Owen Filer, believed to be Wales' oldest man at 107 years old, attributes much of his longevity to a straightforward diet and disciplined living. The World War Two veteran shared his philosophy at a celebration held on Friday ahead of his birthday on Monday, emphasizing that moderation and consistency have been central to reaching his advanced age.
According to BBC News, Filer has maintained a simple approach to nutrition throughout his life.
"I've never overeaten… I lived on fish and chips,"he explained at the event.
"Fish and chips, a full meal, a scoop full of chips and a fish."
Living in Cwmbran, Torfaen, Filer was born in 1919 and served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and the Military Police during the Second World War. According to the South Wales Argus, he is believed to be the last surviving member of the Corps of Military Police. He was stationed in India on VJ Day in 1945, and SSAFA helped arrange his return home from Bombay after wartime service, beginning an association with the Armed Forces charity that has lasted more than 80 years.
When asked about the formula for his extended lifespan, Filer rejected the notion of any special technique.
"How I got here I'll never know, but I've met a lot of people who have admired me and asked me how I do it,"he said.
"No secret recipe, except that I always worked all my life. You just live properly, and I've always done it."
Filer's work history began early; according to the South Wales Argus, he left school at 14 and worked at the Cwmbran Gardens Hotel before being called up in 1940 at age 20. His daily routine today remains structured and purposeful. He visits his local Asda almost daily by bus using his free bus pass, having been a regular customer there for nearly 24 years.
What does Filer say about his favourite meal?
Regarding his preferred dish, Filer specified that his fish of choice is "genuine" cod or hake, though he lamented that the meal has become increasingly unaffordable. The rising cost of fish and chips reflects broader challenges facing the industry; fish and chip shops across the UK are reducing reliance on cod due to soaring prices and supply challenges, offering alternatives like hake, coley, and hoki to customers.
How was Filer's birthday marked?
The celebration included formal recognition of his military service. At the event, he received a commemorative shield from SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, in acknowledgement of his wartime contributions. He was also treated to a red-carpet welcome at Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent, which claims to be Wales' oldest cinema. For the occasion, the venue screened the 1955 comedy "One Good Turn," featuring Norman Wisdom, one of Filer's favourite actors.
On 16 October, Filer celebrated further at the Tredegar Veterans Hub, where he received a certificate and trophy recognising him as Wales' oldest man and oldest veteran.
Who attended the celebrations?
Filer was joined at his birthday event by military personnel as well as his daughter Anne Messore, 80, one of his four children. He is also a grandfather to 10 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 15 great-grandchildren. Darren Foote, a fellow veteran who helped organise the celebrations, offered insight into Filer's character and approach to life.
"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."Foote also noted that Filer appeared bemused by the attention, saying he did not understand why people were making
"a fuss of him, he doesn't get it at all."
What does Filer reflect on his century of life?
When asked how he felt about reaching 107, Filer expressed surprise at his own longevity.
"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. He also reflected on his childhood in the early 20th century, noting that his family did not contemplate old age as a realistic prospect.
"We had no food, we had no money,"he recalled.
His age was independently verified and validated by LongeviQuest on 18 December 2024, confirming his status as Wales' oldest man and one of the nation's most remarkable centenarians.
