International Women’s Day: three centenarian residents at Whitegates Nursing Home in Staines share the life lessons they still live by

Whitegates is celebrating International Women’s Day by spotlighting the voices of women in the home, from residents to team members, and the women who influenced them, from mothers and grandmothers to teachers.

Anneliese Hilsden, 100, was born and raised in Germany and moved to the UK after marrying an English soldier, John. She began learning English after arriving and says she persevered even when it felt difficult.

“The day I got married to John is my proudest moment because I was happy and I loved him very much,” she said.

When asked what has helped her through harder times, Anneliese said: “Having my family with me has helped me through difficult times. They would always visit me and still do now.”

She credits her mother for shaping her outlook: “My mother shaped me and I think she taught me to be a strong woman.”

And her advice to younger women is simple and direct. “Even when in a foreign land, if you just believe in yourself, you will survive,” she said, adding: “Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it.”

Joan Williams, 101, was born in Kensington and later moved with her family to Richmond. She worked at a rubber company, married her friend’s brother and had a son. Joan loved dancing and “looking good”, and still enjoys doing her makeup each morning.

Her proudest moment was gaining her driving licence in her thirties. “It was a proud moment for me because back then, it was not a popular thing to have women driving,” she said.

Asked what helped her through difficult times, Joan added: “I can’t really say anything specific helped me, rather I just got through it. So, I guess I will just say, it gets better.”

She credits her mother for shaping who she is today: “It was not one big thing she did but rather all she did for me,” and she summed up her own approach to confidence with humour and honesty: “If I look good, I will feel good about myself.”

Eileen Taylor, 101, is almost 102. Born in Middlesex, she moved to Addlestone after getting married. She worked as a clerk and describes herself as a bookworm, always happiest with a book close by.

“I am proud of the long and happy life I have had,” she said. “I am almost 102 years old now and I am grateful for that.”

When asked what helps her through hard times, Eileen said: “Reading helps me through hard times.” And when asked what happiness looks like now, she added: “I feel happy and lucky just being here and I am happy. Everyone takes good care of me.”

Other residents also shared the women who influenced them. Sheila Hewlett, 89, said her mother taught her “to always be truthful and honest”, while Shirley Matthews, 84, said her high school teacher, Mrs Powell, inspired her because she was “encouraging and knowledgeable”.

Team members at Whitegates also contributed. Temiola Fasoyin, a Health Care Assistant, said her mother shaped her life because she is “a strong woman” who raised her family in Nigeria “when times were hard”. Rajinder, who works as a cleaner, said her grandmother shaped her life because she “took care of the whole family”.

Whitegates said the stories offered a different way to view International Women’s Day, focusing on the everyday strength that sits behind long lives, and the women who support others quietly, consistently and with care.