Two women who lived well beyond their 100th birthdays became widely known for offering similar, and slightly cheeky, explanations for their longevity.
Louise Jean Signore, a lifelong New Yorker, was celebrating her 107th birthday in 2019 when she told reporters that she believed never getting married may have contributed to her long life.
“I think the secret of 107 is I never got married,” she said with a laugh during the birthday celebrations.
However, staying single was not the only part of Signore’s lifestyle.
She remained socially active, took part in exercise and dancing sessions, played bingo and enjoyed a diet that included fruit, vegetables and Italian food. More than 100 relatives and friends reportedly attended her 107th birthday celebration in the Bronx.
Her family also had a history of longevity, with her younger sister already aged 102 at the time, suggesting that genetics may also have played a role.
Signore went on to live until the age of 113. Her death was reported in January 2026.
Similar Advice from Scotland
Several years earlier, Scottish woman Jessie Gallan attracted attention after sharing her own memorable answer at the age of 109.
Gallan reportedly said that her secret was staying away from men because they were “more trouble than they’re worth”.
She also gave some more conventional advice: getting plenty of exercise, working hard and eating a warm bowl of porridge each morning. Like Signore, Gallan never married.
Although the women’s comments are often shared together online, they came from separate interviews in different countries and different years. Gallan’s comments circulated in 2015, while Signore gave her well-known birthday interview in 2019.
More Than One Secret
There is no single lifestyle choice that guarantees an exceptionally long life. Genetics, healthcare, diet, movement, living conditions and social connections can all play a part.
Still, the fuller stories of Signore and Gallan had several things in common beyond their humorous comments about marriage.
Both maintained routines, stayed physically active and appeared to value independence. Signore also enjoyed an active social life, while Gallan spoke about regular exercise, porridge and years of hard work.
Perhaps their real message was not simply to avoid relationships, but to protect your peace, keep moving and spend your time with people who add something positive to your life.
And whether or not one agrees with their relationship advice, reaching 107 and 109 certainly earned them the right to share an opinion or two.
