Life is sweet for Louisa, 108
Werther’s Originals secret to her longevity
One of Scotland’s oldest women has shared the secret to a long and happy life as she turns 108 — hard work and a constant supply of Werther’s Original.
Louisa Wilson, from Ayr, was born the year the Titanic sank and has lived through two World Wars, the Spanish Flu outbreak and now coronavirus.
The great-grandmother — known as Louie celebrated her birthday on Saturday and toasted the amazing milestone at home with champagne, a card from The Queen and a slice of cake to satisfy her sweet tooth.
And her proud family revealed how she amazes them every day with her determination and independence as she continues to cook, help with chores and look after others.
Her daughter Muriel said: “Mum says hard work has kept her living this long. That and her sweet tooth. Another thing which keeps her going is Werther’s Original. She always has one. She also loves her puddings and trifles.”
Born in 1912, Louisa is the eldest of five siblings and only surviving member of her family.
She was born in Glasgow’s Shawlands and moved to Paisley where she began her career as a clerical assistant before marrying her late husband Robert, a civil engineer, in 1940.
The couple moved to Ayr, where they settled, and had daughters Muriel and Eleanor. Her husband died in 1989.
Eleanor said: “Mum has always been concerned with helping others.
“Her father died when the family was quite young and her mother was left a widow, so she took on a lot of responsibility and took on the role of bringing up the family with her mother.
“She is always thinking about other people and puts them first. The first thing she says when she gets up in the morning is ‘how can I help you today?’
“Mum still helps in the kitchen, washing and drying dishes and also chopping vegetables for our meals.
“She is very determined and independent. She is also very quick-witted and has a great sense of humour.
“Lockdown has been okay for her and she is still active and goes up and down the street for walks. Her neighbours call her the ‘Belle of Bellevue’ after the street she lives on. She’s also still a member of St Columba Church.”
Louisa, who is grandmother to Amy and Stuart and greatgrandmother to one-yearold Elle, had a socially-distanced celebration with four generations of her family at the home where she has lived for the last 50 years.
Muriel said: “She has already had four cards from The Queen, so she received her fifth on Saturday. It’s an amazing achievement to reach 108 and something which should be celebrated.”
And Louisa - believed to be the third oldest woman in the country - said one of her favourite phrases was fitting of her birthday bash, adding: “I think we have achieved today.”
Janet McKay, Scotland’s oldest woman, celebrated her 110th birthday in March at Broxburn Nursing Home in West Lothian.
A few weeks later Jessie Sinclair toasted the milestone at Servite House care home in Dunkeld, Perthshire. Jessie said the secret to keeping fit was porridge and regular walks.
In May, it was reported that Scotland’s oldest man had died aged 107.
Jimmy Sinclair, a war veteran who was Britain’s last surviving Desert Rat, died at his home in Kirkcaldy, Fife.