Centenarian’s secret to long living? Family, moderation and dancing

The secret to longevity is “family, moderation in all things and ballroom dancing” said Dundee woman Agnes Cook as she celebrated her 100th birthday.

Born on March 2 1915, Mrs Cook survived the flu in the great 1918 pandemic, which killed 50 million people towards the end of the First World War, while visiting her father, who was serving on a minesweeper sailing out of Portsmouth.

She was later married to Norman Cook, who had a grocery business in Dundee’s Hilltown, but who died in 1998 aged 86.

Mrs Cook continues to live in the family home of the past 65 years.

She celebrated becoming a centenarian surrounded by cards, family and friends and with a visit from Dundee Lord Provost Bob Duncan.

Mrs Cook said her love of ballroom dancing, which she shared with her husband, continues to keep her fit, healthy and “racing” up and down the stairs of her home.

Next up for the family is a much-anticipated party at the Woodlands Hotel in Broughty Ferry.