111-Year-Old’s Secret To Long, Happy Life: Fancy Drinks, Chain Smoking, No Kids

The fortunate few who live to 100+ years usually have some kind of secret or odd ritual to which they credit their health and longevity. Dorothy Peel, who celebrated her 111th birthday yesterday, credits a few habits that probably should have put her in the grave a quarter of a century ago.

Peel, a widow, drinks regularly throughout the day, reports The Sun.

“I drank regularly throughout the day. In the morning I had half a pint of sherry, for lunch a gin and tonic and around 7pm a small ginger ale with a bit of whisky. These days I just have a sherry now and again.”

She has also smoked about a pack a day for most of her life.

“I decided to pack in smoking when I was 103 because I got bronchitis and the doctor warned me my life was in danger! I used to smoke 20 a day but not any more. I have been tempted to have the odd cig at Christmas or New Year along with pink champagne, which is my favorite drink of all time.”

This woman, who says that she clearly recalls the sinking of the Titanic and being bombed out twice during the war (while she worked as a secretary), thinks all that health stuff about smoking and drinking is bogus.

“So much for smoking and drinking isn’t good for you. I am living proof that a little of what you fancy does you good.”

But there’s another ingredient to Peel’s longevity. She hasn’t been worn down by the endless drama and stress that inevitably come with starting a family.

“I think not having had kids has helped,” she says. “That’s probably why I look and feel so good.”

Peel has lived in residential care for the last 13 years, and even her key worker has trouble keeping up sometimes.

“She gives us a run for our money! She is wonderful, is independent, loves to choose her own clothes and dress herself,” said Alison Gibson. “She will not wear slippers and insists on wearing her bespoke court shoes with a 2in heel. She’s very elegant and knows her own mind.”

Do you think that smoking and drinking could help you live to 111?

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