Oregon's Oldest Man Just Turned 108, and His Longevity Secret Is Refreshingly Simple

Beryl Dillman of Eugene, Oregon, just celebrated his 108th birthday, and if he really is the oldest person in the state, he’s earned every one of those candles. The party at Merrill Gardens assisted living featured 108 blue balloons and a white and gold cake, plus dozens of family members and friends. Among the guests was a great-granddaughter he was meeting for the very first time. He has 19 great-grandchildren total.

When asked about his secret, Dillman didn’t reach for anything exotic. He says it comes down to being careful about what you eat and drink, and he never bothered with alcohol. He still uses a walker but remains sharp and loves to sing. His daughter Ruth Sturges points to something even simpler: his attitude. She describes him as a lifelong problem solver with a cheerful disposition, someone who has always handled challenges instead of complaining about them.

Stories like this land because they’re relatable. No celebrity trainers, no expensive routines. Just decades of small, steady choices and a personality that made people want to stick around. So here’s a question for you: what’s one habit you’d credit for how you’re aging, and who in your family holds the longevity record? Tell us in the comments.