LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Presbyterian Village in Little Rock is celebrating six of its residents 100th birthday.
We all want to know the secret to a long and happy life and these six ladies may just have it.
100 years ago the life expectancy was 48 years. So, just imagine how six Little Rock nursing home residents feel as they celebrate A century.
They've seen a lot in the past 100 years.
From dirt roads to high speed travel. These centenarians have lived through 18 presidents.
Sue Merritt says she didn't own a TV until her 30s, and now at 100, has fond memories of her childhood in Earle, Arkansas.
"I had 5 brothers and 5 sisters and we had a wonderful life. We grew up in a small town."
So, what does Merritt say makes her so lucky in longevity.
"Of course right now. My pills,modern medicine has helped and my son."
Merritt says good clean living also helps slow the aging process, along with staying active.
"Knitting baby caps for the children's hospital, and bridge, and canasta."
According to a recent study from the Journal of Aging having a positive personality is an important trait when it comes to living longer. Merritt says she agrees.
"I get forgetful sometimes, but I'm better off than a lot of people I know. I've been fortunate. Honey, I've been blessed in so many ways."
And apparently Merritt says being female helps too.
"I don't know, but they do. Women out live men. Women can handle it better than men can when they loose a mate.
In case you were wondering, doctors say the average life expectancy for a women is around 80 years and 75 for men.