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'I used to do yoga on a floor, now it's in a chair'

PA Media 105-year-old Daisy Taylor with a birthday sash. She sits at a table holding a glass.PA Media
Daisy Taylor, 105, thinks yoga has improved her mind as well as her health

"I used to do yoga on the floor, but I mainly do it in my chair now," says Daisy Taylor as she celebrates her 105th birthday.

Ms Taylor, originally from Stratford, east London, has always embraced life and being active.

She says the secret to living a long and happy life is yoga, daily stretching and an appreciation for the "little things".

Ms Taylor thinks yoga has improved her mind, adding that she has become "brainier" in her older age.

Ms Taylor, who now lives in a care home in Chelmsford, Essex, is determined to "keep moving" as it allows her to enjoy her life.

She has been practising yoga for the past two years adding that the standing half-moon pose gives her a "good stretch".

"I can do [yoga] on the floor, but I'd need someone to watch me in case I need help getting up," she said.

PA Media A black and white photo of young Ms TaylorPA Media
Ms Taylor met her late-husband Ray when she was 19

Longevity runs in her family. Her sister Alice is 103 and her five other siblings all lived into their nineties.

Ms Taylor said: "My secret is when you keep waking up every day, have fun.

"I'm telling my friends and family to exercise, but they won't do it.

"I'd tell people to straighten up, move your shoulders round and round - but take it easy to start with."

PA Media Ms Taylor sat at a white table surrounded by seven women. Balloons making the number 105 are in the background. A tier of cupcakes is to the right hand side.PA Media
Ms Taylor said she tells her friends and family to exercise as well

Ms Taylor was born in November 1919 in Leytonstone, east London and left school at 14.

When she entered the workforce she worked in machinery, had a stint in a soap factory and later managed a bakery and several cafes.

At 19 she met her late-husband Ray at an Electric Light Company social event.

The couple had three children Pat, John and Jean, 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Ms Taylor says she cherishes the life she has.

"I definitely enjoy my life because it's a nice life at the moment," she added.

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