Lifestyle
110-Year-Old’s Shares Longevity Secret
Vincent Dransfield, a supercentenarian who recently marked his 110th birthday, has a simple yet effective mantra for longevity: a daily glass of Ovaltine. Dransfield, a former first responder for over eight decades at the local fire department in Little Falls, New Jersey, has always prioritized nourishment. However, he’s managed to maintain his health while still indulging in his favorite treats, including sweets.
“I’ve been very, very, very lucky in my lifetime,” Dransfield shared with TODAY.com.
Despite retiring from the firehouse, Dransfield continues to live in the tri-level home he and his late wife bought in 1945. The numerous staircases in his home pose no challenge for this supercentenarian, who still possesses an active driver’s license. A former smoker, Dransfield has successfully evaded major diseases such as cancer and neuro-cognitive disorders like dementia.
His granddaughter, Erica Lista, told Today.com, “He drives completely fine—better than some other people I see,” and humorously added that her grandfather is healthier than she is at 49.
So, what’s Dransfield’s secret to longevity? He attributes his long life to bodega coffee and a post-breakfast Ovaltine shake. His daily routine includes a quick drive to the convenience store for a cup of coffee, followed by a stop at the local diner for takeout.
Dransfield’s diet is varied, ranging from hamburgers to salads to Italian dishes. Lista noted that her grandfather doesn’t restrict his diet and occasionally enjoys a beer, although he never indulges in liquor.
“What’s crazy is he was not careful about his diet,” Lista says. “He has eaten whatever he wants. He has never watched his weight. He’s never had to lose weight. He’s always been fit.”
However, one constant in Dransfield’s diet is his daily glass of Ovaltine. This malt drink mix, which supports immune health and provides 12 essential vitamins and minerals per serving according to Nestle, is best enjoyed with a glass of milk, another of Dransfield’s favorite beverages.
Dransfield’s love for milk dates back to the Great Depression when he left school at 15 to work on a dairy farm to support his family. “I was drinking milk and eating well because I worked on a farm. And I often go back and think they gave me a good start in life and for my bones in my body,” Dransfield reflected.
His commitment to his daily Ovaltine serving is so strong that at his 100th birthday party, everyone toasted him with a glass of Ovaltine.
While Dransfield believes that enjoying what you eat is key to longevity, he also emphasized the importance of other nourishing practices such as staying active, pursuing passions, correcting bad habits, and maintaining a positive outlook.
“Knowing people and loving people makes me live longer,” Dransfield said. “I keep positive. I never think any other way when something’s wrong.”
Lista describes her grandfather as an eternal optimist, noting, “He always had such a positive upbeat attitude, even when my grandmother passed away. He lived for her, but he was determined to keep on living.”
“I’m doing fine and I hope the good Lord keeps me that way,” Dransfield concluded with a smile.
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