her other siblings all living into their nineties, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Speaking with PA Real Life, Daisy imparted her wisdom for a fulfilling life, saying: “My secret is when you keep waking up every day, have fun. I love talking to people, I like the little things, and I feel happy keeping busy.”
Her life journey began back in November 1919 in Leytonstone, East London, where she left school at 14. Throughout her working life, Daisy’s positions have been as diverse as her interests—from working with machinery to stints in a soap factory, capped off with managing a bakery and several cafes.
At 19, Daisy met her late husband Ray at a social event for the Electric Light Company. Together, they built a happy life, raising three children, Pat, John, and Jean, and welcoming 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
They shared hobbies like traveling, dancing, and attending theatre shows. Daisy recalled: “I used to do the fox trot and quick step. I’ve always had a very active life.”
After Ray’s passing in 1981 at 61, Daisy continued to prioritise movement and fitness. She moved into Care UK’s Manor Lodge care home in April 2022.
And once there, she embraced the activities and camaraderie. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t look after myself anymore,” she explained.
“The carers here are very kind to me, and I have a good life here.” Daisy participates in dancing sessions and weekly yoga classes, led by an instructor. “I certainly enjoy yoga to keep myself fit, and I do my exercises in the morning,” she said.
Although she now does chair yoga, her favorite pose is the standing half-moon, where she stands tall with arms above her head, swaying gently. Daisy credits yoga with keeping her mind sharp, joking, “I think I’m getting brainier. I do crafts and painting too.”
She encourages her family to embrace exercise with a chuckle, saying: “I’m telling my friends and family to exercise, but they won’t do it. I’d tell people to straighten up, move your shoulders round and round. But take it easy to start with.”
Daisy expressed her love for fresh air and her current life, stating: “I don’t like sitting in the chair too long.
“I like having some fresh air. I definitely enjoy my life because it’s a nice life at the moment. I love people, and I like living longer because I will see so many nice things.”
Her 105th birthday was a festive affair, with her care home organising a party and a special cake made by the head chef. Reflecting on the celebration, Daisy shared: “I had a wonderful time, and I didn’t want it to end.”
Dwelling on her longevity, she said: “I suppose it’s a good thing,” adding: “When I wake up in the morning, I say, it’s another day, and get going.” Manor Lodge, where Daisy resides, offers comprehensive residential, dementia nursing, and respite care services.