Sylvia’s secret to a long life as she celebrates 100th birthday with family and friends

In her century of life Sylvia Jessop has played tennis, been a dancer and a devoted mother and grandmother: Here’s her tips for living a good life.

It’s an age many of us aspire to reach and one local has just hit the century milestone, receiving letters from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the governor-general and even the Prime Minister.

But what was probably most special of all, after a year of restrictions and staying home, was being able to celebrate with family.

On Tuesday, Coral Cove’s Sylvia Jessop turned 100 and while she couldn’t celebrate in person with all of her family due to Covid restrictions, she had a very special day with family and friends.

Coral Cove's Sylvia Jessop celebrated her 100th Birthday on Tuesday, receiving letters from Her Majesty the Queen, the governor-general and the Prime Minister.

Born on July 20 1921, Sylvia has had a long life full of experiences.

“I was a dancer and used to play tennis until I was nearly 80, I retired from dancing when I was 86,” she said.

“I don’t go out a lot, but I used to go dancing six days a week doing new vogue and quick steps and things like that.

“I lived on my own when my husband died and now my daughter looks after me.”

Sylvia has been described as a lady who lives for her children and someone who is loved dearly by her children and grandchildren.

A hard worker all her life, Sylvia retired at the age of 60 after working in pharmacy.

After her husband died Sylvia began travelling the world going on adventures with her family to places including the USA, Singapore and Hong Kong.

While Covid outbreaks across the country changed original plans, Sylvia told her daughter Fay they were lucky to be able to wake up every morning.

Sylvia’s daughter Fay said her mum had been her best friend all her life.

“Mum lived independently until she was 96 and has lived with me for the last four years,” she said.

“We have 190 degrees of ocean at Coral Cove and when she came home she said ‘I think I’ve died and gone to heaven’.

“When we had to cancel our original plans Mum said ‘you know what? We’re lucky to wake up every morning’.

“I keep saying to her ‘you’re the only angel on this earth’.”

Sylvia has been a devoted mother and grandmother to her family.

Fay said Sylvia was still “very alert” in the mind.

Sylvia said the only things she could think of for her longevity was not being a drinker or smoker.

In some advice to younger people, Sylvia encouraged them to live a “good” and “healthy” life.

“Live a good life, clean life,” she said.

“Be good and keep well and live a good life.”