Belfast man reveals daily habit which is secret to long life after celebrating 100th birthday

A north Belfast man who celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday has said a daily bowl of porridge is the secret to his longevity.

Elwyn Wilson enjoyed a family party last weekend, as well as some musical entertainment at Clifton House Residential Home, where lives with his wife Margaret.

Elwyn was “overwhelmed” by the amount of well wishes he received — in particular cards from King Charles III and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins — as well as a visit from the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. He also received the Centenarian Bounty — a national award of €2,540 given to people who turn 100 years old by the President of Ireland.

His granddaughter, Kathryn Wonnacott, was one of a number of family members at Clifton House on Tuesday to join the celebrations.

“I told him to spend the money on something he enjoys, something frivolous — but he said he’s going to be sensible and put it in the bank,” she said.

“We enjoyed getting together as a family to celebrate his big birthday and one of his sons and grandchildren even travelled all the way over from Canada to wish him a happy birthday. It was too special an occasion not to visit.”

The great-grandfather lived on Woodvale Road for a time before moving to Ballysillan, where he lived for much of his married life. He was married twice — both to Scottish women — and he and his second wife Margaret now reside at Clifton House Care Home together.

“Before they moved into the home in January, they actually sold their cars and went on holiday to the Isle of Man, just the two of them aged 89 and 99!” said Kathryn, who insists that his key to a long and happy life is his favourite breakfast dish — porridge.

“It has to be the Scottish way with a dash of salt as well. But he has had it every day for his breakfast and insists it’s the key,” she added. “That and living a clean life — no smoking and not much drinking and he attended church regularly; he loved church and loved worshipping and was Clerk of Session at Woodvale Presbyterian for many years.

“Church was his big love and his family not too far behind.”

The staff at Clifton House Care Home now take turns to transport Elwyn and Margaret to church every Sunday.

Mandy McCall is senior care worker there, and described Elwyn as “a real gentleman” and “very well-mannered with a great personality”. “We haven’t had many residents celebrate their 100th birthday here, so today was a really special occasion,” she said.