105-year-old great gran says the secret to long life is gin and juice

Birthday princess Ina

Great gran Ina Carruthers celebrated her 105th birthday on St Andrew’s Day and she says the secret to long life is gin and juice.

Ina celebrated with a cake and a princess sash (and, no doubt, a few gins) alongside residents at Aisla Craig care home in Glasgow on November 30.

As well as gin and orange juice, she says a diet of wheat-bran cereal, toast and biscuits is what keeps her in good health.

Born in 1910, Ina worked as a machinist in a factory during World War II, where she enjoyed a salary three times that of her colleagues. ‘I got very lucky with the job I had – I started off as a machinist then worked my way up to become an engineer,’ she explained.

‘Most workers would be paid £3 a week but my salary was almost £9, which meant I could treat myself more often. One time, I splashed out and bought a brand new fur coat.’

Ina married her late husband William at London Road Church in Bridgeton, Glasgow – the reception was held at the local tearoom. They went on to have three children – Ian, 70, Maureen, 65, and Sarah, who died of appendicitis at the age of eight.

She says her long life has been down to working hard – and playing hard.

‘It takes hard-work to a live a long life and you have to put the effort in,’ she says. ‘I worked hard during the war while I raised my children.’

But, she adds: ‘I also think it’s important to treat yourself – and in my case, gin with orange juice is one of my favourite indulgences.

‘I used to go dancing every Monday at a club in Cessnock – and I’d be sure to order it.’

These days you’ll find her sitting in the care home sippin’ on gin and juice.

Just like Snoop Dogg.

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