106-year-old says resisting romance made her stronger

Most girls worry about turning sweet 16 and having never being kissed. One lady, however, is about to make it to 106 without ever enjoying a smooch - and she isn't the least bit bothered. Isabella Blyth, from Gorgie in Scotland, has revealed that the secret to her long life is not an aversion to alcohol or fatty foods - it is down to the fact that she has never been romantically involved with anybody.

The plucky pensioner, who celebrated her birthday on Saturday, has no regrets about living a life of abstinence and in fact believes it has made her physically and mentally strong. Miss Blyth's niece, Sheena Campbell, who visits her aunt a couple of times a week, said they would mark the day with a cake, champagne and a reminisce about the past. She said: "Isa is an amazing character and you wouldn't believe she was 106.



"She says that she has never felt the need for a romance and has never had time for a man. She had a high-powered job as a private secretary with North British Distilleries, which meant she was always busy. I think she was also a bit of a maiden lady because she was the first born in her family and acted as a head with her six brothers and sisters.

"She was a very caring, church-going lady and she had no complaints about a lack of romance. She did like the odd sherry though, as a treat." Despite her grand old age, Miss Blyth, who has stayed at Jubilee House Care Home for the past two years, insists on washing and feeding herself.