Everything in moderation is one of the keys to longevity for Ivan Mendonca who celebrated his 104th birthday on June 23.
Mendonca was honoured by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services as part of the National Centenarian Programme.
In a statement the ministry said, Mendonca also attributed faith and belief in God as attributes to his longevity.
Mendonca was visited by Deputy Permanent Secretary Jasmine Pascal accompanied by Janinka Gomes, Inspector I of the Division of Ageing at his Pointe-a-Pierre home.
In attendance was also his daughter Camille Mendonca, who said that although the 104-year-old occasionally enjoyed his favourite drink of Harvey’s Bristol Cream, her father lives a health-conscious and active lifestyle and would abstain from fast foods, rice, and flour only consuming soy products including milk and cheese, vegetables and provision.
According to the ministry, Mendonca said, “I am proud of my health because I chose to live a healthy lifestyle; I am without any serious ailments.”
Officials also learned that the father of five, grandfather of six, and great-grandfather of two is an avid cricket fan having in his collection many books on his favourite sport.
It said Mendonca even listed some of his favourite cricketers.
“Clive Lloyd, Gordon Greenidge, Frank Worrell, Vivian Richards, and Brian Lara, he (Brian Lara) was a good one,” he said.
Mendonca also said his first job was as a store clerk in Steven’s and Johnsons and worked as a refinery operator for Texaco until his retirement further noting that growing up, he was well-liked.
“In my days I was a heartthrob. I stole a lot of hearts. Even snagged my wife’s heart at 22 when I was 55.”
The Social Development and Family Services Ministry said Mendonca also had some words of advice for the younger generation.
“Stay in school to get a good education, always be respectful to your elders and never squander and never put all your eggs in one basket.”
