At the impressive age of 110, Vincent Dransfield maintains an active lifestyle, driving his car daily to run errands like grabbing coffee and buying lunch from the convenience store. Residing independently in his own home in Little Falls, New Jersey, since 1945, he manages his daily routine without any assistance. Although his grandchildren visit him weekly to deliver groceries and check in on him every other day, Dransfield remains self-sufficient.

Despite facing minor health issues like achy knees, Dransfield effortlessly navigates between the main floor, his upstairs bedroom, and the basement for laundry. When asked about his remarkable age, he humorously quips about donning boxing gloves and engaging in a bout. Dransfield proudly asserts his capability to handle everything and jokes about his proficient driving skills.

His granddaughter, Erica Lista, confirms Dransfield's adeptness behind the wheel, praising his driving abilities as superior to many others she observes.

She and her brother regularly monitor Dransfield's driving to ensure his safety on the road. Despite his advanced age, Dransfield continues to astonish family, friends, and medical professionals with his remarkable health and longevity. In fact, his granddaughter reflects on having more health concerns at 49 years old than her grandfather does at 110.

During a recent medical procedure for a swallowing issue, Dransfield's medical team was astonished to learn that he had only undergone anesthesia once before in his entire life. Observing the anesthesiologist's shaky hands as he administered medication to a 110-year-old man left a lasting impression on his granddaughter, Lista.

Statistically, male centenarians like Dransfield are rare, constituting only 15% of all centenarians, according to research from the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University. Despite extensive research, the reasons behind this gender disparity in longevity remain unclear.

The club of supercentenarians, individuals who reach the remarkable age of 110 or older, is exceedingly exclusive, with men comprising only about 10% of this age group, as noted by the study.

Currently, the oldest man in the world, aged 111, resides in England, according to the Gerontology Research Group, an organization that maintains a verified list of supercentenarians. Vincent Dransfield holds the distinction of being the 8th oldest man on this prestigious list.

Born on March 28, 1914, Dransfield not only boasts extraordinary longevity but also enjoys robust health with a sharp mind and a strong body. Remarkably, he has never been afflicted by major illnesses such as cancer or heart disease. Throughout his life, Dransfield has been blessed with exceptional health, experiencing neither headaches nor backaches, according to his granddaughter, Lista.

Reflecting on his long and healthy life, Dransfield attributes his remarkable fortune to luck. As he succinctly puts it, "I've been very, very, very lucky in my lifetime."

Vincent Dransfield has one child, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. His wife, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage, passed away in 1992.

Recently, a gathering of family members, friends, and firefighters convened at the firehouse where Dransfield once served as chief to commemorate his 110th birthday. The outpouring of excitement and celebration from the community was truly remarkable, leaving Dransfield's granddaughter, Lista, deeply touched by the widespread admiration and affection for her grandfather.

Reflecting on Dransfield's extraordinary life, here are some insights into the supercentenarian and his advice for longevity:

Spend time doing what you love

Vincent Dransfield dedicated over 80 years of his life to serving as a member of the local volunteer fire department, even holding the position of chief for a period of time. When asked about the source of his happiness and motivation in life, Dransfield's immediate response is the fire department, where he formed enduring friendships.

Even as he grew older, Dransfield remained a regular presence at the firehouse, participating in what his granddaughter, Lista, fondly refers to as the "3 to 5 club." This daily ritual, where Dransfield and fellow members would gather at the firehouse from 3 to 5 pm, provided him with a sense of camaraderie and belonging, particularly after the passing of his wife.

In his professional life, Dransfield worked for 60 years, primarily as an auto parts manager, before retiring in his late 70s. Despite his desire to continue working, it was his wife who gently urged him to retire, recognizing that it was time for him to enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Milk does a body good

Vincent Dransfield's journey into the workforce began at a young age when he left school after 8th grade to work at a dairy farm at the age of 15, where he delivered milk to support his family. For five years, he had the privilege of drinking as much milk as he desired, an experience he credits with providing him a healthy boost, particularly during the challenging times of the Great Depression in the 1930s.

Reflecting on his early years, Dransfield acknowledges the significant role that working on the farm and consuming dairy products played in shaping his health and well-being. He attributes his strong bones and overall vitality to the nutritious diet he enjoyed during his time on the farm.

Even in his later years, milk continues to play a significant role in Dransfield's life. He maintains a daily routine of drinking Ovaltine, a milk flavoring and nutritional supplement, after breakfast. Dransfield is a vocal advocate for Ovaltine's health benefits, and his enthusiasm for the beverage has become a celebrated tradition among his loved ones. On his 100th birthday, everyone joined in the festivities by enjoying Ovaltine at his birthday party, a testament to Dransfield's enduring appreciation for the beverage.

Stay active

Vincent Dransfield's approach to fitness was rooted in staying active rather than structured exercise routines. Despite never lifting weights or frequenting a gym, he maintained a lifestyle of movement throughout his life.

Joining the fire department at the age of 21 provided Dransfield with ample physical activity. Answering fire alarms and responding to emergencies in Little Falls served as his daily exercise regimen for over four decades. Even after stepping back from active duty, he continued to engage in physical activity whenever he felt inclined for the next 40 years.

Dransfield finds amusement in structured exercise, particularly jogging, which he views with a sense of humor. According to his granddaughter, he questions the purpose of jogging, jokingly pondering, "Where are they running to?" This lighthearted perspective reflects Dransfield's pragmatic approach to staying active and enjoying life to the fullest.

Enjoy what you eat

Vincent Dransfield has a diverse palate, enjoying Italian cuisine, hamburgers, salads, milk chocolate, and other sweets. His daily routine includes a cup of coffee and the occasional beer, although he prefers to abstain from other forms of alcohol.

Despite not adhering to a strict Blue Zones diet focused on longevity-promoting foods, Dransfield's dietary habits have not hindered his remarkable health and fitness. He has always consumed whatever he desires without concern for his weight, never needing to monitor or regulate his diet to maintain his fitness.

Even at 110 years old, Dransfield remains independent and still prepares meals for himself, often opting for simple options like heating soup on the stove or microwaving prepared meals. Additionally, he enjoys dining out occasionally, often patronizing a nearby restaurant for meals. His granddaughter, Lista, acknowledges that Dransfield's relaxed approach to food choices has not diminished his overall well-being or vitality.

It’s never too late to fix a bad habit

Vincent Dransfield picked up smoking at the age of 50, intrigued by a fellow firefighter's offer of a cigarette. However, after approximately 20 years of smoking, he made the decision to quit.

One day, Dransfield resolved to quit smoking altogether. Without any elaborate plans or assistance, he simply disposed of his cigarettes and never looked back. His granddaughter, Lista, fondly remembers this decisive moment when Dransfield declared his intention to quit and followed through with it, demonstrating his remarkable determination and willpower.

Stay positive

Vincent Dransfield embodies an optimistic outlook on life, coupled with a delightful sense of humor and a genuine interest in knowing everyone in his town by name, according to his granddaughter.

Dransfield firmly believes that fostering connections with others and cherishing those relationships contribute to his longevity. He maintains a positive and upbeat attitude, even in the face of challenges such as the loss of his beloved wife. Despite grieving her passing, he remained determined to continue living life to the fullest.

Reflecting on his approach to life, Dransfield emphasizes the importance of staying positive and resilient, refusing to dwell on negativity even when faced with adversity. He remains grateful for his well-being and expresses hope that it continues under the care of the higher power.

Dransfield's unwavering optimism, coupled with his zest for life and genuine care for others, undoubtedly contribute to his remarkable health and longevity at the age of 110.