The secret to living past 100, according to the experts

Milly Smith, a 100-year-old Mancunian, has declared that playing bingo and completing jigsaw puzzles are the secrets to her longevity.

Fellow members of the exclusive 100 club have other ideas about what lies behind their remarkable endurance.

Misao Okawa - 116

The world’s oldest living person, Misao Okawa, will be celebrating her 117th birthday in March. Mrs Okawa, from Japan, attributes her long life to eating sushi and eight hours sleep per night.

Sakari Momoi - 112

The world’s oldest living man also hails from Japan. Momoi said: “I do not know the secret of my long life. I used to always exercise, eat in moderation and never consumed alcohol.”

Gertrude Weaver - 116

Kindness is the key to a long life, according to Gertrude, who was born in the US on Independence Day in 1898. The 116-year-old said: “Treat people right and be nice.”

Emma Morano - 115

Emma Morano, from Italy, is the oldest person in Europe. Her recipe for longevity consists of three raw eggs per day. She was prescribed them to treat anaemia as a teenager.

Jesse Gallan - 109

The oldest woman in Scotland, Jessie Gallan, celebrated her 109th birthday in January. She insists the secret to a long life is plenty of porridge but no men.

Robert Marchand - 103

Donning Lycra and hopping on his bike seems to be the answer for French cyclist Robert Marchand, 103, who last year broke his own record in the centenary riding category, cycling almost 17 miles in one hour.

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