This might be a two-year-old story, but the meaning behind it is still as comforting as ever. Ada Daniel’s secret to a long life isn’t fancy diets or strict routines, it’s dogs. Just dogs, love, and a whole lot of joy.
In Derbyshire, England, a woman named Ada Daniel just turned 108 years old, and she has a surprising tip for anyone hoping to live a long life: choose dogs over children.
Ada, who was born in 1915 in Ambergate, recently celebrated her big day surrounded by joy, love, and over 300 birthday cards, including one from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. But what really caught everyone’s attention was her honest answer when asked about her secret to staying young at heart.
“She said it’s because she had dogs, not kids,” said Kelly Goucher, the activity coordinator at her care home. Ada especially loved greyhounds, and a fun fact is that she named all of them Street Lane after the street she lived on.
Before moving into a care home at the age of 103, Ada lived a happy and independent life. She married her husband, Percy, in 1944. Though they never had children, they shared many loving years together until Percy passed away at the age of 73.
To make her 108th birthday extra special, the care home posted a request on Facebook asking people to send Ada birthday cards. The response was incredible, over 135 messages came in overnight, and hundreds more followed. Ada was all smiles as she celebrated with a cool summer drink and her favorite people.
At 108, Ada is now one of the oldest people in the UK. Her story reminds us that love, laughter, and a few good dogs might be the key to a long and happy life.
Thank you Ada for the pawsitive wisdom.