"Hooray, I've made it!": Australia’s oldest person turns 111
Dexter Kruger, Australia’s oldest person, has celebrated his 111th birthday.
“I didn’t think that I could make it but I woke up this morning, about a quarter to 12, and I waited until the clock struck 12 and I said, ‘Hooray, I’ve made it,’” he said from his nursing home in Roma, Queensland, on Wednesday.
The supercentenarian donned a celebratory sequined red hat with “111” in black numbers and a blue “Birthday Boy” ribbon while brought in his 111th birthday.
To make the moment even more meaningful, Mr Kruger took time to thank those who helped him for “this very special occasion”.
“I am completely overwhelmed,” he said.
“I tell you, it is lonely at the top, I would like to have some company.”
Mr Kruger also recited the hymn My Times Are In Thy Hand, Psalm 31:15 by William Freeman Lloyd.
The 111-year-old was born on January 13, 1910, and has lived through two world wars, the Great Depression, the Swinging Sixties, and the introduction of mobile phones and the internet.
He is a retired cattle farmer and became an author at the age of 86 after his wife died.
His go-to “ditty” when interviewed each year is: “Always eat when you are hungry, always drink when you are dry, always sleep when you are sleepy, don’t stop breathing or you’ll die.”
He revealed to the ABC “there’s no secret” to living a long and happy life.
“Keep breathing, have three meals a day, and the time goes on,” he said.
“I sing and whistle, and I have half a dozen prawns every day.”