As the clock continues its relentless march forward, the inevitability of ageing is a universal truth that touches the lives of countless individuals. While many may hope to live long and healthy lives, only a rare few will ever reach the remarkable milestone of their 100th birthday, let alone exceed it. However, amidst the ebb and flow of time, there are those whose lives defy expectations and stand as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
In a world where longevity is often celebrated but seldom attained, one individual has captured the attention and admiration of many by surpassing the century mark and continuing to thrive well beyond it. Dahiben Jivraj Karamshi Shah celebrated her 109th birthday on 19 February 2024, becoming Britain’s oldest possible Indian woman living - not only defying the limitations of age but also embodying the essence of vitality and grace.
In recognition of her extraordinary milestone, she was honoured with a special birthday card and greeting from none other than King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla, a testament to the significance of her achievement and the impact of her legacy. In a world often characterised by fleeting moments and transient achievements, her longevity stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit to transcend the constraints of time.
Journey to 109 and family love
At a tender age, Dahiben assumed the mantle of managing the household and caring for her siblings in Navagaam (Gujarat, India). Despite her youth, she shouldered these responsibilities with determination and resolve. At just 13 years old, she entered into marriage with Jivraj Karamshi Shah (Chela) and embarked on a new chapter of her life in Nairobi, Kenya. Though saddened by the separation from her family in India, Dahiben quickly adapted to her new surroundings in Kenya. Through sheer hard work and perseverance, she successfully raised three sons—Jayantibhai, Rasikbhai, and the late Dineshbhai—and two daughters—Ramaben and Jayaben. In the late 1960s, as opportunities for migration to the UK emerged for Kenyan citizens, Dahiben's family contemplated this prospect and ultimately made the courageous decision to relocate. Following the footsteps of their children who had already settled in the UK, Dahiben and her husband made the journey to the UK in 1973, marking a new chapter in their lives.
Reflecting on their beloved grandmother Dahiben, affectionately known as Baa, grandsons Tushar and Ketan J Shah, fondly shared their cherished memories with this newsweekly. They told Asian Voice, "Dahiben (Baa) has looked after so many of us when we were children, including all her other grandchildren (from other sons and daughters) who came to stay with us. She has always been there with kind words and never raised her voice, no matter how mischievous we were as children."
Speaking about her adaptation to life in the UK, the grandsons added, "Despite her lack of formal education, she adapted remarkably well to life in the UK. Always busy, she took care of the household as both my parents were working. She engaged in activities like sewing, knitting, and tending to the garden, growing fruits and vegetables. Despite being unable to read or write, she taught herself to use public transport to visit relatives whenever she could."
Discussing her recent health decline, they sadly noted, "Baa was never one to sit idle and often visited relatives with my parents, who had retired. However, during the Covid pandemic when socialisation was restricted, we noticed a change in her. Just over a year ago, she became bedbound due to age catching up with her. Sadly, she doesn't communicate much these days. Despite this, she is still at home, being cared for by her family."
