Optimism is secret to long life, says 100-year-old

The secret to a long life is optimism, luck and not worrying about problems, says a woman who will soon be celebrating her 100th birthday.

Sylvia Mogg is known as Slyvia the Shark at her Birmingham bridge club, a hobby she took up in her 70s.

The former science teacher was born in Hornsey, north London, but now lives in Kings Heath.

When asked what a century of experience has taught her, she said: "Make the most of every living minute because it is a wonderful world."

After spending much of her childhood as an evacuee in London during the Blitz, which was marked by large-scale German air raids, from 1940.

"I saw the docks burning from just outside our shelter," she said.

She went on to study chemistry and physics at Royal Holloway College in London before getting a job as a science teacher in Dorset.

"After the war, the young men had been taken to the forces so there was a lack of teachers for science," Ms Mogg said.

She then moved to Birmingham after her husband died, to be closer to her son.

• Listen to BBC Sounds to hear Ms Mogg's words of wisdom before she turns 100.

Detailing the secret to a long life, she told BBC WM: "I think optimism just about sums it up.

"Do not get in a twist about things, try and work out an answer.

"I do believe in a certain amount of spirituality but without, as a scientist, believing in the dogma of the church, just the basic essence of it - love your neighbour as yourself, it is quite simple."

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