Bield’s Jean reflects on her 103 years

A pensioner from Glasgow has been reflecting on years gone by after celebrating a milestone birthday earlier this month.

Jean Revie, a tenant at Bield’s Carntyne Gardens, began reminiscing on her life experiences ahead of the big day, and said she has no regrets about how she’s spent her 103 years.

The mother of three, who enjoyed a successful career in sales, stresses that her biggest secret to a long and healthy life is to be happy with what you’ve got, try your best and be kind to others.

Jean said: “When I was approaching my birthday, I started reflecting back on my life, and it was really sentimental – the past 103 years have been just amazing.

“If I was to go back in time, I wouldn’t change a thing, I have had a great, happy life. I couldn’t have asked for more.

“My favourite memories would have to be from the 1940s. I married my late husband in 1941, I was 25 and he was 29. We were in no hurry, so we just enjoyed our time together.

“We had a great time. He was a fireman, and we lived in Albion Street, in Glasgow, in the houses provided for firemen and their families. I can always remember there was a fire bell in the house that would sound day and night for the fireman to turn out.”

Enjoying regular visits from her children and grandchildren – as well as making use of the development’s weekly bingo nights – Jean thinks it’s important to keep fit and active, especially in her older years.

Jean added: “Even when I was younger, I made it a priority to keep fit, and I think this is part of the reason why I’ve lived a long, healthy life.

“My mother owned a dairy shop, and she used to take me with her to work when I was just three. As soon as I was old enough, I started working myself.

“Having good friends helps me keep active nowadays – you can have fun with very little if you have the right friends. In my 80s, I went to woodwork classes, learned joinery, and I had a go at pottery. It’s never too late to try something new.

“Some of my happiest times have been becoming a mother to my three wonderful children, finding love again with my second husband, watching my grandchildren grow up and graduate from university and, now, becoming a great-grandmother to a lovely 18-month-old boy.

“My 100th birthday party will also always be a fond memory as I spent it with my family – nothing could really top that.

“I have great people looking after me here, the staff at Carntyne Gardens and, of course, my family.”

Jean celebrated her birthday earlier this month, surrounded by friends, family and staff at the Glasgow development.

Bernadette Halligan, Development Manager at Carntyne Gardens, said: “We all loved watching Jean celebrate her big day earlier this month.

“She’s so much younger than her years – always up for a bit of fun and loves to socialise so maybe that’s the secret to having a long healthy life.”

Pictured: Jean Revie.