CENTENARIAN Mil Mears is quick to reveal his secret to longevity - keep away from wild women.

His answer was accompanied with much laughter and it appears that a sense of irony has also enabled Mr Mears to weather the many ups and downs that 100 years of living brings.

He lost his beloved wife, Lesley, to cancer in 1988 after more than 40 years of marriage.

The couple had three children: Margaret, who was killed in a car accident as a 19-year-old newlywed; Geoff, who succumbed to cancer, aged 50, in 1995; and Ray who lives near Bendigo. There are also four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family will celebrate Mr Mears' October 9 milestone birthday with a private party, while Donvale Retirement Village, where he has been resident for the past 20 years, will hold a luncheon in his honour.

Mr Mears has also accepted an invitation to attend a Seniors Week function at Parliament House where he will continue celebrations "with other ancients''.

"I'm half worn out already,'' Mr Mears said.

"I just want a good feed and I'm happy.''

Mr Mears has always looked after his health. He smoked his first and last cigarette as a 14 year-old school boy in India, and he doesn't like wine or beer.

Horace Milsom Frederick Mears was the third of five children born to missionary parents working in India.

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Donvale centenarian reveals secret to longevity