Woman Aged 110 Reveals Her Surprising Secret to Long Life

The secret to living past the century mark may not be as complicated as we think. Just ask Bridget Grocke, a sprightly 110-year-old great-grandmother from Australia, who recently celebrated her milestone birthday with a simple but surprising confession: her long life is thanks to… a can of Emu Export beer.

Bridget, born on November 18, 1914 — just as the First World War was breaking out — has lived through two world wars, the Great Depression, and the rapid pace of technological and societal change. Yet, she remains remarkably active and vibrant, still cracking jokes and enjoying life with a youthful spirit that defies her years.

When asked about her secret to longevity, Bridget didn’t mince words. The answer, she says, is a daily ritual of cracking open a 4.2% Emu Export — a beer brewed in her home state of Western Australia. “If there was a whole heap of beer and someone said, ‘Which one’s your favourite?’ naturally, I’d have to say that,” she said, with a twinkle in her eye. “It’s just beer, isn’t it?”

The Emu Export is an iconic Australian brew that’s been around for just over a decade longer than Bridget herself. And while it’s unclear whether Bridget’s secret lies in the hops or the unique mix of barley and yeast, the message is clear: she’s been sipping the same beer every day for the last 60 years. “It tastes like beer,” she adds with a grin, as though that’s all the explanation anyone needs.

But Bridget’s longevity isn’t just due to her daily pint. According to her daughter, Jan Robertson, Bridget’s sense of humor and positive outlook on life are just as crucial. “Her great sense of humor and her positive approach to life keep her young at heart,” Robertson says. “She’s always had a cheery disposition and a knack for making people laugh.”

Bridget’s cheerful personality is no doubt a key factor in her incredible health. She has spent her life being kind to others, believing that spreading goodwill is just as important as anything else. “I think if you’re nice to people, they’ll be nice to you,” she says. And judging by the numerous letters she’s received over the years — including congratulations from Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III — it seems that kindness is indeed a trait that’s paid off.

As Bridget marks her 110th year, she’s not slowing down anytime soon. Her birthday bash will be the talk of Perth this weekend, with celebrations stretching into Monday. And you can bet that plenty of Emu Export will be on ice to toast her continued good health.

While she’s the picture of vitality, Bridget isn’t the oldest Aussie in the country. That title belongs to Lorna Henstridge, who was born just five months before her and also celebrated her 110th birthday this year. But Bridget isn’t fazed by the competition, preferring instead to focus on enjoying her life, one sip at a time.

Globally, the record for the oldest person on Earth still belongs to 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka from Japan, who resides in a nursing home. But Bridget has managed to secure her place in the history books as one of Australia’s oldest living citizens — and she’s not about to stop cracking jokes or cracking open her favorite beer anytime soon.

So, what can we learn from Bridget Grocke? Maybe it’s that simple pleasures, like a cold beer and a good laugh, can go a long way toward making life not just longer but a whole lot more enjoyable.

And for anyone wondering: Emu Export, as it turns out, is not just for the “young at heart,” but the truly timeless. Cheers, Bridget!