Jakarta, ThedailyID — A 105-year-old woman from Edinburgh, Scotland, has shared the simple philosophy she believes helped her live a long and happy life after celebrating her milestone birthday with dozens of greeting cards, including one from King Charles III.
Mary Davidson Smith marked her 105th birthday by enjoying afternoon tea with friends at her care home. She said she was overwhelmed by the number of birthday cards she received.
“It’s wonderful. I’ve never seen so many cards, and they’re all for me,” Smith said.
Born in South Korea, Smith spent her younger years living in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. She later joined the Royal Navy, where she met her future husband, Charles Wynard Davidson Smith. The couple eventually settled in Edinburgh and raised two sons.
When asked about the secret to her longevity, Smith offered a simple answer.
“Enjoy life and keep going,” she said.
Smith also believes good genes played a role, noting that many members of her family lived long lives.
Research supports the idea that optimism may contribute to a longer lifespan. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, involving more than 70,000 participants, found that optimistic people were more likely to live beyond the age of 85. The findings remained consistent even after researchers accounted for chronic health conditions and lifestyle factors.
Experts say a positive outlook works best when combined with healthy habits, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep.
Looking ahead, Smith is already planning her 106th birthday. She hopes to celebrate the occasion with a strong bottle of whisky.
