Catherine Hedges, a supercentenarian born in Ireland four years after the Titanic sank, attributes her longevity to a consistent diet of good food, ample fresh air, and a daily ritual of reading the Daily Mail. She marked her 110th birthday with a garden party at her care home in Hampshire.
Hedges moved to England from Ireland in 1944, during wartime, and has been reading the Daily Mail virtually every day since. She said the newspaper helps her stay informed about national and global events and keeps her mind active. As an avid fan of horse racing, she pays particular attention to the sports pages.
Born on July 8, 1916, in County Limerick, Hedges relocated to Reading, England, at age 28. She worked in finance and later in local government. She lost her husband, Leslie William Hedges, 16 years ago and moved to Chandler's Ford, Hampshire, to be closer to her niece. Until moving to Challoner House care home 16 months ago, she had the Daily Mail delivered to her home.
Her daily routine involves a leisurely morning, followed by reading her newspaper, often in the garden, until the afternoon. She then tends to a Peruvian lily, a gift from a year prior, before returning to her room for television and supper. Hedges credits her mother for her love of "good home-cooked" food and emphasizes the importance of staying active and enjoying the outdoors.
She recalled that her late husband introduced her to horse racing, and they would watch races together on television and occasionally place bets. They also enjoyed caravan holidays in France and trips to the Canary Islands. Hedges continues to follow horse racing, discussing odds with care home staff.
Sarah Hayman, general manager of Challoner House, stated that it is a pleasure to care for Hedges and to see her relaxed while reading her newspaper in her favorite spot in the garden. The care home is already looking forward to planning her 111th birthday.
Supercentenarians, defined as individuals aged 110 or older, are rare, with an estimated 300 worldwide at any given time. Experts suggest that a combination of around 200 genes influencing aging plays a significant role in reaching such advanced ages. The world's oldest living person, Ethel Caterham, is approaching her 117th birthday.