"Walk a lot, eat all your vegetables and mind your own business."

That advice comes from an expert of longevity, Warrnambool's Phyllis Hartley.

The words of wisdom from Mrs Hartley came on Thursday as she celebrated her 104^th birthday.

The milestone makes her the oldest person on the South West Coast voting roll.

And while coronavirus grips the world, it is just another significant piece of history Mrs Hartley has lived through.

She was born during World War I, was a child during the Spanish Flu pandemic and was married during World War II.

Soon after she married Buck Hartley in 1942, the young couple were separated as Buck headed off to war.

While Mrs Hartley waited and hoped for Buck's safe return, she was far from idle.

During the war she worked at the Warrnambool Woollen Mill, making blankets for the war effort. Thankfully, Buck did return home safe with the couple going on to have one child, Ian, two grandsons and two great grandchildren.

Remarkably, Mrs Hartley still lives at home, something she remains thankful for, and made possible by some special help.

Mrs Hartley's said her daughter-in-law Pat visits her everyday to tend to her needs.

She also has a long-time career, Jeanette Brooks, who comes every Tuesday to spend the day with her.

Mrs Hartley described both women as "wonderful" and was also thankful to at-home services provided by Warrnambool City Council.

Living healthy and happy at home makes for a happy life for Mrs Hartley and while she is no longer ambitious, she noted with a smile that she would get another letter form the Queen should she reach 105.