Man Nears 107th Birthday, Credits Fish and Chips for Longevity

Owen Filer, who is nearing his 107th birthday, believes a lifelong diet of fish and chips is key to his longevity. Filer, who resides in Cwmbran, Wales, stated that he has lived a simple life, emphasizing consistent work and avoiding overeating.

"How I got here I'll never know, but I've met a lot of people who have admired me and asked me how do I do it," Filer said. "No secret recipe, except that I always worked all my life. There is no secret, you just live properly, and I've always done it. I've never overeaten… I lived on fish and chips."

He described his diet as consisting of "a full meal, a scoop full of chips and a fish," specifying cod and hake as his preferred choices. Filer noted that the cost of such meals has changed significantly over time.

Born in 1919, Filer served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and later the Military Police during World War II. He celebrated his upcoming birthday on Friday with friends, family, and fellow veterans at the Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr, ahead of his official birthday on Monday.

During the celebration, Filer was presented with a commemorative statuette by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, acknowledging his military service. He attended the event at the Tredegar Veterans Support Hub with his daughter Anne Messore, 80, who is one of his four children. He also has 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Later that day, Filer was surprised with a red carpet welcome at the Market Hall Cinema, where he chose to watch the film "One Good Turn."

Darren Foote, a fellow veteran involved in organizing the celebrations, commented on Filer's humility. "He doesn't understand why they make a fuss of him, he doesn't get it at all," Foote said. "He's just a really nice, down to earth guy. He still gets up in the morning, he puts a clean shirt on, puts his tie on, cleans his shoes, and he gets up with purpose. I think we can all take a leaf out of his book on that one, for sure."

Filer reflected on his life, stating he never anticipated reaching his current age. "I thought it would be a better world I would be living in, but I didn't think I'd ever make it," he said. "Nobody ever thought about old age in our family… We had no food, we had no money, and that's God's truth, we had no money."