Europe's Oldest Woman Says Being Single Helped Her Live to 115

Emma Morano, Europe’s oldest woman, says eating raw eggs and staying single has kept her alive for over 115 years.

Morano told the New York Times that she’s been single since 1938, when her first and only marriage ended after the death of her infant child. (Divorce only became legal in Italy in 1970.) She’s had many suitors since but has rebuffed them all, she says, and attributes her longevity to staying single most of her life.

“I didn’t want to be dominated by anyone,” she said.

MORE: Meet the New Oldest American

Well, that and her diet: per the early recommendation of a doctor, she has eaten three raw eggs a day since she was a teenager.

Morano is the fifth oldest person in the world and has lived through two world wars as well as monarchy, fascism and democracy in Italy.

Read next: How to Live Longer

[NYT]

What Longevity Looked Like in the 1950s

Robert Frost 84, poet. A late riser (9 to 10), he is active outdoors (gardening, walking), works late every night.

Alfred Eisenstaedt—The Life Picture Collection/Getty Images

Frank Lloyd Wright 89, works 12-hour day running fellowship for aspiring architects, dances and swims, says: "The more I abused my physical resources, the more I had."

Alfred Eisenstaedt—The Life Picture Collection/Getty Images

Arthur Vining Davis 91, Alcoa's board chairman until last year, is using $400 million fortune to make more—in Florida realty.

Alfred Eisenstaedt—The Life Picture Collection/Getty Images

Bernard M. Baruch 88, financier, onetime amateur boxer, says: "I live the same life as always—the only difference is that I go fewer and shorter rounds."

Alfred Eisenstaedt—The Life Picture Collection/Getty Images

Bruno Walter 82, conductor, slowed by a heart attack, will give only one concert this season but will make a dozen recordings.

Alfred Eisenstaedt—The Life Picture Collection/Getty Images

John Nance Garner 89, Vice President (1933-41), feeds his fowl, smokes Mexican cigars, devours the Congressional Record.

Alfred Eisenstaedt—The Life Picture Collection/Getty Images

Roscoe Pound 87, lawyer and educator, an early (6:30) riser, puts in a 5 1/2-day week writing and counseling Harvard students, says: "What counts is a steady schedule—get to work and quit at regular times."

Alfred Eisenstaedt—The Life Picture Collection/Getty Images

Roger Babson 83, statistician. After TB in his 60's, he had an appendectomy at 70, recommends: "Eat fresh air and store up sleep."

Alfred Eisenstaedt—The Life Picture Collection/Getty Images

William Ernest Hocking 85, philosopher, works hard despite 1957 heart attack, may split fewer metaphysical and theological hairs but defies his doctors and splits wood for exercise.

Alfred Eisenstaedt—The Life Picture Collection/Getty Images

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