Latest news with #BettyDowds
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘I don't feel 100 at all, my mind is as sharp as a pin' – Woman celebrates turning 100 and shares secret to long life
Former health trust worker Betty Dowds now lives in Ravara Court Retirement Home. But she isn't your typical pensioner. 'I have a lot of health struggles but I try to ignore it and don't let it get me down, sat in a chair. If I stop moving, that will be me,' she said. Betty loves to dance for the residents and staff. 'I can't dance the way I used to but I make an attempt. I just want to give everyone a laugh,' she added. She's a keen singer, developing her love for music while working in the Ulster Hospital. She explained: 'I ran the tea bar and people used to come up to me and ask: 'Betty, what's in the sandwiches?' I'd sing what there was, I'd just come up with it there and then. 'I just wanted to make everyone laugh, make them smile. 'I don't feel 100 at all, nowhere near it. My health might not be hot but I'm very lucky with my mind. 'I've been graced with good thinking — my mind is as sharp as a pin.' And the secret to her longevity? A positive attitude. Betty said: 'Don't hold spite. If you have something to say, just say it. 'Don't fall out with anybody, it can eat you up inside. 'I love living here at Ravara Court, there is not one person that I do not get along with. I am just so happy. 'Just live your life, do what you want to do, and enjoy every moment.' Betty enjoyed two parties to celebrate her birthday milestone — one at Ravara Court and one with her family. She said she felt privileged to be celebrated by so many people. 'This place is full of cards, I can barely walk,' she joked. Despite her age, Betty continues to live a full and glamorous life. She explained: 'I still love clothes and I still love shoes. I have 100 pairs of shoes, and I love my make-up. I still do my make-up every single morning and my lashes are my own — I don't need the false ones.' A big fan of reality TV, she enjoys tuning in on the box. 'I watch Love Island. I watch absolutely everything — sure they are there for people to watch, so someone needs to watch it,' she laughed. Ashley Collins, manager of Ravara Court, which is in the South Eastern Trust, told the Belfast Telegraph: 'It is a privilege and an honour to have Betty here at Ravara Court. 'She was one of the first tenants to move in. 'She is a glamorous, amazing lady and is the life and soul of Ravara Court. 'It is such a privilege to celebrate Betty's 100th birthday with her, it is a truly remarkable milestone.'
Belfast Telegraph
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Bangor woman Betty celebrates 100th birthday in style: ‘I don't feel 100 at all, I still love clothes and shoes'
Former health trust worker Betty Dowds now lives in Ravara Court Retirement Home. But she isn't your typical pensioner. 'I have a lot of health struggles but I try to ignore it and don't let it get me down, sat in a chair. If I stop moving, that will be me,' she said. Betty loves to dance for the residents and staff. 'I can't dance the way I used to but I make an attempt. I just want to give everyone a laugh,' she added. She's a keen singer, developing her love for music while working in the Ulster Hospital. She explained: 'I ran the tea bar and people used to come up to me and ask: 'Betty, what's in the sandwiches?' I'd sing what there was, I'd just come up with it there and then. 'I just wanted to make everyone laugh, make them smile. 'I don't feel 100 at all, nowhere near it. My health might not be hot but I'm very lucky with my mind. 'I've been graced with good thinking — my mind is as sharp as a pin.' And the secret to her longevity? A positive attitude... Betty said: 'Don't hold spite. If you have something to say, just say it. 'Don't fall out with anybody, it can eat you up inside. 'I love living here at Ravara Court, there is not one person that I do not get along with. I am just so happy. 'Just live your life, do what you want to do, and enjoy every moment.' Betty enjoyed two parties to celebrate her birthday milestone — one at Ravara Court and one with her family. She said she felt privileged to be celebrated by so many people. 'This place is full of cards, I can barely walk,' she joked. Despite her age, Betty continues to live a full and glamorous life. She explained: 'I still love clothes and I still love shoes. I have 100 pairs of shoes, and I love my make-up. I still do my make-up every single morning and my lashes are my own — I don't need the false ones.' A big fan of reality TV, she enjoys tuning in on the box. 'I watch Love Island. I watch absolutely everything — sure they are there for people to watch, so someone needs to watch it,' she laughed. Ashley Collins, manager of Ravara Court, which is in the South Eastern Trust, told the Belfast Telegraph: 'It is a privilege and an honour to have Betty here at Ravara Court. 'She was one of the first tenants to move in. 'She is a glamorous, amazing lady and is the life and soul of Ravara Court. 'It is such a privilege to celebrate Betty's 100th birthday with her, it is a truly remarkable milestone.'
