Positivity key to long, long life

If Doris Wakelin’s birthday cake has the right number of candles on it, the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade might need to be on stand-by.

The quick-witted and sprightly Mrs Wakelin, who still lives in her own home, will be celebrating her 107th birthday with family today at a potluck lunch at the Ashburton RSA.

At this stage the family think about 25 of them may gather to celebrate.

Mrs Wakelin, who has lived all her life in Mid Canterbury, had six children. Her youngest is the only one still living.

Mrs Wakelin believes the secret to living a long life is to eat plain down-to-earth food, keep busy, be active and always look at the positives.

"The past is the past, it’s behind us, it’s happened. We need to focus on the future ... think positively and always live on the bright side of life."

While Mrs Wakelin has had a number of health issues, "I’ve just got on with living", she said.

She enjoys getting out to Ashburton Senior Citizens where she is the patron. After decades of involvement with Women’s Institute, she misses it, as the branch she belonged to closed and there are none nearby for her to attend.

"In my younger years I never thought about living to this age. Many people can’t believe at my age I still live independently," she said.

Doris Wakelin has received many birthday cards over her 107 years. Among the most special are those from monarchs, governors-generals and prime ministers, but handmade ones from family mean the most to her. Photo: supplied/montage: Mat Patchett

When it comes to television, she really enjoys whodunit types of programmes.

"I like them because I can get my teeth into them, and I enjoy the stories they tell."

But her ultimate favourite programme is The Chase. She is big fan of host Bradley Walsh.

"I wouldn’t mind if Bradley joins me for chocolate or coffee cake for my birthday," she said.

In a video sent to Mrs Wakelin for her 105th birthday, Walsh said he had a visit to her on his bucket list, to sit and have a cuppa and a piece of cake.

Over her life, she has seen 26 prime ministers, 22 governors-general and five monarchs. Since turning 100, she has received birthday cards from these dignitaries and is hoping this year she will receive one from King Charles.

But the cards that hold the most significance are those from her family, especially the hand-made ones from great- and great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs Wakelin has 14 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 27 great-great-grandchildren. — Ashburton Courier

By Dellwyn Moylan