The Secret to Living 109 Years From One Person Who's Done It

Scientists have long been searching for the secret to longevity, but an Ohio woman has a simple answer for at least what might have worked for her: God and sweet potatoes.

Lessie Brown spent her 109th birthday in Cleveland over the weekend, a the city where she has lived since moving there as teenager in the 1920s, according to WJW-TV.

Lessie Brown celebrated her 109 years at a local church Sunday. (Photo via WJW)

As with anyone reaching such a celebrated age, the key to their health is often a popular topic.

“Oh I don’t know," Brown told the local news station. "A lot of them say it’s because I ate a lot of sweet potatoes, but I don’t think that’s it. I don’t know, God’s will."

Lessie Brown said perhaps eating sweet potatoes helped her achieve 109 years of age. (Photo: Shutterstock.com)

One of Brown's children, Vivian Hatcher, told WJW she is "so thankful that God has really blessed us with my mother who is 109 years young today."

In addition to her five children, she also has 24 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and 26 great great grandchildren.

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