On May 16, 2016 Guinness World Records confirmed that Italian Emma Morano was indeed the oldest confirmed person alive at age 116. And all you single ladies can take small comfort in the fact that she attributes her long life, in part, to being single (and eating raw eggs and raw meat).

Morano only just inherited the title of oldest living person following the recent death of Susannah Mushatt Jones of New York, who passed away May 12, 2016, also at the age of 116 years, 6 months and 6 days. So that got me wondering about who was the oldest verified senior citizen. Turns out that distinction belongs to Jeanne Calment of France, who still holds the title of being the oldest confirmed centenarian. Before her death in 1997, Calment lived to be 122.

When asked by reporters curious to know her secret to longevity, she attributed it to port wine, eating lots of olive oil, and a sense of humor.  To see a photo memoir of her life from age 20 to 122, you can follow this link grg.org.

Both ladies were previously married but spent decades alone with Morano being quoted as saying, “I didn’t want to be dominated by anyone.” Sources who interviewed her noted that she had an unhappy marriage to a physically abusive husband that ended in 1938 and she remained single despite her many suitors.

So if you’re single and in middle life, as I am, take note. Not only did these solo ladies live long lives, they smoked, drank, ate sweets, and loved and lost. Both appeared to live life free from debilitating illnesses and were independent and mentally agile until well over the age of 100 with Clement taking up fencing at age 85 and continuing to ride her bicycle up until her 100th birthday. So to all the single ladies, you go girl.