No secret, just try and be healthy” says resident at MHA Westbury Grange after turning 105

A resident at MHA Westbury Grange says there is no secret to a long life, and you have to just try and be as healthy as possible.

Joseph Keane lives at the Newport Pagnell based home and celebrated his 105th birthday with a party.

Joseph received plenty of cards from family and friends including a West Ham United themed card, the football team he supports.

Prior to moving into Westbury Grange, he lived in Upton Park, which was where The Boleyn Ground, the former home stadium of the club was.

There was plenty of singing and dancing to celebrate his birthday along with a special birthday cake.

Speaking after his party he said: “I really enjoyed my birthday, especially the dancing.

“It was a nice day, one which I really enjoyed, and I really like living at the home.

“There are no secrets, I used to work outside when I was younger, and you just try and be healthy.”

Julie Roche, home manager said: “Joe moved into MHA Westbury Grange in April 2021 and was born in Waterford, Southern Ireland in 1917.

“He had six sisters and one brother and talks about his father and mother quite a lot. 

“As a child Joseph liked fishing, collecting stamps and gardening.

“After school he worked as a paver. He met his wife, Mary after the war and they were together for 50 years. 

“They were married in April 1948 in Stratford and had three children, one of them his daughter, Catherine lives across the road from the home

“Joe still loves to chat and will happily speak about his life, he loves his food and snacks almost 24 hours a day.”