100 second interview: Sonia Burns
Celebrating our community’s centenarians
In our latest 100-second interview, celebrating our community’s centenarians, we speak to Jewish Care service user Sonia Burns, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She says the secret to longevity is mostly luck, and that she feels very lucky to have her health, live alone and be able to still cook.
Name:
Sonia Burns
Date of birth:
23rd February 1926
Place of birth:
Mrs Levy’s nursing home in Shoreditch, London.
Where do you live?
I live independently in my bungalow in Westcliff-on-sea and have done since about 1982.
What was your job before retiring?
I owned a pub called the Brookside Tavern in Eastwood.
Did you get married?
I was married to my lovely late husband Jack for 44 years until he passed away at the young age of 66.
Do you have any children, grandchildren and great grandchildren?
I have 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren who all keep me young.
What news story has had the most impact on you over the years?
I remember Princess Diana’s passing was a very sad time, I think a lot of people felt it.
If you could live your life again, would you do anything differently?
If I had my time again I wouldn’t change anything, I’ve enjoyed my life and a believer of everything happens for a reason.
Do today’s young people have it easy compared to when you were growing up?
I don’t think the young people of today have it easier than we did.
Are the elderly given the respect they deserve in Britain today?
I’ve been lucky enough to of always been shown respect, especially in my older years.
The secret for a long life is…
I really don’t think there is a secret to long life, I really feel it is just luck; Good genes, a positive mind and luck.
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