- Owen Filer, a World War II veteran from Cwmbran, Wales, has celebrated his 107th birthday
- Filer says he has enjoyed fish and chips throughout his life and believes moderation is important to living well
- The veteran served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and the Military Police and was stationed in India when Japan's surrender brought World War II to an end in 1945
Owen Filer, a World War II veteran from Cwmbran, Torfaen, has marked his 107th birthday by sharing his straightforward approach to living a long life.
Source: Facebook
Filer, believed to be the oldest man in Wales, spoke to BBC Wales News in an interview reflecting on his life, wartime experiences and the habits he believes have helped him reach such an advanced age.
When asked about the secret to his longevity, the centenarian dismissed the idea that he followed a special formula.
"There is no secret. You just live properly and I've always done it," he said.
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Wales' oldest man says fish and chips have been a lifelong favourite
Filer revealed that fish and chips have been a regular part of his diet for most of his life.
Recalling his younger years, he described a time when fish cost just threepence and chips a penny. He also remembered an era when horses and carts were still a common sight on the streets.
"I lived on fish and chips," he said.
Although the popular British meal has become considerably more expensive over the decades, Filer has continued to enjoy it.
However, his approach to longevity is not simply about what he eats. He also highlighted the importance of avoiding excess, suggesting that moderation has been central to how he has lived.
Rather than recommending supplements, complicated routines or a strict health programme, Filer offered a simple message about living sensibly.
His experience is a personal account, rather than evidence that eating fish and chips leads to a longer life as reported by Briefly News.
World War II veteran has witnessed decades of history
Born in 1919, Filer has lived through major historical events and enormous changes in British society.
He served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and the Military Police during his military career. In 1945, he was stationed in India on Victory over Japan Day, commonly known as VJ Day, which marked Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.
His long life has also spanned the terms of numerous British prime ministers, including Stanley Baldwin, Ramsay MacDonald and David Lloyd George.
Reflecting on the many political leaders he has seen come and go, Filer said with a smile: "I've seen them all off. They've all gone, come and gone."
The account notes that he has outlived around 35 prime ministers, offering a striking illustration of how much history he has witnessed.
Social media users celebrate the 107-year-old veteran
Filer's birthday interview attracted warm reactions online, with viewers praising his appearance, celebrating his milestone and sharing birthday wishes.
Some also joked about whether his favourite meal deserved credit for his longevity.
Here are some of the comments shared by viewers:
@themaskedvagabond: "He looks fantastic for his age."
@wyrd_war: "Happy Birthday, young man! 🎂"
@olly_101: "This man is an inspiration."
@whiskandcompany: "Congratulations and a very happy birthday to you sir! 🎉👏🏻🎂 And many more!!! 🐟🍟"
@days.of.mardi._ : "This is my great uncle. Happy birthday Owen. Missing you loads x."
@nicknavaro joked: "It's genetics not fish and chips 😂😂"
The comments reflected the affection and admiration many viewers felt for the veteran, whose milestone birthday offered an opportunity to celebrate both his remarkable age and the history he has lived through.
At 107, Filer's message remains uncomplicated: enjoy life, avoid overindulgence and live sensibly.
107-year-old veteran shares his secret to longevity
TUKO.co.ke reported that Puerto Rican man Emilio Flores Márquez was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living man at 112 years old in 2021.
Flores attributed his long life to love, kindness and the values his father taught him. He was born on August 8, 1908, in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Source: TUKO.co.ke