AN INSPIRATIONAL woman who celebrated her 104th birthday at Brambles Residential Care Home yesterday says dancing has been the secret to her longevity.
Birthday girl Ivy Flaherty was given flowers and an impressive cake by staff members at the Birchfield Road care home.
The gesture sent her in to floods of tears as she told workers “I’m just so thankful.”
When asked about the secret to reaching a century and beyond, she said: “I absolutely loved ballroom dancing. I started when I was just 14-years-old.
“I carried on dancing up until the age of 90 and I believe this is what kept me so young and active.”
Mrs Flaherty maintains her fitness by doing stretches each morning and eating a balanced diet.
Ivy was born in Edgbaston and is the last surviving member out of her four siblings.
After meeting her late husband Larry on a blind date, the couple tied the knot on St George’s Day when she was 24-years-old.
They went on to have one daughter, one grandson and two great-grandchildren.
Andy Woodward, Manager at the care home, said: “It’s so wonderful to celebrate another milestone birthday with Ivy and her loved ones.
“She is such an active lady who is warm and brings a smile to everyone’s face.”
