If you want to know the trick to living a long life, look no further than Agnes Fenton, a New Jersey woman who just celebrated her 110th birthday. So what’s her secret? Eating well? Psh. An exercise routine? Nah. It turns out the real keys to health and prosperity are Johnnie Walker and Miller High Life. Yes, you read that right.
Fenton is one of an estimated 600 people in the world who are 110 or older — also known as “supercentenarians” — making her about 1 in 10 million. Talk about good odds.
Born on August 1, 1905, Fenton, who has no children, has become a small-town celebrity, receiving birthday greetings from President Obama and New Jersey governor Chris Christie. August 1 was even declared “Agnes Fenton Day” in the city of Englewood, N.J. — an honor bestowed on her 100 th birthday.
In an ABC World News interview around her 105th birthday, Fenton shared the surprising possible secrets to her long life: whiskey and beer.
According to Fenton, following a run-in with a benign tumor years ago, a doctor told her, “Agnes, you must drink three Miller High Lifes a day.” Agnes followed that advice, and then some, adding a shot of scotch to her daily drinking regimen. In case you’re wondering, her go-to brand is Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
However, all good things must come to an end, and Fenton, who is now cared for full-time by a staff of caregivers, is no longer allowed her daily dose of booze, opting for favorite foods like chicken wings, green beans, and sweet potatoes instead.
Unfortunately, no hard science can back up Fenton’s miracle cure. It’s more likely, researchers say, that a steady routine, avoidance of stress, and genetics are the keys to super-longevity.
According to Dr. Kenneth Wasserman, Fenton’s physician of nearly 20 years, “The few things she’s had wrong with her have disappeared in ways they should not have. Her health has been phenomenal…. She’s completely, thoroughly amazing.”
So, maybe it is, in fact, good genes that have kept Fenton kicking for so long… but hey, it couldn’t hurt to drink a High Life from time-to-time, just in case.