What if we told you that the secret to living past 100 is hiding in a pint glass? Or maybe in a not-so-common life choice? Meet Kathleen Hennings, a 105-year-old who recently celebrated her milestone birthday in a way that left everyone curious about her longevity secrets.
Living in a care home in Cheltenham, she celebrated her special day with a cold pint of Guinness (Irish stout beer) and a huge smile. So, what’s her advice for a long, fulfilling life? It’s simpler (and a lot more fun) than one might think!
A Guinness a day keeps the doctor away
Forget green juices and fancy supplements—Kathleen swears by Guinness! She was first introduced to the iconic Irish stout at the age of 18 by her parents, who were lifelong fans, as per various media reports. Since then, Guinness has been a go-to in her life, and she credits it for keeping her going strong for over a century.
Image: Care UK / SWN
“We all drank Guinness at home; we all liked it… and I still do!” Kathleen said. Whether it’s the iron content or just the joy of sipping on her favourite drink, she believes that this habit has played a big role in her incredible journey.
Stay single and stress-free!
If you thought true love was the key to a long life, Kathleen has a different perspective: “Don’t marry!” she advises.
While many spend years searching for the perfect partner, Kathleen embraced a different path, choosing independence and a stress-free life. She built a successful career as an accountant and spent her evenings dancing around Covent Garden and enjoying opera at the Royal Opera House. Perhaps avoiding relationship drama and living life on her own terms contributed to her stress-free, happy existence!
Dancing through life
Beyond her two golden rules, Kathleen also credits an active social life for keeping her spirits high. She has spent decades enjoying the arts, travelling, and surrounding herself with good friends and laughter. Even at 105, she knows how to have a great time. For her recent birthday, Guinness sent her a special hamper filled with pint glasses, chocolates, and even slippers—because what’s a celebration without some thoughtful gifts?
