A bingo player has recently celebrated her 100th birthday – proving yet again how many bingo fans live to a ripe old age. Lydia Clark from Haringey kicked off her birthday celebrations with a party for 50 of her friends, many of whom she had met at her local bingo hall. Haringey mayor Eddie Griffiths was also there and he presented her with a specially-embossed set of whisky tumblers, saying, "It is a great privilege to see somebody who is not only 100 but an active 100 as well."

Lydia plays bingo every week at the day centre in Woodside House, where she enjoys a few games with her friends and socialises. The dynamic senior was reportedly doing ballroom dancing until way into her 90’s, and is very active in the community. According to her daughters, she has only been on a plane once in her life. When asked if she had any secrets to her long life, she replied: "Just accept things and don't worry about them. And have a glass of sherry now and then." Of course, experts advise that activities such as bingo are an excellent way to stay mentally active, with many links to bingo and longevity showing that regular bingo games and social activity can help seniors stay active for longer.