A beer a day has become the secret to living a long life for one of Australia's oldest people.
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Bridget Grocke, who turned 110 on November 18, 2024, has had a can of Emu Export beer every day for more than 60 years.
"If there was a bunch of beers, I would choose that one; I'd always choose that one," Mrs Grocke said.
Her one vice, she swears by the daily ritual, which has become her secret to a long life. But she also credits her longevity to the strong bonds she has with family.
Mrs Grocke's daughter, Jan Robertson, said her mother's strength and independence have been constants throughout her life.
"Her daily Emu Export is just a part of who she is, and it's heartwarming to see her reaching this milestone with the same joy and routine she's had for decades," Mrs Robertson said.
Mrs Grocke was the second oldest of seven children. Born in the Perth suburb of Leederville in 1914, she spent time in Kalgoorlie and went across Western Australia as the family followed her father's work as an engine driver.
She helped her mother Eva Jennings - who only had one arm - with meals, organising clothing, peeling potatoes, making pastries and doing the washing with a copper and washing dolly.
Mrs Grocke worked as a cashier at Montgomery Brothers' Store in Kalgoorlie, and it was her job to count the money, tally it up and present a balance sheet.
"Her diligent work earned her respect and recognition from her employees," Mrs Robertson said.
Mrs Grocke also worked at David Jones in Perth, plus went off travelling to New Zealand, Europe, Asia and elsewhere.
She married Jim at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Subiaco in 1942.
"Their relationship was deeply loving, they did everything together and raised four kids together," Mrs Robertson said.
During World War II, Bridget and her friends didn't focus on the hardships; they kept active and social, enjoying outdoor games and tennis.
Mrs Grocke said her four children are her proudest achievement.
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There, she enjoys physical activities like darts and staying engaged with her surroundings.
"She's not one for puzzles or books but thrives on movement and staying physically active," Mrs Robertson said.
Mrs Grocke uses a a walker for stability - but can do without one.
Things she wants younger generations to know about life and/or growing older are to be nice to people - "they will be nice to you back", and always be honest.
"Mum always talked about respect, manners and boundaries and to cherish family moments," Mrs Robertson said.
"Simple things like sitting together at the table for dinner every single night with no distractions or external factors - something we have continued for generations to enjoy good old family discussions."
While she has experienced loss - her husband Jim who passed in 1985, and two of her children - she still has her youngest sibling, plus one daughter (Mrs Robertson) and a son.
Today, Bridget has 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Ken Weeks, Australia's oldest person, turned 111 in October 2024.
