103-year old woman celebrates birthday with a beer - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

A Mount Pleasant woman who's about to turn 103 years old celebrated a couple of weeks early with a beer.

Mildred Bowers, called Millie by her friends, lived through the Great Depression and outlived two husbands. She was one of nine girls in her family and says she was the only one who did not have children.

Friday, some out of town friends took Bowers to Page's Okra Grill for an early birthday celebration. Bowers said she knows the secret to living to 103.

"It's all in the genes," she said. "I feel okay because I'm in good health."

She's also sharp as a tack.

"My mind is good, I have no problem with that and that's the big thing that a lot of people my age don't have at my age is a good mind," Bowers said.

"I'm jealous of her skin. I'm jealous of how beautiful she looks," said Janelle Sherman, who had lunch with Bowers.

Bowers says there's another secret to her longevity.

"Have a beer, doctor's orders."

Every day at four o'clock Bowers is allowed to have a beer at the assisted living facility. She says the idea came about during a conversation with some nurses, who said, "Why not?"

"They said, 'But you know what? We'll ask the doctor,' so immediately he said yes," Bowers said.

It is something she'd recommend for all seniors?

"Yes, if they like it," she said, prompting laughter from her friends. "Look, there are people who don't like coffee and people who don't like tea, but I want everyone to drink what they like."

So with her 103rd birthday just a couple of weeks away, her friends ordered Bowers a beer. The bartender placed it on the table and Millie took a sip and liked it.

"Doctor said it was good for her and obviously it is, still kicking," friend Mary Ann Hartman said.

There was another special early birthday moment for Bowers: She posed for her first cell phone selfie ever.

It was the perfect birthday topped off by her favorite beverage.

Millie's actual birthday is on Aug. 31.

Copyright 2016 WCSC. All rights reserved.