Elvis-loving Mansfield gran says secret to long life is 'a pint of John Smith's' as she turns 104

You may think the golden years are spent in a care home facility once you reach this age, but this is not the case for 104-year-old Doll Smith, who has marked her birthday in her own home in Beech Court.

Doll is the oldest resident at the Mansfield Council-run sheltered housing complex in Mansfield Woodhouse.

She celebrated reaching 104 with a surprise party and entertainment with friends and fellow residents.

Doll is a regular at the weekly Age Concern group sessions and enjoys spending time with her friends in Beech Court.

Apart from receiving support from carers, Doll lives an independent life and is in fairly good health.

Speaking about her secret to a long life, Doll said: “A pint of John Smith’s and laughing with my friends every day.”

She spends her days in the community room, watching the world go by from the window.

She also enjoys having her hair done weekly.

Doll, who worked in a local factory for more than 40 years, was married to Alfred and shared a dog in their home at Mansfield Woodhouse. She has one son, aged 83, and two granddaughters.

When Alfred and their dog passed away, Doll longed to have company and be with her friends.

Viv Thompson, council Assist support officer, said: “We marked Doll’s 100th and pulled out all of the stops and didn’t believe we would be here today for 104, but here we are.

“Doll used to live in the area in a lovely little bungalow, but always said she felt lonely and didn’t know what was happening in the community.

“So, in her late 90s, she wanted to move to Beech Court as there were people around, and she craved the company of people.

“Doll buzzes off of company, she loves community spirit. From attending her weekly Age Concern group to enjoying social events on Monday with her carers, she is non-stop!

“She is absolutely fantastic, her sense of humour, just everything. She is doing amazing. She loves Elvis and we tried to get him to come for the party, but unfortunately he wasn’t available.”

Andy Abrahams, Mansfield mayor, said: “Doll is such an amazing lady, reaching an unbelievable milestone I can only hope and aspire all our Mansfield residents to reach one day.

“It is really unusual for someone to be living so independently at such an age, but it is brilliant to hear how well Doll is doing and enjoying her time at Beech Court.

“I think the key to her longevity is always smiling and her mischievous sense of humour.

“Providing a supportive and adapted space to residents when they reach a certain age is exactly what our sheltered housing aims to achieve.”