The draw proves lucky for centenarian
THE secret to longevity does not exist, rather, it is the ‘‘the luck of the draw’’, says 100yearold Southland man Tom Johnstone.
The Winton man, who celebrates his 100th birthday today, said he did not have any tips for a long and healthy life.
‘‘I did nothing extra, I just lived a normal life,’’ he said.
Born in Drummond on November 16, 1918, Mr Johnstone’s parents were told he would not live long, due to childhood illnesses — an irony not lost on him now.
Mr Johnstone recalled his early life on the family farm, with a onehorse buggy, before electricity was introduced to the area.
‘‘There was a big difference from the kerosene lamp and the candles, just to put the switch down or up,’’ he said, laughing.
He recalled his childhood as a happier time in the world, when the local grocery store was a meeting place for the community and friends visited each other every night.
‘‘In the summer time, the long evenings, they had evening sports and then they’d have a dance after that and the hall would be just crowded, everyone was there.
‘‘Now they don’t seem to have time for anything like that, everyone seems too busy.
‘‘I think we were happier then,’’ he said.
In 1942, Mr Johnstone spent his 24th birthday aboard the Aquatania on his way to join World War 2.
After a stint in North Africa transporting German prisoners, and then a tour of Italy as an artilleryman, he returned to Invercargill on October 1, 1945.
Seventythree years later, Mr Johnstone would be Winton’s longestliving returned serviceman.
Mr Johnstone, who still lives in his own home, said he liked to keep busy, and had regular outings with friends.
His nephew, Ray Johnstone, believed Mr Johnstone’s social life was the secret to his long life.
His uncle’s wit and sense of humour had never left him, and he loved to ‘‘have a good yarn’’.
Mr Johnstone’s 100th birthday will be celebrated with family and members of the Invercargill Blind Foundation tomorrow, although what was in store remained a surprise, he said.