'I'm a doctor who's just reached 102 - here's my secret to a long and healthy life'
Dr Elizabeth Howl has lived to a ripe old age and believes she has the answer to how you stay well past a century.
A retired doctor toasted her 102nd birthday by prescribing her elixir for a long and happy life … regular gin and tonics!
Dr Elizabeth Howl started her medical career as a teen in World War 2 helping nurse injured soldiers in Oxford, before travelling to South America to be a doctor and returning as a GP.
On July 5, she celebrated her 102nd birthday in style with her family at her Care UK Foxland Grange retirement home in Wolverhampton.
And pouring herself a fizzing gin and tonic, the widowed mother-of-two attributed her miraculously long and healthy life to her love of quaffing regular G&Ts.
Elizabeth even revealed her motto to a long and content life was "eat and drink what you want, when you want – especially gin and tonics!"
The grandmother-of-three explained: "I had my favourite lemon cake made by the chef at Foxland Grange.
"I thought I was 103 not 102, but never mind – age is just a number and I am grateful for the birthday wishes and celebrations for me with my family.
"It was lovely to enjoy gin and tonics with everyone – the more, the merrier, I say! They certainly haven’t done me any harm and seem to be the secret to reaching over 100!"
Elizabeth was born in Wolverhampton in 1922. Keen to pursue a career in healthcare, she finished school and trained to become a doctor in Wolverhampton.
After graduating, she moved to Oxford during World War 2 to work at Church Hall Hospital and Radcliff Infirmary, where she helped nurse injured soldiers.
Passionate about travelling and helping others, Elizabeth’s career as a doctor resulted in her travelling around the world, including South America.
In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoyed riding her horse, Kestrel, who she would often take around the Oxfordshire countryside.
She married her late husband, Oliver Brown Howl, and the couple had two children, Julia and Oliver. Elizabeth has three granddaughters, Claire, Katherine and Rosie, who regularly visit her.
On her birthday, the team at Foxland Grange adorned the home with balloons and banners, complete with a birthday cake specially prepared by the head chef.
Putting her advice to the test, team members and family members joined Elizabeth in enjoying a gin and tonic to toast her special day.
Katy Anderson, general manager at Foxland Grange, said: "It was an honour to celebrate Elizabeth’s birthday.
"She is a beloved resident at Foxland Grange, and we all had a lovely time acknowledging this tremendous milestone.
"Everything we do centres around supporting residents to live fulfilling lives, which is why we are always eager to mark special occasions.
"Elizabeth’s 102nd birthday was no exception, and it was a delight to hear her fabulous advice for living a long and happy life – gin and tonics all round!"
Secrets of gin and tonic
Gin and tonic is known to have some health benefits, as juniper berries are deemed are a superfood and can help fight liver and kidney disease and ease joint ache.
Juniper berries in gin are packed with antioxidants, which are proven to increase the regeneration of cells in the body, while gin is also relatively low in calories - approximately 97 per shot.
The berries also boast flavonoids, and can help fight disease, improve the circulation of blood, increase metabolism, and help prevent heart disease. However like any alcohol, gin must be drunk in moderation.
