100-second interview! This week: Henry Lewis

We speak to 101-year-old Jewish Care resident Henry, about growing up int he East End, his life and career and the secret to old age!

Henry Lewis is 101 years old and lives at Jewish Care’s Wolfson Assisted Living at Sandringham in Hertfordshire.

Tell us about your family…

I was born in Hackney and I grew up in a family of eight children. We moved to south London when I was four. I married my wonderful wife Doris in 1945 and we lived in the West End before moving to Mill Hill and having our daughter Vicky. I also have a granddaughter, Abigail.

What was your profession?

I am a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and of the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers. I’ve been very happy to
be successful in my profession and I’ve also really enjoyed being able to
do my magic shows around the world as my hobby. When I was eight, I found a magic book in a pile of rubbish and it got me interested in magic. I gave my first public show at the local town hall. I’ve performed all over the world: Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Israel and the USA in large public theatres. I was the president of the Inner Magic Circle and a member of the Society of American Magicians and a gold medallist performer. I recently entertained my fellow residents at Jewish Care’s Sandringham.

What’s your happiest memory?

My happy marriage.

What’s your greatest achievement?

To be successful in my profession. I acted for the Department of Trade and was an expert witness at the Royal Courts of Justice.

If you could live your life again would you do it differently?

Truthfully, no. I’ve been very happy with my life so why should I change anything? My whole life has been good.

What’s your advice to young people?

Live decently and be happy within your own family.

Are older people given the respect they deserve today?

If you have respect for other people, they will respect you.

What’s your secret to a long life?

I often can’t believe my age, but I try to do as much as I can and stay as independent as I can. My advice would be: Be satisfied with what you’ve got. I’ve been lucky to have a life of more than a 100 years, what more could I want?