Welsh Veteran Credits Fish and Chips for Longevity as He Turns 107

Owen Filer, a British World War II veteran, celebrated his 107th birthday on Friday, crediting a consistent diet of fish and chips and a lifetime of hard work for his remarkable longevity. Filer, born in 1919, is thought to be the oldest man in Wales.

He told the BBC that he regularly consumes a full meal of fish and chips, typically made with cod or hake, but emphasizes that he has "never overeaten." Beyond his favorite dish, Filer stated that his primary secret to a long life is simply living "properly."

"No secret recipe, except that I always worked all my life," Filer remarked. "You just live properly, and I’ve always done it."

Filer, who is a father of four, a grandfather to 10, and a great-grandfather to 15, reflected that he never anticipated reaching the age of 107. He served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers and later became a military police officer, being stationed in India when World War II ended in 1945.

On Monday, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, presented Filer with a commemorative shield to honor his military service. The celebration also included a screening of the 1955 comedy "One Good Turn" at Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr, recognized as the oldest cinema in Wales.

Darren Foote, a fellow veteran who helped organize Filer's celebration, described him as a "down-to-earth guy" who seemed surprised by the attention his milestone birthday garnered. Foote added that Filer rarely dwells on his age, maintaining a purposeful routine.

"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," Foote said. "I think we can all take a leaf out of his book on that one, for sure."