101 year old Edinburgh care home resident shares pearls of wisdom
‘You might as well laugh’ - 101 year-old Ina Bickerton, a resident at Care UK Murrayside, revealed the secret to living a long and happy life.
Article Source: Care UK
Last Updated: 15 December 2021 11:57
‘You might as well laugh’ – 101-year-old Edinburgh care home resident shares pearls of wisdom
An Edinburgh care home resident has celebrated her 101st birthday and revealed the secret to living a long and happy life.
Ina Bickerton, from Care UK’s Murrayside, on South Beechwood, marked the impressive milestone on 5th December, and was joined by residents and team members to toast the occasion.
Enjoying the special day with a slice of birthday cake and a host of special gifts, the team decorated the home, and welcomed Ina’s son, grandchildren and great grandchildren into the home to celebrate.
Sharing her pearls of wisdom, Ina said: “I am delighted to be celebrating my 101st birthday. My secret is to get on with life without grumbling, and don’t take things too seriously. If you cry, you cry alone, if you laugh, the world laughs with you – so you might as well laugh!”
Suzanne Welsh, Home Manager at Murrayside, said: “We really did have a wonderful time celebrating Ina’s 101st birthday.
“Here at Murrayside, we always strive to make an occasion of birthdays, and Ina’s was no exception. From decorating her bedroom to baking a special cake, it was a fantastic day, and to see her celebrating with her family was the cherry on the cake.”
Ina, who was born in 1920, was one of five children, and grew up in Edinburgh. Her first job was in a printers, before becoming a bus conductress, which she loved. She met her beloved husband John, who was a friend of her brother’s, when she was a teenager and they married in 1943. The couple had a son, John, and Ina went on to work in silver service and later as a hotel landlady.
Ina loved going to parties, socialising, and dancing to Dean Martin and Tony Bennett. No matter how much she had to drink or what time the festivities ended, she would always find time to put her rollers in before bed.
Ina moved into Murrayside in 2020, where she enjoys reading and listening to her favourite singer, Frank Sinatra. She has a daughter-in-law, May, two grandchildren, Colin and Julie, and two great-grandchildren, Michael and Jennifer, who she loves keeping in touch with.
Murrayside care home has been specially designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, and has its own cinema, hair salon and café.
To find out more about Murrayside, please contact Customer Relations Manager, Gillian Gray, on 0131 516 2847, or email gillian.gray@careuk.com
For more general information, visit https://www.careuk.com/care-homes/murrayside-edinburgh
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Heather On The Hill Festival Announced
Edinburgh Summer Sessions is delighted to announce Heather On The Hill Festival, a brand-new family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22 August.
READ MORE
The Vittoria Group Launches Black Friday Offer
With Black Friday just a week away, the family run Vittoria Group is launching one of Edinburgh’s biggest, and most giftable, foodie offers with 50% off vouchers across all venues.
READ MORE
Free sweets at brand new Edinburgh store opening this weekend
Sweet lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free treat on Saturday 22nd November, as Ambala opens its brand-new store on Gorgie Road.
READ MORE
United Airlines Celebrates Girls in Aviation Day at Edinburgh Airport
United Airlines inspires girls to pursue careers in aviation by opening the doors to their operation at Edinburgh Airport.
READ MORE
Christmas arrives at The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.
READ MORE
First Look at the Magical Festival Transformation at Duck & Waffle
This festive season, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh invites guests to leave the ordinary behind and step into the 'Chamber of Magic' - a world where wonder, mischief, and wizardry collide.
READ MORE
Celebrate the Festive Season with Caorunn Gin at the St James Quarter
Caorunn, the award-winning small batch gin from the Scottish Highlands, has unveiled an exclusive festive pop-up stand at St James Quarter Edinburgh, running until 31st December 2025.
READ MORE
BBC Cbeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh Cinemas
Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle this Friday at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice
Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.
READ MORE
Celebrate The Autumn Internationals at The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh
As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.
READ MORE
Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre
The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.
READ MORE
Four Major International Performances Go on Sale for Edinburgh International Festival 2026
Following a record number of sold-out performances in 2025, audiences can book early for what promise to be must-see performances in 2026!
READ MORE
Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife
From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady announced its Christmas 2025 programme
The award-winnng Leddie Hotel in Aberlady has announced its Christmas 2025 programme, bringing together creative workshops, family experiences, live music and seasonal dining.
READ MORE
Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes
Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026
Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving
Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces dates and submission details for 2026
The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.
READ MORE
King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh
King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November
This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland
Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.
READ MORE
Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant
Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom
Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation
Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.
READ MORE
18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening
Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links