Kathleen Hennings believes that staying single and drinking dark beer every day is the key to a long, happy life.

In early October, the Cheltenham Care Home in Gloucestershire, UK, celebrated Kathleen Hennings' 105th birthday with a party. In addition to family members, friends and care staff attended the event.

Malaika Charles, the care home manager, said turning 105 is a major milestone, so they planned a surprise party for Kathleen.

"It’s wonderful to see old friends here; I know I'm well-loved," Kathleen said.

Kathleen was born in 1919 in Brixton, London. In 1965, she moved with her mother, brother, and dachshund Rusty to the rural Cotswolds for a quieter life. There, she worked as an accountant until retirement.

In her daily life, the 105-year-old often danced, regularly spending evenings dancing in Covent Garden. She also enjoyed attending opera and ballet performances.

Mrs. Kathleen Hennings at her 105th birthday party at Cheltenham Nursing Home in Gloucestershire (UK) on October 2

When asked about her secret to longevity, Kathleen says, "Drink Guinness (a famous Irish dark beer) and don’t get married."

She also advises others to eat lots of vegetables and exercise regularly.

Kathleen first tasted Guinness at the age of 18, introduced by her parents. Over the nine decades that followed, it remained her favorite drink.

"My brother also drank dark beer – it’s always been a family favorite," says Kathleen, who believes that regular dark beer consumption keeps her healthy.

To make her birthday extra special, Guinness sent her a custom gift basket with a glass, slippers, an apron, chocolates, and a variety of famous Irish dark beers.

According to experts, dark beer does have some nutritional benefits, containing essential vitamins and minerals that are good for health. It also has fewer calories than many other beers.

Writing for BBC Good Food, nutritionist Kerry Torrens notes that Guinness contains plant compounds with antioxidant effects, like polyphenols, which help support beneficial gut bacteria.

"But it's important to be aware that high alcohol content can disrupt sleep, impair judgment, and carry health risks, including cancer, so it should be consumed with caution," she advises.