At the ripe age of 110, Bridget Grocke, Australia's second-oldest person, has a rather unconventional secret to her impressive longevity: a daily glass of a classic Aussie beer. It's not every day that we hear of centenarians attributing their long life to the amber liquid, but for Bridget, it's been a six-decade tradition that she swears by.

The Perth native, who has witnessed the world evolve through two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Space Race, and the Information Age, has maintained a daily ritual that might raise a few eyebrows. Instead of the usual health tips of green tea or early morning walks, Bridget's elixir of youth is none other than Emu Export, a beloved Australian beer affectionately known as 'bush chook'.



Celebrating her 110th birthday, Bridget chose to toast with her favourite beer rather than indulge in the customary birthday cake. Holding a glass of Emu Export, she declared, 'If there was a whole heap of beer and I was asked which one is your favourite, I’d have to say this. I’ve always known it. It tastes good. Cheers to Emu Export.'


Born in Leederville on November 18, 1914, Bridget's life has been a tapestry of experiences. From her early years in Kalgoorlie to moving across Western Australia as her family followed her father's work, she has been a witness to the changing landscapes of both the country and the times. At 18, she took the bold step of moving to Perth on her own, where she worked at David Jones, then known as Aherns. Her flair for fashion and her ability to connect with customers made her a valued employee.



Bridget's personal life is just as rich, having built a family of four children with her husband, Jim, whom she married in 1942 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Subiaco. Despite the loss of her husband in 1985 and two of her children, she is enveloped in the love of her remaining son and daughter, 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Living independently until the age of 109, Bridget only recently took up residence at Bethanie Subiaco. Alongside her daily 'red can', she credits her long life to the love of her family and a simple philosophy: 'If you’re nice to people they will be nice to you.'

Her daughter, Jan Robertson, speaks of Bridget's adventurous spirit and the support of a loving family as key factors in keeping her young at heart. 'Mum was very easy going and she was strict, of course, but she always gave you the right path,' she said. Remarkably, Bridget has enjoyed good health throughout her life, only having cataract surgery at the age of 100 and otherwise staying out of hospitals since childbirth.



Bridget's story is a testament to the fact that the keys to a long life may not always be found in the conventional wisdom of health guides. Sometimes, it's the simple pleasures, like a glass of your favorite beer and the warmth of family, that keep the years rolling along.


So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, while we're not suggesting you swap out your morning juice for a stubby, it's fascinating to hear how different lifestyles contribute to longevity. What are your thoughts on Bridget's daily beer ritual? Do you have any unique longevity secrets of your own? Share your stories with us in the comments below – we'd love to hear what keeps you feeling young at heart!