On Jan. 17, Ruth Benjamin celebrated her 109th birthday in Marshall, Illinois. Benjamin was surrounded by friends, family and her physician, Dr. Jim Turner of the Cork Medical center.

Turner commented to news crews on the scene that no medical advice was necessary for Benjamin as her cardiovascular and immune systems were obviously strong. Turner said Benjamin’s attitude was most likely the greatest contributor to her long life.

While Benjamin states she never smoked cigarettes or drank, her personal recipe for long-life was potatoes, sauerkraut and a deep love of bacon.