Wales' oldest man, 107, credits good living and homemade food

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 08:02 · Archive

Owen Filer, believed to be Wales' oldest man at 107, credits a disciplined life and simple diet with his longevity.

Owen Filer from Cwmbran celebrated his 107th birthday on Monday, becoming recognised as Wales' oldest man and oldest veteran. Born in Pontnewydd on 19 October 1919, he left school at 14 and worked at the Cwmbran Gardens Hotel before being called up during the Second World War at age 20. He served with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and was posted to Bombay, India, in 1944. He is believed to be the last surviving member of the Corps of Military Police.

When asked about the secret to his long life, Mr Filer said there was 'no secret recipe, except that I always worked all my life' and 'you just live properly'. The South Wales Argus reports he credited 'homemade Welsh cakes', whilst WalesOnline quotes him saying he 'lived on fish and chips' throughout his life, describing it as 'a full meal' that is now unaffordable. He emphasised he had never overeaten.

Despite his age, Mr Filer remains an active member of the community and is well-known at his local Asda, which he visits almost daily using his free bus pass. On Friday, 16 October, he was presented with a certificate and trophy by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, at the Tredegar Veterans Hub. He was accompanied by his daughter Anne Messore, 80, and has four children, ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Later that day he was given a red carpet welcome at Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr, where he watched a screening of the film One Good Turn.

How it is being reported

• Oldest man in Wales credits two words and one meal as he reaches 107Owen Filer says he 'lived' on the same meal for years, but you can't afford to buy it nowWalesOnline · 17 Oct, 07:42
• Wales' oldest man, 107, still goes to Asda everyday on the busOwen Filer, Wales’ oldest man and veteran, has celebrated his 107th birthday, crediting homemade Welsh cakes and wartime service with Royal Welsh FusiliersSouth Wales Argus · 16 Oct, 13:56

In this story: Owen Filer · Royal Welsh Fusiliers · Corps of Military Police · SSAFA · Cwmbran · Wales

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