Those words of advice are from 101-year-old Alma Tuting of East Maitland, who is thankful every day of her life and is possibly Maitland’s oldest citizen.

“I am thankful for so many things,” she said. “I still know who I am. Losing your memory, as many people do as they age, is so sad.

“I am thankful that I am able to live here in my own home and sleep in my own bed. To me that is wonderful.”

Mrs Tuting was born in Wellington in central NSW, where she lived for 27 years.

She worked from age 15 in the office of a general store and later married Newcastle man, Ronald Tuting.

They had three children Jillian, Frank and Marcia (deceased).

“Jill lives next door and she cares for me,” Mrs Tuting said.

“She cooks wonderful meals and we enjoy those together.”

Mrs Tuting smiles when asked her secret to living more than a century.

“My great-grandchildren laugh at me when I tell them,” she said.

“When I was in my teens, an aunt of mine told me to take a cup of hot water first thing every morning. I have always done that and it has helped keep me fit.”

Mrs Tuting has never smoked or consumed alcohol.

“I don’t believe in any of that,” she said. “I believe in God and I pray every day. I have been a Christian since I was a teenager and God has looked after me.”

And her words of wisdom for the rest of us?

“Be friendly to all as you go through your life,” Mrs Tuting advised.

“Don’t create bad friendships.

“I have always been thankful for my lovely friends and family, to have them in my life.”