Life

104-Year-Old Woman Thinks Diet Coke Is to Thank for Long Life

The Michigan resident says she drinks at least one can a day.

Someone with slightly grubby hands picking up a bottle of coke
Photo by George Frey via Getty
Getty

If you're wondering what the secret is to living a long life, you're not alone. It's surprising to learn, then, that the secret has been in front of us all this time. Theresa Rowley of Grand Rapids, Michigan recently celebrated turning 104, and Diet Coke might be the reason she's lived for so long. Speaking with WZZM, Rowley explained, "I'm surprised that I'm 104, it just doesn't seem like I should be that old."

Born in Illinois in 1914, Rowley has been alive to see both World Wars and a lot of change. "When I was 100, I thought I'd never be 104; I thought I'd pass away by that time but it just didn't happen," she explained. "Then I turn 101, and nothing happens. Here I am 104, and still nothing happens." Rowley continued, "I drink it because I like it. I'm going shopping Wednesday, and I need more Diet Coke. I have a bag full of empty Diet Coke cans that I need to return to buy more Diet Coke."

Despite how many articles have come out over the last decade or so claiming Diet Coke causes cancer, depression, and multiple sclerosis, Rowley seems to be living proof that Diet Coke isn't bad for you after all. Of course, there's no scientific evidence to back up any of those claims to begin with, but at the very least Rowley is doing the most to combat such rumors, which probably only started so full-sugar Coke drinkers can feel a little better about their (awful) decisions.

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