Facing old age head on: Elizabeth’s secret to long life

Elizabeth Dempsey celebrates 105th birthday in Dublin

Elizabeth Dempsey, celebrates her 105th birthday with neices  Miriam Scott (left) and Anita Fitzgibbon. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish Times
Elizabeth Dempsey, celebrates her 105th birthday with neices Miriam Scott (left) and Anita Fitzgibbon. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish Times

Elizabeth Dempsey’s secret is that she is very particular about cleansing her face and always used expensive cream. And who would question that tactic? She has reached the ripe old age of 105.

Elizabeth celebrated her birthday Ailesbury Nursing Home,Sandymount on Tuesday surrounded by several generations of her family.

She was born and reared on St Mary’s Road, Ballsbridge on the June 23red, 1910. The eldest of four children, James, Margaret (Peggy) and Mary. At 16 years old she attended a commercial school studying for two more years.

Elizabeth Dempsey, celebrates her 105th birthday. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish Times
Elizabeth Dempsey, celebrates her 105th birthday. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish Times

Elizabeth went to work for Cartan, O’Meara & Kieran, a solicitor’s office where she was employed until she was 75.