Woman Aged 110 Reveals Her Surprising Secret to Long Life
Perth, Australia – In a world chasing complex health trends, Bridget Grocke, a vibrant 110-year-old from Perth, has a surprisingly simple recipe for longevity: a daily can of Emu Export beer, a tight-knit family, and a sunny outlook on life.
A Life Spanning a Century
Born on November 18, 1914, in Leederville, Bridget entered the world as World War I began. The second eldest of seven siblings, she grew up moving across Western Australia, following her father’s work as an engine driver. These early years shaped her resilience, a trait that’s carried her through 110 years of history.
From the Great Depression to the digital revolution, Bridget has witnessed seismic shifts in society. Yet, she remains active and sharp, still cracking jokes with a youthful spark that belies her age.
The Emu Export Ritual
When asked about her secret to a long life, Bridget doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the beer,” she says with a twinkle in her eye, pointing to her daily can of Emu Export, a 4.2% amber ale brewed in 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.”
For over 60 years, Bridget has enjoyed this iconic Australian brew, first launched in 1954 by the Swan Brewery in Perth (Emu Beer). Known as “Bush Chook” or “the red lead,” Emu Export is a cultural staple in Western Australia, evoking nostalgia and community pride.
“It tastes like beer,” Bridget says with a grin, as if that’s all anyone needs to know. Whether it’s the hops, barley, or just the ritual, her daily pint has become a hallmark of her longevity.
A Life of Love and Family
Bridget’s story isn’t just about beer. In 1942, she married her husband, Jim, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Subiaco, wearing a borrowed wedding dress that didn’t dim the day’s magic. Together, they raised four children, who gave her 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
“Family is everything,” Bridget says. “They’re the ones who are there for you, through thick and thin.” Her daughter, Jan Robertson, agrees, noting that Bridget’s strong family ties are a cornerstone of her long life.
Humor and Positivity as Elixirs
Beyond her daily brew, Bridget’s daughter credits her mother’s sense of humor and positive attitude. “Her great sense of humor and her positive approach to life keep her young at heart,” Robertson says. “She’s always had a knack for making people laugh.”
Bridget’s cheerful disposition shines through in every conversation. Whether she’s sharing a story or a quick quip, her ability to find joy in the moment has kept her spirit youthful.
A Robust Life and Minimal Ailments
Remarkably, Bridget lived independently in Doubleview until age 109, only recently moving to Bethanie Subiaco. Her health record is equally impressive—her only hospital visit since childbirth was for cataracts at age 100. This resilience underscores her unique approach to aging.
While a 2014 University of Texas study suggests moderate alcohol consumption may benefit heart health, Bridget’s lifestyle—combining her daily beer with an active, engaged life—seems to be her true fountain of youth.
A Milestone Birthday Celebration
Bridget’s 110th birthday on November 18, 2024, was a grand affair. She received a letter from King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as messages from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Western Australia’s Governor, Chris Dawson (PerthNow).
The highlight? A personalized block of Emu Export from her local BWS store. “That’s what has kept me going, that’s what has kept me so healthy,” she said, holding the beer close.
A Career of Connection
Bridget’s working years were spent at David Jones (then Aherns), where her fashion sense and warmth made her a favorite among customers. Her ability to connect with people carried into her later years, where she remained a social butterfly, always ready with a story or a laugh.
The Cultural Power of Emu Export
Emu Export isn’t just a beer; it’s a Western Australian icon. Once tied to the Art Deco Emu Brewery building in Perth, demolished in 1991, it carries a legacy of community and tradition (Emu Brewery). Its light, crisp flavor has inspired fierce loyalty, and for Bridget, it’s a daily link to her roots.
Simple Wisdom for a Long Life
Bridget’s advice for longevity is as straightforward as her beer choice: “If you’re nice to people, they will be nice to you.” This philosophy has guided her through a century of challenges and triumphs, from world wars to technological leaps.
Her story reminds us that the secret to a long life might not lie in complex diets or rigorous routines. Sometimes, it’s as simple as savoring a cold beer, staying close to loved ones, and keeping a smile on your face.
Key Life Events of Bridget Grocke
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | November 18, 1914, Leederville, Perth, Western Australia |
| Early Life | Second eldest of seven children, moved across WA following father’s work |
| Marriage | Married Jim in 1942 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Subiaco |
| Family | Four children, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren |
| Career | Worked at David Jones (Aherns), known for fashion and customer connection |
| Health | Only hospital visit since childbirth was for cataracts at age 100 |
| Residence | Lived independently in Doubleview until 109, now at Bethanie Subiaco |
| 110th Birthday | Celebrated November 18, 2024, with Emu Export and messages from dignitaries |
Key Citations
- Bridget Grocke’s 110th Birthday Celebration
- A Beer a Day: Bridget Grocke’s Longevity Secret
- Bridget Grocke’s 110 Years with Emu Export
- Emu Export Beer History
- Emu Brewery in Perth
