First centenarian at Elim Village Garrison Crossing shares secrets to longevity

What’s the key to reaching 100? Maintaining a healthy body and mind. That’s the advice from Barbara Tucker, the first resident at Elim Village Garrison Crossing to celebrate this extraordinary milestone. Barbara marked her 100th birthday on Feb. 15, surrounded by friends and family.

From England to Canada: A life of change

So, what does it feel like to reach 100 years?

“Just ordinary. I feel fine,” Barbara says.

But the past century has been anything but ordinary for her. Born in Exeter, Devon, England, in 1925, Barbara’s early years were shaped by the Second World War. As a young child, she moved to Bristol, where her life took another pivotal turn. During the war, her future husband, Robin, a soldier, was billeted near her family.

“We were at a Christmas party, and there were three or four soldiers there, including Robin,” Barbara recalls. “My mother said to me, ‘You know, I like that ginger-haired soldier. That’s the sort of man I’d like you to marry.’ So, of course, I did.”

Barbara married Robin when she was just 22, and the couple shared an incredible 73 years together. In 1957, they emigrated to Canada, where they built a new life with their three children. She fondly remembers their journey to Canada and is quick to note how much has changed since the arrival of modern technology.

“There was none of the electronic stuff, just the old phone—when it worked,” she says. “Before that, I think things went on fairly calmly. Then suddenly, electronics burst upon us.”

The secret to a long, happy life

Barbara’s outlook on life is grounded in simplicity. The secret to her longevity is straightforward:

“Just live in a healthy way. Go out, eat healthily, don’t overeat sweet things.”

She also emphasizes the importance of staying engaged with the world around her.

“I think you need to read good books, not silly little things. Also, listen to the television when there’s a good program on,” she advises. “There isn’t always, but sometimes there’s a good program on and you can actually learn something.”

The power of gratitude

While Barbara acknowledges that luck and fortune have played a role in her long life—“I’ve always been healthy. I’ve been very fortunate that God has kept me healthy”—she also believes in the power of gratitude.

“I think it’s very necessary for us to be thankful for everything in life,” she says. “I think it probably does something to our health. If you’re always complaining and nothing’s right, can you just imagine what your brain is doing?”

Since becoming a resident of The Hawthorn at Elim Village Garrison Crossing in 2018, Barbara says practicing gratitude has come easy.

“I’m very happy. I’ve got some very nice neighbours. I’m very thankful for everything in my life at the moment.”

Learn more about our Garrison Crossing community by calling 604-769-0022, or by emailing  garrisoncrossing@elimvillage.com. Stay up to date with our latest offerings by subscribing to our  mailing list.