Ruby, 105, ready for another 21st party

Forever young: Ruby Billings (right), who turns 105 today, with her daughter-in-law Mary Russell-Bethune. Picture / Amos Chapple

As far as Ruby Billings is concerned she is still 21.

Despite turning 105 today, when asked by her daughter-in-law Mary Russell-Bethune how old she is she replies "21".

"She's been 21 for years," Mrs Russell-Bethune laughs.

Born on April 27, 1900, in Mangere, Mrs Billings has outlived three children and two husbands.

She has nine grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and five great- great-grandchildren.

She is now a resident at Hamilton's Maeroa Lodge Private Hospital where staff are celebrating her birthday today with a special afternoon tea.

While her mother-in-law has kept in good health the last few years, Mrs Russell-Bethune says Mrs Billings has now lost nearly all her hearing and has very poor sight.

"She has been pretty good up until three years ago. I think now she doesn't really know what it is all about."

She believed the secret to her mother-in-law's longevity was never smoking, walking almost everywhere and the occasional glass of home brew, which Mrs Billings brewed until the age of about 70.