Man Lives Up to 107 and Swears by Whiskey

A special birthday was celebrated in Northern Ireland. Norman Irwin, a World War II veteran and believed to be the oldest man in the country, turned 107 last week. His secret? You guessed it…

Family, friends and military representatives gathered at his care home near Coleraine to honor him. And according to Irwin, the secret to his long life is surprisingly simple: whiskey.

During the Second World War, Irwin took part in an impressive series of missions. He served in eight countries and played a key role in protecting the Suez Canal from German attacks.

What stayed with him most was the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers. He still carries that bond with him today.

Though he considered his birthday “a lot of fuss over nothing,” Irwin emphasized how much the world has changed since he was born in 1918. In his view, change is happening faster than ever, and it remains difficult to predict where the world is headed.

During the celebration, Irwin also shared his advice for younger generations. His message for life was simple:

Earlier this year, Irwin was awarded the British Empire Medal for years of volunteer work in his hometown. Among other things, he was active in a retirees’ club where people from different backgrounds come together.

Perhaps the standout moment of his birthday was the gift he received from The Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers: a bottle of whiskey engraved with his military service number.

Irwin says whiskey is his secret weapon for a long and vibrant life.

His grandson Chris Irwin said he’s incredibly proud. He describes his grandfather as lively, witty, and remarkably fit for his age. Just recently, Norman swiftly picked up his dropped wallet himself, to the amazement of the family.

According to Chris, the family is already looking forward to the next milestone: the 108th birthday of a man who’s still making the most of life.

The question is: Which Irish dram might the gentleman have been drinking?