‘I lived on fish and chips’: 107-year-old World War II veteran from Wales shares his secret to a long life

A World War II veteran is now being called the ‘oldest man’ in Wales. Owen Filer, who celebrated his 107th birthday this year on October 19, is fit, healthy, and lives life to the fullest. Filer, born in 1919 in Cwmbran, Torfaen, served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and the Military Police. He was also stationed in India on VJ Day in 1945. It is no wonder that Filer has sparked intrigue on social media, with many wanting to know the secret behind the war veteran’s longevity. Now, Filer has answered the questions himself.

107-year-old WWII veteran on longevity and his favourite food

Filer, in a conversation with the BBC, revealed that his secret to a long and healthy life is not in following a strict rulebook. The WWII veteran believes that there is no hidden ‘recipe’ to reaching such an extraordinary age. For Filer, hard work and living mindfully are how he has always done it.

Filer, however, does have his favourite food combo: fish and chips. ‘I lived on fish and chips’, he admitted, adding that he prefers his fish to be hake or cod. ‘Fish and chips, a full meal, a scoop full of chips and a fish, he said. But despite being fond of the classic dish, Filer has always ensured that he never overeats, laying emphasis on portion control.

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A post shared by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity (@ssafaofficial)

More about the 107-year-old WWII veteran

When Filer was asked about how he feels at 107, the centenarian had an honest answer. Filer confessed that he had hoped to live in a better world but never thought that he could make it. He added that growing up, no one in his family was really bothered about ageing.

At his 107th birthday celebration, Filer was presented with a commemorative shield by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, in recognition of his extraordinary military career. He even received a surprise red carpet welcome at Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent. The 1955 comedy One Good Turn, starring one of Filer’s favourite actors, Norman Wisdom, was screened at the venue.