Friday, 06 June 2008 11:15
by Siddarth Saikia
Henry Allingham, Britain's oldest man and one of the last surviving World War I veterans, celebrates his 112th birthday today. This supercentenarian has lived through 6 different monarchs and 21 prime ministers. He celebrates today with his great-great-grandchildren.
"The only thing I can say is all my life I have lived within my limitations, take life slowly, don't get any stress or strains" says Allingham.
Yet his extraordinarily long life could have ended much earlier. Allingham is the last surviving original member of the Royal Air Force - formed 90 years ago. He fought in the Battle of Ypres in 1915, in Jutland and Somme where he was bombed and shelled. Allingham admits he was "really lucky" to survive two World Wars and is determined to spread the knowledge of his experiences.
He jokes that the secret to his longevity is "cigarettes, whiskey and wild women". While this may not be the prime Blue Zones advice it is nonetheless a great example of the power of attitude and outlook.
Henry Allingham in 1916 and a recent photograph.
by Siddarth Saikia
Henry Allingham, Britain's oldest man and one of the last surviving World War I veterans, celebrates his 112th birthday today. This supercentenarian has lived through 6 different monarchs and 21 prime ministers. He celebrates today with his great-great-grandchildren.
"The only thing I can say is all my life I have lived within my limitations, take life slowly, don't get any stress or strains" says Allingham.
Yet his extraordinarily long life could have ended much earlier. Allingham is the last surviving original member of the Royal Air Force - formed 90 years ago. He fought in the Battle of Ypres in 1915, in Jutland and Somme where he was bombed and shelled. Allingham admits he was "really lucky" to survive two World Wars and is determined to spread the knowledge of his experiences.
He jokes that the secret to his longevity is "cigarettes, whiskey and wild women". While this may not be the prime Blue Zones advice it is nonetheless a great example of the power of attitude and outlook.
Henry Allingham in 1916 and a recent photograph.
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