106-year-old spinster reveals secret to long life, no men

A 106-year-old spinster who has never been on a date or had a boyfriend claims that the secret to her long life is a complete lack of men.

Madeline Dye, who has only once ever been to a pub, that too on her 90^th birthday, says her extraordinary longevity is because she avoided the stress that accompanies marriage and relationships.

Dye, who was born in Heeley, South Yorkshire, in 1912 - the same year the Titanic sank and the Woolwich foot tunnel opened, is a retired bookbinder who lived independently at home till 103 when she had a fall making her in need of nursing care.

At home, she cooked steak and chops and kept herself busy around the house - even putting up her own curtains in her later years.

Despite moving to Norton Lees Hall care home, Miss Dye still walks without a stick and can often be found chatting with other residents.

Dye celebrated her 106th birthday on April 28 with a family trip to Baslow, Derbyshire, and a party at the care home.

Speaking about Dye, her niece Diana Heaton, an octogenarian, said that whenever anyone asks her about her past romances or if she has a husband, she says she never had one and that is the secret of her longevity.

She further added, “She says she has not had the stresses of marriage, it's tongue-in-cheek more than anything.”

Dye's long life may also be down to walking two miles up a steep hill four times a day while going from and to work.