110-year-old who lives independently shares his secret to a long and vibrant life

A supercentenarian shares his secrets on why he remains healthy and strong at 110!

Men reaching 100 is uncommon, with only 15% of centenarians being male, according to the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University.

While the reasons for this are unclear, the study also highlights that the club of supercentenarians, those who live to 110 or older, is even more exclusive, with men constituting only about 10% of this age group.

Vincent Dransfield, born on March 28, 1914, not only boasts remarkable longevity but also enjoys mental and physical health.

He claims to have never experienced major illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.

According to Erica Lista, Vincent’s granddaughter, he has always been healthy and without any issues, such as headaches or backaches.

“I’ve been very, very, very lucky in my lifetime,” Vincent told TODAY.

Vincent Dransfield has a child, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

His wife, whom he was married to for 54 years, passed away in 1992.

Vincent drives daily for coffee and lunch, living independently in his Little Falls, NJ home since 1945.

He manages without help, and his grandchildren visit him weekly to bring him groceries.

Despite some achy knees and minor issues, Vincent is in good health.

He moves around his house easily, going between the main floor, his bedroom upstairs, and the basement for laundry.

When asked about his feelings at 110, Vincent jokes about boxing and says confidently, “I manage to do everything.”

Erica and her brother regularly check on him to ensure his well-being.

Erica marvels at Vincent’s remarkable health at 110, surprising both family and doctors.

She even notes having more health issues herself at 49 than her grandfather does at 110.

During a recent endoscopy for a swallowing issue, the medical staff was surprised to find out that Vincent had only been under anesthesia once before in his entire life, as reported by Erica.

She witnessed the anesthesiologist’s hands shaking while administering the medication to the 110-year-old man.

Recently, family, friends, and firefighters gathered at the firehouse where the supercentenarian once served as chief to celebrate his 110th birthday.

Erica noted attendees’ excitement and heartwarming sentiment, expressing how special it was to see so many people celebrating him.

It’s just so heartwarming to see how many people think he’s as special as we do,” Erica said.

Vincent Dransfield’s advice for living a long life:

Do what you love

Vincent devoted over 80 years to the local volunteer fire department, including a stint as chief.

The fire department, where he made many friends, was his main source of happiness and motivation.

Despite aging, he continued as an active member, joining the “3 to 5 club” at the firehouse, which became like a second family to him after his wife’s passing.

Professionally, he worked for 60 years, primarily as an auto parts manager, retiring in his late 70s at his wife’s urging.

Drink milk

Vincent stopped studying in 8th grade to work on a dairy farm at 15, supporting his family by delivering milk for five years.

He credits this period for his health, especially during the Great Depression, saying, “I was drinking milk and eating well because I worked on a farm.”

Milk continues to be important to him, and he attributes his longevity to drinking Ovaltine daily after breakfast.

Erica recounts that everyone drank Ovaltine at his 100th birthday party.

Eat your favorite food

The supercentenarian enjoys Italian food, hamburgers, salad, milk chocolate, and sweets, as well as daily coffee and occasional beer.

Despite his varied diet, he’s always been fit, never watching his weight.

At 110, he still cooks for himself, often reheating soup or microwaving meals, and also enjoys meals from a nearby restaurant.

Be active

Vincent stayed active throughout life without lifting weights or going to the gym.

Joining the fire department at 21 gave him daily exercise, responding to fire alarms in Little Falls.

He continued this routine for 40 years, then occasionally afterward.

According to his granddaughter, structured exercise doesn’t interest him. He finds jogging amusing and questions its purpose.

Stop bad habits

Vincent began smoking at 50, influenced by a fellow firefighter, but quit around 20 years later.

Erica recalls him deciding one day to quit, throwing out his cigarettes, and never smoking again.

Be positive

According to his granddaughter, Vincent is described as an optimist with a great sense of humor who values knowing everyone in town.

He believes that knowing and loving people contributes to his longevity.

Despite challenges such as his wife’s passing, he maintains a positive outlook.

Vincent emphasizes his positive mindset, stating that he always looks on the bright side, even in difficult situations.

“I’m doing fine, and I hope the good Lord keeps me that way,” he concludes.

Watch the supercentenarian Vincent during his interview when he was 108 years old: