A Virginia woman who marked her 109th birthday days after her 108th Christmas said her longevity is the result of her "happy, normal life."

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Charlotte Cromwell of Virginia Beach, who celebrated her birthday Tuesday at the Sentara Windemere Nursing Home, said long life is all about taking the correct path, WAVY-TV, Portsmouth, Va., reported Wednesday.

"Just try to lead a happy, normal life and be good and kind to people," Cromwell said.

Cromwell's grandson, John Cromwell Jr., 56, said his grandmother's long life may have also had something to do with her sensible diet.

"There's certainly something to be said for simple food and clean living. I think this is evidence of it right here. And a shot of liquor every now and then," he said.