An Irishwoman who turned 106 years old yesterday has told of her secret to long life.
Nancy Stewart, from Clonard near Kinnegad on the Meath/Westmeath border, told RTE News that staying away from cigarettes and alcohol has helped her, but she also recommends staying cheerful and keeping your head down.
"Have a good humour," she said.
"Don’t fight with anyone and do your job well. That’s all."
Nancy celebrated her birthday yesterday surrounded by family and friends in the home where she has lived for more than 80 years.
It's believed she is the oldest woman in Ireland living in her own home.
The pensioner is passionate about helping homeless people and donates money whenever she can, RSVP Live reports.
"I wasn’t going out shopping or drinking, so I had that money to give to the poor," she said.
"So they’d get a home to live with their children and that they’d be reasonably priced."
Her favourite way to pass the time is having neighbours come to visit - but does have one rule about tea.
"Having neighbours and friends in talking and having a good chat with them and a nice cup of tea - if they make it themselves," she said on Midlands 103.
"If they don't, they'll just have to do. I'm able to make it because I don't want to give all those that come in the fashion of making it."
