109-Year-Old Woman Reveals Her Shocking Secret to a Long Life—And It Involves Avoiding Men

One of the oldest women in the UK believes the secret to a long life is staying away from men.

Jessie Gallan, who recently celebrated her 109th birthday, is the oldest woman in Scotland. When care workers asked her for advice on reaching such an old age, her answer surprised them.

She credits her long life to avoiding men and eating porridge every morning.

Jessie Gallan’s Secret to a Long Life

Gallan was born on a farm in Kintore, Scotland, in 1906. She grew up in a large family with five sisters and one brother. All seven siblings slept together on a straw-filled mattress. At just 13, Gallan left home to work as a milkmaid, later becoming a helper in a farm kitchen and then working at a hotel, where she even saw the Queen and Queen Mother during their stay.

In her later years, Gallan moved to Crosby House, a care home for seniors. Gillian Bennett, one of her support workers, told STV: “Jessie is a lovely woman. She has a best friend here, Sarah Jane, and they’re always together. She loves her music, enjoys exercise classes, and is very independent. She’s always on her feet!”

From Bennett’s description, it seems that Gallan also credited her long life to staying active and social. Although Gallan passed away in March 2015, her unique advice for longevity still stands out.

She once said, “My secret to a long life has been staying away from men. They’re just more trouble than they’re worth.”

Gallan also shared that she made sure to exercise, ate a warm bowl of porridge every morning, and never got married.

While many women might agree with her advice, Gallan’s secret also included a diet tip.

“I like my porridge. I have all my life,” she said.

On her birthday, January 2, Gallan celebrated with lunch and a slice of cake at the Crosby House care home in Aberdeen.

Senior support worker Rebecca Streeter said, “Jessie still joins in group activities and enjoys her exercise.”

“She attends all the concerts and loves going to church on Sundays. Clearly, she has lived a very healthy life.”

Jessie became the oldest woman in Scotland after Clare Dawson from Glasgow passed away at age 109 in June 2013.

The oldest living person in the UK is Ethel Lang, who is 114 years old and from Barnsley.