The proportion of 100-year-olds in the Jewish community is nearly three times higher than in the overall population — and the secret is brandy and chicken soup, according to Jewish centenarians.
Newly released figures from the 2021 Census reveal that the 135 Jewish women and 45 men who are aged 100 or above represent just under 0.07 per cent of Anglo-Jewry, while the figure for the national population is just over 0.02 per cent.
Although there is no scientific evidence explaining Jewish longevity, Joyce Hyman, who recently celebrated her 101st birthday, thinks a daily tipple of brandy is the explanation for her long life.
“I sit down when I come home from wherever I’ve been and have a small drop with ginger ale or lemonade,” said Mrs Hyman, a resident The Fed’s Heathlands Village, in Manchester.
ABOVE: Joyce Hyman celebrating her 101st birthday
“When my late husband had a heart attack, the consultant said it was the finest thing for anybody with a heart attack. So when he came home from work, we used to sit down and have a drop. He lasted until he was 89 and I’m still alive.”
“I’m rather worried that they’ll stop me drinking it here,” she added.
Mrs Hyman also credits the quality of care in Jewish homes: “Personally, I think we are being better cared for in any of the Jewish homes. This one is amazing – they're fantastic the people that look after you and everything. You don’t just sit around. There’s something going on nearly every day either in the afternoon or the evening to keep you interested, and that’s what keeps you going ahead so long.”
In Leeds, Anna Myers, 103, credited the “Jewish penicillin” of chicken soup for her advanced years.
“It definitely keeps me going and I make my own,” said Mrs Myers, who lives in sheltered accommodation provided by Leeds Jewish House Association.
She also raves about the quality of Jewish care homes: “They’re marvellous here. They come every day to see if you’re okay. I can’t speak highly enough of them.”
Anna Myers with Craig Simons of housing association on 103rd bday
Anna Myers with Craig Simons of the Leeds Jewish House Association on her 103rd birthday (Photo: courtesy)
Meanwhile, Doris Rose, aged “102 and a quarter” said she shuns alcohol and advised people to drink water instead. It’s also vital to think positive, she added.
“I try to look on the bright side of life. I’ve lived through some terrible times and I’m glad to and thankful to be alive at this age.”
Doris is a member of Jewish Care Southend & Westcliff community Centre, of whom she said: “They’re very nice and they’re very good. They are wonderful people, and the people who go to the club are wonderful, and I must say that I enjoy their company very much when I’m with them.”
Doris Rose, pictured at Jewish Care's Southend & Westcliff Community Centre (Photo: courtesy)
Jewish Care Chief Executive, Daniel Carmel-Brown said: “We are seeing that, in line with an ageing population, we are caring for many people across our services who are living longer. This means that we must be able to adapt and provide the right care to meet the needs of our community as they evolve.”
Overall, the median age of British Jews is 41, a year older than in the general population.
