Sitting in her chair at Eventide Homes, Mrs Smith said living to old age was simple and to remember only four things.

"Eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as you can get," she said. "The other two, people don't like me saying but I think it's true. Don't drink alcohol or smoke. I love every vegetable and fruit. I don't have a favourite but can't get enough of them."

Mrs Smith, nee Chamings, was born in Stawell.

"There were 10 of us children and now I'm the only one left," she said.

"I went to school at Stawell 502 Primary School and to the Stawell High School."

Mrs Smith married Frank Smith in Newport, Melbourne in 1942.

"We lived down there for a while - following my father when he worked for country roads," she said. "I met my husband at a dance. We were married just after the war. We came back to Stawell because my parents were here."

Mrs Smith has six children, "blessed" with three boys and three girls.

"My husband passed away when he was quite young in 1981, he was 61 years of age," she said. "He had some health problems from his time in the Army. I also lost a daughter to cancer."

Mrs Smith moved into Eventide Homes in 2013.

"I love to read and I read only cowboy books," Mrs Smith said as she showed off her collection.

"I also love playing bingo but have just recently pulled the pin on going to the Stawell Bowling Club on Friday nights.

"I still play bingo at Eventide in the hall, it's a pleasure to go along."

Celebrating with an afternoon tea at the nursing home on Thursday with friends and family, Mrs Smith said her family got her one last surprise for her big celebration.

"They told me they are taking me out for a helicopter ride on Saturday," she said.

"I laughed and said how do you think you'll get me in the seat. My family told me the pilot said they would manage it and take off the front window if they needed to so I can get in."

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