Ivy Bean was born in 1905. She started using the internet at her Bradford care home just over two years ago. Within months she had thousands of online fans to chat to and became one of the most popular Britons on social networking sites.

While most centenarians receive no more than a telegram from the Queen on their birthday, Mrs Bean receives messages from all over the world. “I’m going to celebrate with a party this afternoon, all being well,” said Ms. Bean.

The 104-year-old said she did not know how long she would continue with her daily web updates. “We’ll have to wait and see – it’s a long time ahead.”

A retired mill worker and great-grandmother, she has collected nearly 30,000 followers on Twitter and nearly 5,000 Facebook friends, making her one of the most-popular Britons on social networking sites.

She shares details of her daily routine and her favourite television programmes, Emmerdale and Deal Or No Deal.

Pat Wright, the manager of 133 Hillside Manor care home in Bradford, said that older people are often written off and stereotyped. “They don’t come in here wanting to sit looking at four walls all day and they don’t all want to knit with a blanket on their knees,” she said.

“They have exercise classes, we have a lady who comes in to give them manicures and facials and some of them play on the Nintendo Wii.”

The great grandmother from Bradford enjoys trips to the seaside.