World War II veteran Irvine Locker hit another three-digit number just last November, celebrating his 101st birthday. Yet, he still doesn't use glasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, or crutches.

Right before his birthday, Locker wrote the song "If freedom was free" alongside non-profit CreatiVets and Big Machine Label Group. The veteran, who is now eyeing his 102nd birthday, attributes his time with the army to helping him "all the way up and down the line."

Behind the ex-army member's astonishing health and physical fitness to this day is a life lived with intention, purpose, and 4 simple, reliable habits that helped him navigate his old age.

#1: Regulated Diet

Having served in the US military, Locker learned discipline early on. That restraint was carried onto his plates, too.

Speaking with Scott Alexander, his late son's best friend, for his TODAY.com interview, Locker revealed that he controls his portions instead of following an extravagant dieting regimen.

“I eat pretty much everything,” he says. “I watch pretty much what I eat.”

#2: Staying Physically Active

Locker is a firm believer in keeping his body active, no matter the age. The veteran, who trains thrice a week with a treadmill and weights, shared, "If you sit around or you lie down constantly and you don't work in your exercise, you lose it."

He also enjoys dancing with his wife of 77 years, Bernice.

#3: A Healthy Social Life

What's a long life if it doesn't have colors? And Locker understands that's the secret to longevity. Besides his weekly dancing, the veteran also enjoys a busy and cherished social life.

“You have to dance and socialize with people. And it makes for a wonderful way of life," the centenarian explained.

As per Alexander, Locker's phone is always ringing, with invitations to lunches and dinners, and other social gatherings.

#4: Loving Relationship

The ex-army veteran and his wife, Bernice, have been together for over 77 years now. In fact, Locker believes that this loving relationship with his wife has helped him stay healthy.

"It's a wonderful way of life if you're together and you're joking and you're laughing, and you spend time together," he exclaimed.

Moreover, the couple claimed that expressing their love for each other every day has helped keep both their relationship and health strong.

At the end of the day, longevity is all about daily intentional choices. And Locker is living proof of that. What's your takeaway from the WWII veteran?

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for more.

Written by

Proma Chatterjee

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil