Esperanza Cortiñas, a vibrant 108-year-old woman from Ourense in northern Spain, attributes her remarkable longevity to a blend of active living, good nutrition, and a unique daily ritual: a shot of coffee liqueur before meals. Despite her age—placing her among the rare 0.01 percent of the world’s centenarians—Esperanza remains lively, social, and independent.
Living with her 76-year-old daughter, Mari Carmen, Esperanza shared her secrets during an interview with local radio station COPE. She highlighted the importance of “working, being active, eating well, and being cheerful and fun.” Her lifelong dedication to hard work began in childhood caring for cows, instilling a strong work ethic that has supported her thriving lifestyle.
Food plays a key role in her routine, with a preference for fresh vegetables and fruits, though she enjoys a varied diet. Central to her daily habits, however, is a “shot of coffee liqueur” taken before lunch—a cherished tradition in Galicia. Known locally as licor café or “licorca,” this sweet coffee-infused spirit blends orujo (a grape-based spirit), coffee beans, sugar, and often ingredients like citrus peels, cinnamon, or dark chocolate.
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Esperanza starts her day around 11 a.m., enjoying her coffee liqueur before sitting down to a home-cooked lunch prepared by her daughter. Rather than napping in the afternoon, she frequents the city center, where she socializes and plays cards daily at the pensioners’ home. On Sundays, she indulges in dancing, although she has reduced the frequency since a hip fracture last year.
Her evenings are peaceful, marked by a glass of milk, radio listening, and a bit of television before retiring around 11 p.m. Throughout her long life, she stresses maintaining close connections with family and friends as a key to her well-being and joy.
Her social nature has made her well-known locally, with many community members greeting her warmly. Not deterred by age, Esperanza recently undertook a five-hour train journey to visit her other daughter in Alicante. She takes pride in her appearance, boasting a wardrobe full of colorful clothes and a daily beauty routine including lipstick and hair combing.
Esperanza’s philosophy is simple: “being cheerful and wanting to live” keeps her optimistic as she enjoys each day, month, and year. Her story illustrates how tradition, social engagement, and self-care can contribute to a long, fulfilling life.