Centenarian Todor Jovanovski – I want to see Melbourne from a helicopter!

Todor Jovanovski says he feels relatively well, apart from a knee ailment. He exercises daily, drives, does home chores and plants tomatoes and cucumbers. He administers his own medication and pays his bills at the bank. It seems these are among the most basic responsibilities for most of us. However, not many can list them as a functional part of their lives at age 100. The well-known Macedonian retiree from Melbourne, marked his one hundredth year on the 20th of January, and is among a handful of Australians who can claim to have gained so much life experience.

Melbourne's newest centenarian, Todor Jovanovski Source: SBS

Macedonian centenarian Todor Jovanovski in his Melbourne home. Source: SBS

Todor Jovanovski relaxes at his Melbourne home

 Born in 1920 in the village of Sredno Egri, Todor Jovanovski says he’s had an interesting life, spending the first 49 years in his native Macedonia before migrating to Australia. Todor served in three different armies, outlived two wives and is a father of seven.

Centenarian Todor Jovanovski shows part of his daily exercise routine. Source: SBS

Todor says he maintains his routine daily and often repeats it at night

He values the health system in Australia and loves to be out and about, visiting friends and being a regular at the Macedonian pensioner group 'Zlatno Sonce'

100 year old Todor Jovanovski shows how regular exercise helps him to maintain his visible flexibility and good health. Source: SBS

100 year old Todor Jovanovski shows how regular exercise helps him maintain his flexibility and contributes to his healthy ageing approach to life

Mr. Jovanovski says discipline helps him stay active and, whilst his vocal chords can seize up slightly after a longer chat, his ability to maintain good pitch and deliver a heart felt folk song learnt decades ago, is very pleasing to the ear.

Centenarian Todor Jovanovski and 13 yr old great granddaughter Shaana, share the same birthday. Source: SBS

Todor's birthday wish is to fly over Melbourne in a helicopter together with his 13-year-old granddaughter Shaana, who was born on the same day