“A lavender coffee, carrot cake, and a table for smokers, please.” The café patrons stared at the elderly woman, who seemed ancient yet charming. She was unusual: a grandmother sipping coffee, smoking, and enjoying pastries.The bartender nodded. “Right away, Maria Luisa.” He knew her for years and considered her lucky. She was 116, and he’d seen her birth certificate.

Here are stories of six centenarians.

Maria Luisa Meyeur

Born in Quebec, she moved to Ontario, had ten children, and lived to 117. She attributed her long life to wine, chocolate, and smoking.

Geraldine Tally (Kuts)

Born into poverty, she worked on a farm, then moved to Michigan. She married, had a daughter, and enjoyed fishing, baseball, and casinos. She lived to 116.

Lucile Randon

Born in France, she became a nun and helped the sick and orphans. She lived to 118. Her secrets were wine, chocolate, and love.

Maria Esther Eredia de Capovilla

Wealthy and enjoying life to the fullest, she lived to 116. She never drank or smoked but loved coffee.

Kane Tanaka

A typical life with a twist: she played games, read, did math, and ate chocolate. She lived to 119.

Emma Morano

Born in Italy, she worked in a factory, divorced, and lived to 117. She loved grappa, brandy, and eggs.

These women lived long lives. Their secrets: coffee, chocolate, no stress, work, and love. Maybe we can too.