World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Owen Filer nears 107th birthday and credits simple living, including fish and chips
Owen Filer, who lives in Cwmbran, is nearing his 107th birthday and is believed to be the oldest man in Wales.
He says there is no secret to his long life, which he credits to working throughout his life and not overeating.
He has also said he often ate fish and chips as a full meal, including cod or hake.
Born in 1919, Filer served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and later the Military Police during the Second World War.
SSAFA presented him with a statuette to recognise his military service and mark his birthday early.
Friends, family and fellow veterans also celebrated with him at events in Tredegar and Brynmawr.
Owen Filer, believed to be the oldest man in Wales, is nearing his 107th birthday.
He says he has lived simply, worked all his life and never overeaten, and credits a diet that included fish and chips.
Filer was born in 1919 and served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and the Military Police during the Second World War.
On Friday, he celebrated with friends, family and fellow veterans and received a commemorative statuette from SSAFA.
His birthday is on Monday.
- Who
- Owen Filer, believed to be the oldest man in Wales.
- What
- He is nearing his 107th birthday and credits simple living, including eating fish and chips, with his long life.
- When
- His birthday is on Monday; he celebrated early on Friday.
- Where
- Filer lives in Cwmbran. The celebration was held in Brynmawr.
- Why
- He says there is no secret: he worked all his life, lived properly and never overeated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Owen Filer was born.
Filer served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and then the Military Police.
Filer celebrated with friends, family and fellow veterans and received a commemorative statuette from SSAFA.
Filer is due to turn 107.
- Age
- Nearly 107
- Home
- Cwmbran, Wales
- Birth year
- 1919
- Military service
- Royal Welsh Fusiliers and Military Police during the Second World War
- Birthday celebration
- Friday at Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr
- Recognition
- Commemorative statuette presented by SSAFA
What people are saying
There is no secret, you just live properly, and I've always done it. I've never overeaten… I lived on fish and chips.
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.
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.