british centenarian
© Caters News
Arthur Grisbrook still lives alone, cooks and cleans for himself and even enjoys playing his beloved organ in his flat in Hereford.

He cooks himself a full mixed grill - with steak, gammon, sausages, a fried egg, mushrooms, tomatoes, peas, chips and hash browns - most days.

The former Royal Engineer, from Buckinghamshire, said he is frequently told he looks decades younger than his 10 centuries [sic] and believes his diet - and two nightly glasses of red wine - is to thank for his incredible appearance, despite what doctors say.

The widowed great-granddad-of-three said: 'I eat and drink what I fancy and don't worry about what the so-called 'experts' say.

'I believe in doing things moderately and sensibly. I drink most nights with my meals.

british centenarian
© Caters NewsArthur and his late wife Laura on their wedding day
'Even in my old age I still want to live as independently as I possibly can.

'With age the gullet becomes narrower, that's just a feature of age.

'But mixed grills are quite tasty and easy to cook and eat.

'I also like making sausage and mash and fish and chips - but of course, my mixed grill is best.'

Arthur, who has two grandchildren, said his unique diet has kept him fit and healthy and that he has no health problems at all despite his age.


Comment: His diet may be considered 'unique' for the modern Western person, but, overall, meat and fat as the primary constituents of nutrition are the norm in man's history.


He puts down his health and remarkable appearance to a few basic rules.

He said: 'I eat what I like but not in excess. I have milk in my coffee and plenty of bread and butter.

'I have two small glasses of wine with my meals so I imagine I get plenty of iron from that.

'I feel no older than being in my late 70s. I don't feel like I'm 100. You're only as old as you feel.'

Arthur, who was married to his wife Laura for 66 years before she died in February 2018, served in the Royal Engineers in World War Two as a driver in Italy and North Africa.


Comment: Presumably his wife also lived to a very old age too. Which is interesting if she also shared the same lifestyle, but not the same genetics.


The dad-of-one later worked as a railway apprentice and woodwork instructor in Swindon.

Arthur admitted he can find the modern world a perplexing place.

He said: 'Laura and I had 66 years together and we were very, very happy.

'I get upset about the world today because sometimes I wonder where it's going.

'It all seems so complicated.

'But a lot of features of today's living I wish we had when I was young like mobile phones and the computer.'

Arthur spends his time at home playing his organ, which he does at least once a day. He lives in a Housing & Care 21 flat, and wants to continue living independently for as long as he can.

He said: 'I love my organ. I play all of the old classics but also a few hits from musicals.

'I want to be able to still enjoy social occasions and events.


Comment: Keeping mentally active is just as important as good diet and good relationships.


'I want to keep going to my grandchildren's and great grandchildren's birthday parties. I want to keep on living fully.

'I'm very lucky to have my family. They take me out shopping and come and see me.'

Arthur's daughter, Margaret Tyler, 72, added: 'All my friends say "your dad doesn't look like he's 100".

'He's very supportive, undemanding and appreciative. We always love to spend time with him. He's a remarkable man.'