At 100, Ivan Dvorzhak Still Drives and Gardens in Ukraine's Rivne Region

Ivan Dvorzhak: A Model of Longevity

According to Главком: Ivan Dvorzhak, a centenarian from Ukraine's Rivne region, continues to lead an active and full life. He is the oldest resident of the village of Rachyn and the Tarakaniv community. Despite his advanced age, he still drives a car, works in his garden, exercises daily, and uses a computer. His biography and habits highlight the active lifestyle he maintains.

Ivan's Life Journey

Ivan Dvorzhak was born in the village of Verba in the Dubno district, into a family of eight children. He had seven brothers and one sister. As a child, he walked two kilometers to school each day, solving math problems along the way to make good use of the time. He completed seven grades and later studied at the Lviv Agricultural Institute. After graduating, Ivan became the chief mechanic of an inter-collective farm construction enterprise, where he met his future wife, Lyuba. The couple lived together for 70 years, but Ivan's wife passed away three years ago.

Ivan Dvorzhak's secrets to longevity include:

• regular physical activity
• optimism
• a love for work
• avoiding bad habits

Every morning, he does exercises, performing a set of movements for his legs, arms, eyes, and ears-36 repetitions each. 'He likes to have a little homemade red wine. But he never drank excessively or smoked. For his age, he feels well. Though he wears a hearing aid because he doesn't hear as well,' says Natalia Andriyuk, the village head.

Ivan is also actively engaged in farming: he plants a vegetable garden, especially enjoys growing tomatoes, and takes care of chickens, ducks, and a pig. Recently, he built a canopy over a swing near his house with his own hands. 'Ivan Petrovych still drives his car, for example, to the store for bread or other groceries. And, believe it or not, he skillfully uses a computer,' adds Natalia Andriyuk.

Interestingly, on the same day in the United Kingdom-June 27-Margaret Hem also celebrated her 100th birthday. She lives independently and moves around her home. According to reports, she credits marmalade, strong tea, and cigarettes as her secrets to longevity. Thus, Ivan Dvorzhak and Margaret Hem represent two different approaches to reaching 100, each with unique characteristics and habits.

Ivan Dvorzhak's story serves as an inspiration to many, showing how an active lifestyle, optimism, and a love for work can contribute to a long life. His example underscores the importance of maintaining physical activity and mental health even in old age. In today's world, where longevity is an increasingly relevant topic, the stories of people like Ivan and Margaret remind us of the diverse paths to achieving it and the importance of a personalized approach to health. They also highlight how culture and habits can shape health outcomes in later years.

While Ivan Dvorzhak attributes his remarkable vitality to regular exercise and a positive outlook, other centenarians have shared unique secrets to their longevity. For instance, a 100-year-old British woman claims that her daily routine of enjoying marmalade and tea, along with her unusual habit of smoking, has contributed to her long life. To explore her intriguing perspective on aging and health, read more about her experiences here.