Somerset West Centenarian Shares His Secrets for World Health Day
On 13 February, Mr Colin Truelove celebrated his centennial birthday, and when we visited him in his apartment a month later, he was preparing to cook a lasagna from scratch. “All my things are in the kitchen; as soon as you go, it’s going in the pot,” he said. Living independently is important to him. “If I want to do something, I do it.”
At the Helderberg Society for the Aged (HSFA), age is just a number. The organisation assesses residents based on their ability rather than their age, ensuring they are placed in the most suitable living environment to preserve their health and well-being – whether independent living, assisted living, or frail care. This means a 60-year-old may require frail care, while a 100-year-old like Mr Truelove, thrives in his independent living apartment at their La Rochelle property, where he has lived for 23 years.
Mr Colin Truelove standing outside his top-floor apartment at the HSFA.
We recently sat down with Mr Truelove to find out his recipe for a long and happy life. When asked if there was a secret to longevity, his dry British wit shone through. “No. It happens. It’s the luck of the draw.” And what gets him up in the morning? “Usually around 6 am – to go to the loo, of course.” Beyond humour, however, our conversation did indeed reveal some core values that have contributed to his long, fulfilling life. His independence, wit, and strong sense of community reflect a deeper truth – that true health is about more than just the physical; it’s about connection, purpose, and resilience.
Keep your Loved Ones Close
Beyond sheer luck, one thing became clear as we spoke to Mr. Truelove: relationships have played a defining role in his life. One of the strongest themes in Mr. Truelove’s reflections was love – especially for his late wife, whom he married in 1944. They shared 63 wonderful years together, filled with road trips, cooking, and evenings spent on their balcony, enjoying a glass of red wine while admiring the Helderberg Mountain.
Portraits of Mr and Mrs Truelove in their younger years.
His daughter, the reason he moved to Somerset West, is a source of joy and consistency in his life. “She calls me every Tuesday to get my grocery list, then brings the shopping up on Wednesday, and we have lunch together.” He also speaks proudly of his three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
His brothers played a significant role, with one teaching him to drive during their time in the Royal Air Force together and another partnering with him in a milk bar business after the war. And then, of course, there were his beloved corgis. Flipping through his old photos, he stopped and smiled, “Oh yes, those were our two corgis. They were old, like me. One was called Honey.”
Be Neighbourly
His sense of community extends beyond family – it’s woven into his daily interactions with his neighbours. His current neighbour, Anne Collins, checks in on him every morning to see that ‘he is still breathing oxygen’, as he puts it. Anne even popped her head in during our interview to see that the expected visitors had indeed turned up. His neighbour on the other side helps key in his electricity every month as he can sometimes struggle with the buttons.
Keep Yourself Busy
A lifelong maker and doer, Mr. Truelove has always kept his hands busy. “I’ve always been active. I was a modeller. There’s a picture there – it’s ‘The Shambles in York’. It’s made of wood, and I made it.” He showed us pictures of several boat and aeroplane models he had carved and assembled himself.
He did metal work in his free time, proudly telling us about his metal-turning lathe and sensitive drill press, and he was deeply involved in photography, eventually becoming a specialist in photographic and X-ray chemicals. Furthermore, he was a keen cyclist, being part of a cycling club when he still lived in England.
Daily Habits
When asked for a daily habit to ensure longevity, Mr Truelove shared his morning routine: “When I wake up every morning, without fail, the first thing I do is drink a full glass of water with a vitamin B complex tablet, half a Disprin, and one prescription tablet for blood pressure. And then I have a shave.”
To be taking only one prescription tablet at 100 years old, he must be doing something right. It could perhaps be the water and multivitamin combo, but there are also the daily treats that he mentioned to factor in. His favourite indulgences include three or four Mint Imperials per day and a glass of red wine with his lunch.
View of the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains from Mr Truelove’s balcony.
Healthy is Happy
The Helderberg Society for the Aged (HSFA) plays a vital role in ensuring that residents like Mr. Truelove can live their healthiest and happiest lives, offering various levels of care and accommodation. Since its founding in 1958, the HSFA has grown from a small Rotary initiative to caring for over 660 residents, built on four pillars: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Frail Care, and Clinical Services.
Today on World Health Day, we are celebrating not just physical health, but also the emotional and mental well-being that comes from love, connection, purpose, and a good dose of humour. Mr. Truelove’s life is proof of that.
As our conversation wound down, we asked if there was anything important he wanted to add. His answer was simple: “Not that I can recall. I’m quite happy.”